Motorola H500 Bluetooth Earset

H500 Bluetooth

Strengths: Simple to set up, simple to use. Even without a user's manual it was very easy.

Weakness: Some noise and "tunnel" effect when using, but not enough to be an issue.

Bought this for use primarily in the car. So far it's been fantastic. Works great with my MotoRokr Z6m. Setting it up and figuring out the features was very simple.

By jrmiracle - Nov 20, 2007

Very Nice Headset

Strengths: size, weight, fit, sound quality, usb charging

Weakness: range

I tried to make this headset have some of the problems I've read in other reviews and I just can't make them happen. At full volume, neither I nor the other side could detect any echo. My medium sized ears find the fit solid yet comfortable. No flopping around. The instructions tell you how to put it on. I think some people need to read instructions better. The range is a draw back if you want to...
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I tried to make this headset have some of the problems I've read in other reviews and I just can't make them happen.

At full volume, neither I nor the other side could detect any echo.
My medium sized ears find the fit solid yet comfortable. No flopping around. The instructions tell you how to put it on. I think some people need to read instructions better.

The range is a draw back if you want to get away from the phone more than 4' or so. I plan on using the headset while the phone is on my person or very close to me so its not an issue for me. That being said, I have tested and had a very clear static free conversation at over 20' from the phone. I have also lost a connection at 5' with a piece of furniture between the phone and headset.

I especially like that I can use the same mini USB cable that I use with my camera and digital recorder to charge the headset. The headset comes with an ac adapter but if I'm on the computer anyway, its just more convenient to use the USB cable.

By dewny - Jan 14, 2007

I tried HS820, but charger is a...

Strengths: The charger is better than HS820.

Weakness: Still big for my ear.

I tried HS820, but charger is a mess.
I bought this H500, it works, but too big
for me. I gave it to my wife.
I bought H700. It's smaller.

By Rylnmd - Aug 14, 2006

Poor design but works as intended

Strengths: Good sound quality, long battery life, mini USB charging port

Weakness: Not a snug fit, volume too low

This is the successor to the HS820, which was a relatively well-received headset in its own right. Besides styling changes, the major updates on this version are the increased battery life and mini-USB charging port. Battery life was well over 10 hours talking, which is just amazing. The new charging port is the same one used in the RAZR and some of the newer Blackberry phones. It is also a type...
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This is the successor to the HS820, which was a relatively well-received headset in its own right. Besides styling changes, the major updates on this version are the increased battery life and mini-USB charging port. Battery life was well over 10 hours talking, which is just amazing. The new charging port is the same one used in the RAZR and some of the newer Blackberry phones. It is also a type used by many other copmuter accessories such as various digital cameras and card readers, so you may be able to use the same charging cable but check the voltage specs first before you go fry your new headset.

As for the basics, pairing is easy but I guess that goes without saying with headsets these days. The unit has two volume buttons and an answer button which are all easily accessible. Voice quality (both incoming and outgoing) is pretty good.

Unfortunately, while it was supposedly an update to the HS820, this H500 suffers from the same problem as most other Motorola headsets: poor incoming volume due to a speaker that just sits loosely over your ear. Not having any part of the headset even approach your ear canal also makes for a very loose fit, with rapid head motions (think checking your blind spot while driving) creating a "just dangling" feeling.

Overall I don't really like the headset due to the volume and fit issues. I hate to editorialize in a product review but I think that Motorola has a competitive advantage based on their name alone, and this advantage makes it both easy and lucrative for them to sit back and crank out headset after headset with the same poor design. "Hey just bought a new RAZR? This Moto headset would match it just perfectly!"

Personally, I would recommend a headset that enters the ear canal just slightly without wedging itself in there, such as the Tekkeon ET2000 or the Plantronics Explorer 320. My favorite is the Cellpoint Flamingo which doesn't even enter the ear canal yet has excellent volume and clarity. It also has the most secure fit of any headset I've tried with surprising comfort to boot.

By Fiscal Gear - Apr 25, 2006

Motorola H500

Strengths: OEM price, weight, ease of use, sound quality, and not having to hold a phone.

Weakness: Could use some kind of pocket case.

I have been pleased with my purchase. I have had no problems, just a couple of operator errors, which were my fault. I have no issues with the volume being too low, nor static. This headset does everything it is advertised to do from what I can find. My wife has had this one for a year, and has had no issues. I looked at other models, but chose this one after thinking about how much she uses it.

By gsimms_2000 - Jan 31, 2007