It’s tiring using a walkie-talkie since one has to hold them to talk or listen to others. Hence why connecting your hand-held radio to a compatible Bluetooth headset is proper. But is it something you need?
You don’t necessarily need it. But if the working condition requires your hands to do something else while communicating through the walkie-talkie, you sure do need it. You’ll need a walkie-talkie with Bluetooth function and a compatible Bluetooth headset to enable this.
Can You Use Regular Headphones On Walkie-talkie?
Yes, you can use any headphones to work with the walkie-talkie. However, it is recommended to use a compatible Bluetooth walkie-talkie headset with a dedicated Push-to-Talk (PTT) button for more accessible communication.
This type of headset is explicitly designed to work with the walkie-talkie. The headsets usually have a built-in or separated Push-to-Talk (PTT) button, making users receive or send messages quickly.
Another worthy feature is the volume control button which allows you to reduce or increase the volume as you desire.
However, getting a Bluetooth walkie-talkie headset is only one-half of the equation. There’s still the bit of owning a walkie-talkie that supports Bluetooth function. If you own a walkie-talkie without that function, you won’t be able to connect your wireless headset or earpiece.
For example, this Motorola Radio Bluetooth Adapter is a wireless headset solution that causes no interference. This adapter connects your Bluetooth headset to your Motorola radios without owning a Motorola headset.
Tip: When purchasing a headset for your radio, it’s best to take it along and have it tested with the headset. Why? Because some walkie-talkie’s headphone jack or Bluetooth versions may not be compatible with your walkie-talkie.
How To Connect Walkie-talkie To Bluetooth Headset
Now that you have your devices ready, here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can connect them:
- Read your device’s user guide. While you can jump right into pairing your headset and walkie-talkie, it always helps to read the user guide.
- Keep the Bluetooth headset and walkie-talkie within the same range and well-charged.
- Turn on your Bluetooth headset and walkie-talkie, and launch the pairing mode. To launch pairing mode, hold down a button for a few seconds on the headset and walkie-talkie, respectfully.
- Wait for a few seconds for them to connect automatically. If this doesn’t happen, double-check that no devices previously connected to the headset or radio are turned on. If it is, turn them off.
- Test run the connection to check if the audio is working fine once the devices have connected.
Note: As long as your devices do not exceed the specified distance range, your connection will go through.
Benefits of Using Bluetooth Headset for Walkie-Talkie
It’s a flex to use a Bluetooth headset, and here are a few reasons why it is:
It Keeps Your Hands-free
It’s tiring holding your walkie-talkie – pretty much the same way it gets tiring holding a phone by your ears while on a call.
But when using a compatible headset, you don’t have to hold up your walkie-talkie when talking or listening to someone else over the radio. Instead, it allows you (and your hands) to get busy with other things.
Say Yes To Less Background Noise
It helps to block background noise if you use a walkie-talkie in a noisy environment like a concert.
Thus, one of the best sets of people to invest in Bluetooth headsets is those who use walkie-talkies to communicate in noisy environments.
It’s Comfortable And Stylish
Not going to lie, but it’s more comfortable and stylish using a walkie-talkie headset than using an earpiece or nothing.
Like headsets, earpieces are a good option but if you have a thing against something pushing against your ears, go with headsets. Always and forever.
Can Smartphones Communicate With Walkie-talkies?
It’s not quite possible yet for smartphones to communicate with two-way radios because both devices can’t tune into the same frequency. But we never can tell what’s cooking in some lab, so no surprises if a technology that allows such connection shows up.
However, it’s possible to convert your smartphone into a walkie-talkie of some sort, but you’ll need to have third-party apps.
Using a walkie-talkie app on your smartphone gives the walkie-talkie vibe. There are no worries about running into interferences. But you still have network signals to worry about because they don’t transmit voice through walkie-talkie frequencies.
Both technologies are still miles apart when it comes to functionality. So if you’re in a situation that requires a walkie-talkie, don’t think you can get away by installing an app.
These apps have different features. Some allow users to send images and alerts, while others can allow users to transmit video messages. Here are a few apps to check out:
- Voxer
- Zello
- VoicePing
- ProPTT2 Video Push-to-Talk
- WalkieTooth
- HeyTell
With these apps, you can use Bluetooth headsets or speaker mic if you’ve enabled their walkie-talkie mode. With the walkie-talkie mode fully launched, you can listen to audio messages without using your phone.
Is It A Good Idea To Use Smartphone-cum-walkie-talkie?
While it sounds like a great idea to convert your phone into a walkie-talkie, it’s not the best idea. Why? Because it defeats the purpose of having a two-way radio system.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider using a Bluetooth headset with a walkie-talkie:
- They work in areas where a cell phone can’t work. So if you’re going on a cruise ship, skiing, hiking, or some other relatively remote place, it’s best to pick something that won’t fail.
- It involves communicating with many people on the same channel. Thus it’s easier to coordinate the activity of the group.
- You don’t need a phone number, and you don’t have to worry about the app crashing.
- No monthly subscription fees. If you want more advanced features and the ability to connect multiple people, you’ll need to pay more. So it isn’t as cheap as you think to convert your smartphone to a walkie-talkie.
It would help if you only used a smartphone walkie-talkie app for personal or casual use. Go ahead if it’s for fun or in an environment with good signals.
But remember that a smartphone isn’t better than a two-way radio in scenarios where two-way radios are essential.
What To Consider Before Purchasing Walkie-talkie Headset?
Before deciding on what brand or type of built-in Bluetooth walkie-talkie and headset you should buy, here are a few things to consider:
- Range: Always get something with an average or even more extended range, like the H10Plus Built-in Bluetooth Dual Band Two-way Radio. It has a Bluetooth connectivity range of up to 10 meters.
- Battery life: Go for devices with long battery life; anywhere between 7 to 10 hours is a good deal. Also, make sure you fully charge before use.
- Bluetooth Version: Choose a walkie-talkie headset with an updated Bluetooth version, like the 5.2 version, for better functionality.
Final Thoughts
While you don’t need to connect a Bluetooth headset to your walkie-talkie, it’s a desirable feature. Why? Because you get to enjoy the benefits of using a walkie-talkie and the headset.