Depending on your particular needs and activity level while using your two-way radio, you might find a walkie talkie headset especially handy and functional. A headset allows for hands-free communication in a “non-traditional” walkie talkie manner. Typically, a walkie talkie only has the functionality of one-way transmission where only one person can talk at a time while the other listens. Once the speaker is finished transmitting (and releases the push-to-talk button) only then can the other person begin speaking. With the updated technology of a walkie talkie headset, both parties may communicate and be heard at the same time, just like a phone conversation. Although the headset can be used in the standard PTT (push to talk) method in conjunction with the VOX (voice activated transmitter), the most popular and widely used feature is the hands-free feature since walkie talkie radios are typically used during activities such as biking, hiking, hunting, car caravaning, etcetera – where having the hands-free feature is ultra convenient.
Additionally, walkie talkie headset models have a noise reduction feature which, depending on where you are, can mean the difference between totally clear communication and a conversation you can barely hear or understand. The hands-free and noise reduction features are usually the two biggest attractions to the walkie talkie headset.
Walkie talkie headset models are very affordable, and typically compatible with any type of walkie talkie radio. Some will have more features and options than others, but they all serve the same main purpose, which is to free your hands and provide continuous communication without having to use a PTT button.
If you want to go a bit more hi-tech, there are even wireless walkie talkie headset models available. They are a bit more expensive than the standard plug-in headset, but the added freedom, functionality and convenience might be worth it to you depending on your reason for needing a walkie talkie radio in the first place. First introduced in 2008, not every two-way radio device was compatible with the wireless component except for Motorola and Kenwood models. Wireless walkie talkie headset models were the first devices to operate on Bluetooth technology – a now common word in today’s technology vocabulary. Since its launch in 2008, the wireless headset has become more mainstream and is compatible with all walkie talkie models. The price has also dropped since its original introduction and is much more affordable compared to its original few hundred dollar price tag.
Whether you are looking for the standard plug-in walkie talkie headset, or the wireless headset would be a better fit for you and your two-way radio needs, we hope this article has been helpful in providing you useful information and sources for finding your hands-free communication device of choice.