Review: LG HBS-250 Bluetooth Stereo Headset
Want a wireless stereo solution for your Windows phone? Don't like that your Windows phone is missing the 3.5mm headphone jack and want an alternative to using adapters? LG might have the solution you're looking for in their HBS-250 Bluetooth Stereo Headset.
Uniquely designed, the LG headset provides you a wireless alternative not only to listen to your favorite tunes from your Windows phone but also a wireless headset to answer calls from. Follow the break for our short take on the LG HBS-250 Bluetooth Stereo Headset.
First Impressions
The design of the LG HBS-250 is about as simple as you can get. You have two ear pieces, connected by a single wire, that hooks over your ear. You can adjust the length of the wire, accordingly, to eliminate any slack. The headset is light weight and has a sleek look about it.
Headset Controls
The headset controls rests exclusively on the right earpiece. From here you can control the volume, play/pause, and forward/backwards. You also have a micro-USB charging port on this headset. These buttons are positioned around the outer edges of the earpiece. They are small and sometime hard to manipulate. A key-lock button rests in between the up/down volume keys and I pressed it more times than not when I was trying to adjust the volume.
The face of the earpiece has a switch beneath the surface of the face plate that serves as a multifunction button controlling power and call controls.
The controls are the weakest part of the HBS-250. There is no dedicated on/off switch and instead you rely on the call button to serve as a power button as well. The headset does make a series of tones and a blue LED on the face plate to confirm functions. However, if you blink you'll miss these confirmations. The playback control is the best of the various button on the HBS-250, smoothly scanning/playing/pausing your audio files.
Fit and Feel
The fit of the HBS-250 is definitely an acquired taste. Each earpiece has a spring hook that loops over your ear and the earpiece itself rests on top of your ear. Not the most secure of fits but marginally comfortable. For those who wear eyeglasses, the earpiece hooks are curved enough to avoid resting on top of your frames.
Sound Quality
Can't complain about the sound quality of the LG HBS-250 headset. The HBS-250 isn't the best sounding headsets I've used but it's not shabby either. Phone quality was good but the microphone gave my voice a muted tone. I would consider the HBS-250 a stereo headset first and a hands-free solution second.
Overall Impression
The LG HBS-250 Bluetooth Stereo Headset is a middle of the road wireless headset for your Windows phone. Compared to other similar headsets, the LG is more modestly priced ($69.95) but not the best deal around. Sound quality is good and will help compensate for the awkward controls. Battery life is good, lasting a reported 10 hours of play/talk time and 320 hours of standby time.
The headset was comfortable to wear but wasn't that secure of a fit. I wouldn't recommend them for any activity beyond walking or relaxing in the Lazyboy.
I think if LG could redesign the controls, maybe spread them out between the two earpieces or make them larger, the headset would improve noticeably. After using the headset, you do get used to the small controls but I just can't help but think they could be better.
If you're looking for a light weight, good stereo quality headsets for listening to tunes with, the LG HBS-250 is a decent choice. Personally, I'd be inclined to look at the Motorola S9 as an alternative to the LG HBS-250 if you need a more secure fit.
