Single-ear (also known as mono or monophonic and monaural) Bluetooth headsets are wireless audio devices designed for hands-free communication, delivering audio through a single channel. Unlike stereo headsets with two earpieces, mono headsets have a single earpiece, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings while taking calls.
They are commonly used in various environments, such as offices, where professionals need to multitask while staying connected and keeping an eye on other people or the overall office environment! They are also essential when working from home, attending virtual meetings, or making phone calls in the office, as well as when driving or commuting, where hands-free communication is crucial.
When choosing the right single-ear Bluetooth headset, it’s important to consider your specific needs – whether you’re taking phone calls, driving, or working in a noisy environment, these important factors should be top priorities.
Choose a headset that is comfortable (especially for all-day use), has a reliable noise-cancelling microphone, long battery life, and, above all, has a durable, premium design to ensure clear voice transmission and an uninterrupted experience in any environment.
In this guide, I’ve reviewed different types of single-ear headsets and provided a comprehensive analysis of their ideal use cases, highlighting when and why each model is most suitable or not.
You’ll also find detailed instructions, specifications, and comparison insights to help you confidently choose the best mono headset to buy today.
So, let’s find the best! 🎧
6 Best Single-Ear Bluetooth Headsets with Mic
Poly Voyager 5200 UC Wireless USB Mono Earpiece
Single-Ear Headset
Brand
Poly (Plantronics + Polycom)
Special Feature
USB Dongle Bluetooth Headset, Digital MEMS Omni-directional 4-mic array, multi-mic noise canceling, SoundGuard® DIGITAL Hearing Protection, Amazon Alexa
Ear Fittings
In-Ear
Color
Black
Connectivity Technology
Wireless USB Dongle + Wireless Bluetooth
Wireless Communication Technology
Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, HFP, HSP, PBAP, SSP2, MSBC, G.722, CVSD, SBC)
I’ve tested many single-ear Bluetooth headsets, but the Poly Voyager 5200 UC stands out as the best monaural headset for phone calls in any environment, including busy offices, remote work setups, and even on-the-go use.
Its lightweight design, durable build, and over-the-ear hook provide a secure, comfortable fit, making it ideal for professionals who take frequent daily calls.
However, its battery life could have been better—I got about 6 hours of talk time on a single full charge. Fortunately, its charging case makes charging easy and supports fast charging, providing enough power for important calls even on a short charge.
Features of Poly Voyager 5200 UC Bluetooth Headset:
- Four adaptive noise-canceling mics with six layers of WindSmart technology for crystal-clear calls
- Automatically answers calls when worn
- Voice commands supported
- Lightweight over-the-ear design with a secure ear hook
- Connects to two devices simultaneously (phone & laptop)
- Ensures seamless Mobile, PC, and Mac connectivity
- Works with the Poly Lens app to keep software up to date and manage essential settings
Our Verdict:
The Poly Voyager 5200 UC is perfect for professionals, remote workers, and frequent callers who need a crystal-clear call quality headset with noise-cancellation microphones and uninterrupted connectivity across multiple devices. Overall, it’s ideal for office use, working from home, and making calls on the go, especially in noisy environments. Otherwise, instead of buying this headset just for regular phone calls, you can check out a cheaper option from Amazon’s best-selling list of single-ear Bluetooth headsets.
Buy Poly Voyager 5200 UC on Amazon
BlueParrott C400-XT Mono Covertible Bluetooth Headset
Single-Ear Headset with two wearing styles of headband
Brand:
BlueParrott (Mother Brand: Jabra)
Special Features:
Answer/end/reject call, LED for power/pairing indicator, voice assistant, VoiceControl, voice guidance, NFC, HD voice, volume up/down, Customizable Parrott Button™, IP-54 Environmental Protection
Ear Fittings:
On-Ear with over-the-head and behind-the-neck headband
Color:
Black
Connectivity Technology:
Wireless USB Dongle + Wireless Bluetooth
Wireless Communication Technology:
Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, HFP, HSP, PBAP, SSP2, MSBC, G.722, CVSD, SBC)
They also offer a variety of headsets tailored to different needs, such as the budget-friendly B250-XTS for occasional calls, the B350-XT for truck drivers and field workers, the B450-XT for drivers who need better durability and battery life, the B550-XT with voice control for hands-free use, the premium B650-XT for demanding environments like warehouses and construction sites, and the S450-XT is a stereo headset with active noise cancellation for office work, music, and entertainment.
The BlueParrott C400-XT stands out from other BlueParrott models with its convertible wearing style, allowing users to switch between an over-the-head and two behind-the-neck options (left and right) for maximum comfort— a feature not available in other BlueParrott headsets. This flexibility makes it ideal for all-day wear with an impressive 24 hours of talk time on a single charge, ensuring 2-3 days of uninterrupted communication at the workplace.
Features of BlueParrott C400-XT Mono Bluetooth Convertible Headset:
- Comfortable two wearing styles over-the-head and behind-the-neck (left or right) options
- Quick access buttons to push-to-talk, mute, or manage other built-in functions
- Blocks out background noise for clear calls in loud environments
- 24 hours long battery life for all-day use
- Rugged and water-resistant (IP-rated, IP54)
- Bluetooth 5.0 stable and strong wireless connection
- Supports Google Assistant & Siri
- Connects to two devices simultaneously for easy switching
Final Thought:
If you need a powerful, high-performance Bluetooth headset with a mic, exceptional noise cancellation, long battery life, and versatile wearing options, the BlueParrott C400-XT is a perfect choice, especially in louder environments and demanding jobs where you need to talk and hear opponents while being aware of your surroundings.
Buy BlueParrott C400-XT on Amazon
Jabra Engage 75 Wireless Mono Headset with Charging Base
Headset+Docking stand
Ear Fittings:
On-Ear
Brand:
Jabra
Color available:
Black
Special Feature:
NFC, Lightweight & comfortable headset, Pure background noise canceling, Answer/End/Reject call, Volume control, mute/unmute, Busylight, DECT Device & Security, Hearing protection, and advanced features
Connectivity Technology:
Deskphone, USB desk phone/cable, softphone, 2x mobile (Bluetooth), 2x micro USB, RJ-9 for the handset, RJ-9 for desk phone audio, RJ-45 for AUX cables
Wireless Communication Technology:
Bluetooth 5.0 (SCO, eSCO, Sniff mode, hands-free, and PBAB), DECT
Unlike the Poly Voyager 5200 UC and BlueParrott C400-XT, which are portable and ideal for any phone call while traveling, the Jabra Engage 75 Mono is a slightly larger and heavier but more comfortable on-ear single-sided Bluetooth headset designed specifically for office and call center environments.
It has an exceptionally long wireless range (up to 150 meters/490 feet), DECT security for encrypted calls, and a dedicated charging base for all-day use, meaning you don’t have to buy a separate headset stand! Plus, it can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring seamless workflow management.
Additionally, the Jabra Engage 75 series (Stereo, Mono, and Convertible) is fully compatible with Jabra Direct and Jabra Xpress, allowing IT teams to remotely manage settings, update firmware, monitor device performance, and gain valuable usage insights on devices and Jabra Cloud for seamless office and call center operations.
However, if that seems a bit high to you or you want a more affordable on-ear headset with similar features, I would recommend the Microsoft Teams Certified Poly Voyager 4310 UC Wireless Mono Headset with a dedicated charging stand, which is only $120 on Amazon. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a portable mono earpiece for phone calls, I would recommend the Jabra Talk series of headsets.
Features of Jabra Engage 75 Mono Bluetooth Headset:
- Up to 150 meters (490 feet) lag-free wireless connection distance
- Superior active noise-cancellation for noise-free calls
- Advanced noise-canceling microphone for crystal-clear calls
- Connects to up to 5 devices simultaneously (PC, desk phone, mobile phone, and more)
- 256-bit encryption for secure, interference-free communication
- Convenient stand for charging and call controls
- Built-in LED shows when you’re on a call to minimize interruptions
- Up to 13 hours of talk time on a single charge
- Adjustable headband and soft ear cushions for long-term wear
- Certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco, and other UC platforms
My Opinion:
The Jabra Engage 75 Mono is a perfect choice for office professionals, remote workers, call center agents, and enterprise users who need a wireless headset with crystal-clear call quality, long wireless range, multi-device connectivity, and secure encrypted communications with a noise-canceling microphone and DECT control. Otherwise, it’s not a good fit for mobile users, truck drivers, or warehouse workers who need a robust, outdoor-friendly headset like the Poly Voyager 5200 UC or BlueParrot C400-XT. Additionally, casual users and budget-conscious buyers may find its expensive price and mono audio design less appealing for everyday use compared to the TECKNET TK-HS005 dual mode (mono+stereo) wireless headset.
TECKNET TK-HS005 Mono+Stereo Wireless Headset
Dual-Mode Bluetooth Headset (Stereo+Mono)
Ear Fittings:
Over-Ear
Brand:
TECKNET
Special Feature:
USB Dongle Bluetooth Headset, Boom Arm Microphone,
50 Hours of Battery life
Color:
Black
Connectivity Technology:
Wireless USB Dongle + Wireless Bluetooth
Wireless Communication Technology:
Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, HFP, HSP, AVRCP)
I’ve been using the TECKNET TK-HS005 for about two months now, and thanks to its well-padded earcups and slightly heavier build, I’ve found its over-ear design quite comfortable for long periods of use. It offers good passive noise isolation, and surprisingly, its sound quality is not only optimized for voice calls but also delivers great audio in dual modes, making it a well-rounded headset for both work and entertainment.
Features of TECKNET TK-HS005 Hybrid Wireless USB Bluetooth Headset:
- Padded earcups provide extended comfort for long hours of use
- Blocks out ambient noise without active noise cancellation
- Premium noise-cancelling microphones reduce background noise for clear voice transmission
- Supports both wireless Bluetooth and USB dongle connections for versatile use across devices
- Connects to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching
- Offers up to 40 hours of talk time on a full charge
- Quickly mute the mic during calls with a physical button
Overall:
The TECKNET TK-HS005 is a budget-friendly dual-mode switching, easy-to-use, and convenient wireless Bluetooth and USB headset with a noise-canceling mic that is ideal for trucking, working from home, and other professional situations where you sometimes need a single ear for communication and sometimes a dual ear connection for listening to music or watching videos without breaking the bank.
Plantronics Savi 740 In-Ear Convertible DECT Headset
Single-Ear Headset
Brand:
Poly (Plantronics + Polycom)
Special Feature:
Lightest DECT wireless headset, Elegant magnetic headset docking station, 64-bit Digital encryption, noise-canceling microphone, SoundGuard® DIGITAL Hearing Protection, Voice Assistant
Ear Fittings:
In-Ear Convertible Headset with over-the-ear, behind-the-head, and over the head fittings
Color:
Black
Connectivity Technology:
Wireless Bluetooth + DECT + RJ9 Softphone cable + USB for PC (via base station)
Wireless Communication Technology:
Bluetooth 2.1 (HFP, HSP), DECT 6.0
The Plantronics Savi 740 is impressively light and comfortable, especially because it has multiple wearing styles—over the ear, over the head, and behind the neck—so it can be worn for extended periods.
While the over-the-head option provides maximum stability for long calls, the ear hooks and neckband feel less secure after prolonged wear. Overall, its 21 grams make it one of the lightest professional headsets, ensuring minimal fatigue even after hours of continuous use.
This headset is available in UC (Unified Communications) version, allowing seamless integration with various softphones and collaboration platforms. Best of all, its sound quality is excellent for calls, delivering clear, natural voice transmission with wideband audio for professional-grade clarity in conversations.
However, the Plantronics Savi 740 does not have a USB Bluetooth dongle. Instead, it connects to your PC via a USB cable that connects the headset’s base station directly to your computer. This setup allows for unified management of calls from your PC, desk phone, and mobile device through a built-in wireless Bluetooth connection.
If you’re looking for a headset with a USB Bluetooth dongle for more flexible connectivity options, you may want to consider other models, such as the Plantronics Savi 8245 UC, which offers these types of features.
Features of Plantronics Savi 740 In-Ear Convertible Wireless DECT Headset:
- Lightweight design comes with various wearing style options for customizable comfort
- Connects up to 3 devices, including desk phones, PC (softphones), and mobile devices, for seamless communication
- Wideband audio provides crystal-clear voice quality for professional calls
- Noise-cancelling microphones reduce background noise for distraction-free conversations
- An adaptive power system adjusts power usage to extend battery life and maximize talk time
- Integrated with a Hot-Swappable battery, which allows for continuous use without interruptions
- Wireless Range up to 350 ft (107 m) ensures freedom to move around while staying connected
- One-Touch controls for easy answer/end calls, adjust volume, and mute/unmute buttons
In Summary:
The Plantronics Savi 740 excels at crystal-clear voice communication with a noise-canceling mic and wideband audio technology. It is an ideal choice for professionals who handle more frequent calls than just phone calls or everyday use! Also, it’s perfect for multi-device connectivity, especially for those who want to use it with a desk phone, PC, and mobile simultaneously. While it doesn’t have ANC, it’s not great for listening to music, and its battery life is limited to about 6 hours, and its over-the-ear hook design may not be suitable for everyone for long-term use. Still, its lightweight build and clear call quality make it a solid choice for multitasking professionals.
FOCUSPOWER F10 Mini Invisible Single-Ear Bluetooth Earbud
Single-Ear Earbud
Brand:
FOCUSPOWER
Special Feature:
Smallest Earbud, clear sound
Ear Fittings:
In-Ear
Color:
Black
Connectivity Technology:
Wireless Bluetooth
Wireless Communication Technology:
Bluetooth 4.1 (A2DP, HFP, HSP, AVRCP)
The FOCUSPOWER F10 delivers clear audio for its size, making it decent for short voice calls and basic communication. However, it lacks deep bass and rich sound for professional video calls.
And, it’s built-in microphone works well in quiet environments but struggles in noisy settings due to the absence of ENC or CVC noise cancellation, and the mic is located inside the small earbud; positioned further away from the mouth compared to traditional headsets, which can result in lower volume pickup and occasionally muffled audio.
Features of FOCUSPOWER F10 Mini Single-Ear Bluetooth Earbud:
- Ultra-compact design and the smallest earbud on the market
- Includes multiple eartip sizes for a secure and comfortable fit
- Bluetooth 4.1+EDR ensures stable connectivity with a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet)
- Supports multi-device connectivity and provides simultaneous connections between PC and mobile devices
- Works with iOS, Android, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Up to 6 hours of battery life with 200 hours of standby time
Last Thought:
If you need a single-sided earpiece, I recommend this FOCUSPOWER F10 portable earbud, which provides great mobility and clear sound on both iPhone and Android devices. Otherwise, instead of buying single-ear (mono) earbuds, buying a double-sided (stereo) earphone might be better, as it gives you the flexibility to use it in one ear or both ears, depending on your needs. This is why wireless Bluetooth earbuds with built-in mics and active noise-cancellation for hands-free calls are more popular these days, while stereo headphones lack this flexibility but provide more comfort and better sound quality for both calling and music listening.
Comparing Mono Bluetooth Headsets
| 5200 UC | C400-XT | 75 Mono | TK-HS005 | Savi 740 | F10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Headset Type: | In-Ear | In-Ear Convertible | On-Ear | Over-Ear | In-Ear Convertible | In-Ear |
| Connection Type: | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth & DECT | Bluetooth, DECT & USB Cable | Bluetooth, DECT & USB Cable | Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Version: | 5.0 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 2.1 | 4.1 |
| Wireless Range: | Up to 98 feet (30 meters) | Up to 300 feet (90 meters) | Up to 490 feet (150 meters) | Up to 49 feet (15 meters) | Up to 350 feet (106 meters) | Up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
| Max Paired Devices: | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 2 | Up to 2 | Up to 3 | Up to 2 |
| Charging Port: | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | Charging Base | USB-C | Charging Base | USB Magnetic Charger |
| Battery Life: | 6 Hours | 24 Hours | 12 Hours | 50 Hours | 6 Hours | 6 Hours |
| Headset Weight: | 18 Grams | 55 Grams | 64 Grams | 180 Grams | 21 Grams | 3 Grams |
| Noise-Cancelling Microphone? | ||||||
| Estimated Price: | $146.90 | $91.54 | $334.00 | $89.99 | $209.99 | $22.69 |
| Our Ratings: | ||||||
| Where To Buy? | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon [Editor's Choice] | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Is a Single-Ear Headset Good For Phone Calls?
A single-ear headset is a practical choice for phone calls if you prefer keeping one ear free for situational awareness—making it ideal for office work, driving (where legal), or quick customer service tasks—but if you frequently take calls in noisy environments or want richer audio for multimedia, a dual-ear headset with active noise cancellation would be a better fit.
Is a Single-Ear Headset Safe For Hearing Health?
A single-ear (mono) headset is generally considered safe for hearing health when used at moderate volumes (under 60%), taking regular breaks, and for reasonable periods, but neither mono nor stereo headsets are inherently safer than either loudspeakers or speakerphones.
What matters most is controlling the listening volume and duration, as stereo headsets distribute sound between both ears, potentially reducing strain on a single ear, while mono headsets distribute sound to one ear only, and if used too loudly on one side for too long, can cause strain and potentially lead to hearing loss over time.
This is why it is recommended to keep the volume around 70 dB or lower for regular phone and work calls, is considered safe for hearing health, and to further protect against hearing loss. Try to use headsets with noise-canceling microphones or passive noise isolation to minimize the need for higher volume levels.
- World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative highlights that exposure to loud sounds can cause temporary hearing loss or tinnitus, and prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to permanent hearing damage. Also, they recommend keeping the volume down on personal audio devices and using well-fitted, noise-cancelling earphones or headphones to protect hearing.
- Know Your Workplace Noise Levels (OSHA): If you need to raise your voice to speak to someone 3 feet away, noise levels might be over 85 decibels. Several sound-measuring instruments are available to measure the noise levels in a workspace. These include sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and octave band analyzers.
- Ear Infection and Hearing Loss Amongst Headphone Users (NIH): The use of headphones has been thought to cause infection in the ear canal and contribute to hearing loss. In this study, the National Institutes of Health examined 136 Customer Service Representatives from Celcom (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. who use headphones throughout their working hours.
- Ear Health and Hearing Advice (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care): Use a noise-cancelling microphone to keep background noise to a minimum level.
- Headphone Safety Tips for Preserving Your Hearing (SF Audiology): Earbuds have become wildly popular in recent years, especially as smartphones have become ubiquitous. These small silicone or plastic devices are placed directly in the ears as opposed to headphones, which are worn over the ears. It’s a subtle but important difference: the closer the sound source is to your eardrum, the more likely you are to experience hearing damage.
Why don’t Mono Headsets come with Active Noise Cancelling?
While active noise cancellation (ANC) is a popular feature in stereo headphones, it is rarely found in mono headsets because these devices are specifically designed for users who need to be aware of their surroundings, such as drivers or office professionals.
Since ANC relies on audio isolation from both ears to be effective, its inclusion in a single-ear design provides minimal benefits, reduces battery efficiency, and increases cost without real-world benefits, making features like noise-cancelling microphones, long battery life, and lightweight comfort much more valuable and practical for mono headset users.
This is why, as of now, no true Active Noise Cancellation single-ear headsets are available in the global market—including the Jabra Evolve 75, which does not include ANC in its mono variant (ANC is only available in the stereo version of that model). Because it requires both ears to be covered to create a sound wave that effectively cancels ambient noise, mono design inherently limits this.
As an alternative way, some in-ear ANC earbuds—like the Apple AirPods Pro or Bose QuietComfort series—are not true mono headsets; they can be worn in one ear and provide a level of active noise cancellation. Although primarily designed for stereo use, their ANC functionality remains effective even when using a single earbud, making them a viable option for users looking to reduce noise while keeping one ear open.
However, ANC-enabled TWS earbuds are generally better suited for casual calls or remote work and may lack the microphone clarity, battery life, and long-term wearing comfort found in professional-grade mono headsets. For example, the BlueParrott C400-XT—an on-ear mono headset—doesn’t offer true active noise cancellation, but features a high-performance noise-cancelling microphone and advanced noise suppression technology that blocks up to 96% of background noise, making it ideal for busy office workers, field workers, truck drivers, and other noisy work environments.
Similarly, the Jabra Engage 75 Mono, which is an on-ear headset, offers exceptional voice clarity and DECT-based wireless performance, while the TECKNET TK-HS005, an over-ear hybrid USB/Bluetooth headset, offers comfort-focused dual-mode connectivity for long work calls, though neither offers the benefit of active noise cancellation.
In short, while true ANC mono headsets are rare, using an ANC earbud in one ear can be a practical compromise in quiet environments, though not a complete replacement for a professionally designed mono communications headset.
In-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. Over-Ear Headsets
Poly Voyager 5200 UC In-Ear vs. Jabra Engage 75 UC and Teams Optimized On-Ear vs. TECKNET TK-HS005 Over-Ear Headsets:
Manuals and Instructions
Once you receive your headset, it’s time to properly unpack the box and set it up correctly. To help with that, I’ve included all the essential manuals and setup guides for each headset below. These links provide pairing instructions, product specifications, user manuals, firmware updates, and troubleshooting assistance to help you get started or resolve common issues:
Conclusion:
I hope this guide has helped you find the best Bluetooth headset for your single-ear needs—whether it’s the Poly Voyager 5200 UC for clear phone conversations, the BlueParrott C400-XT for noisy, on-the-move environments, the Jabra Engage 75 Mono for professional desk work, the TECKNET TK-HS005 for hybrid flexibility, the Plantronics Savi 740 for seamless desk phone integration, or the compact FOCUSPOWER F10 for casual Android users—there’s a suitable option for every situation that ensures better call clarity, comfort, and productivity.
From here, you can confidently choose the model that best suits your needs. Also, I hope our comparison table made it easier for you to make a decision, or if you haven’t found one yet, check out the comparison chart above to clarify your decision. ⬆️
If you’ve made your choice, let us know in the comments which headset you think worked or will work best for you, or don’t hesitate to ask if you still need help deciding! Also, have you already used any single-ear headset?
Please let me know by commenting and gimme a star rating below!
Thanks for being with “Headset Guides” | Wish you all the best. 👍
- 1Best In-Ear Mono Wireless USB Bluetooth Headset
- 2Best Convertible Single-Ear Over-the-Head Bluetooth Headset
- 3Best On-Ear Single-Sided Mono Bluetooth Headset with Premium Noise-Cancelling Microphone
- 4Best Over-Ear Mono and Stereo Dual-Mode Bluetooth Headset with Mic
- 5Best Single-Ear Convertible Bluetooth DECT Headset
- 6Best Single-Ear Mono Bluetooth Earbud Headset
BlueParrott C400-XT is really a solid headset for me, thank you for writing such a nice post.
I bought a BlueParrott B-650XT which was not only the worst audio product I have bought but quite possibly the worst product of any kind I have ever bought. Completely unfit for purpose and straight-up defective out of the box. Returning it Saturday as soon as the doors open. Learned my lesson. Will instead go with a headset from a company that is long-established in this filed.
The Jabra Engage 75 Mono is a great comfortable headset I’ve used. Thanks