Headsets, also known as headphones, are hearing devices that are actually miniature speaker systems. They are stereo hearing systems that can be worn near the ear, thus providing mobility to the user. Traditional headsets were bulky and large with two speakers for both the ears encased in padded ovular ear cups. These ear cups were attached to a headband in the shape of an arch that went over the head. Each of these ear cups had a signal wire joined down together as a single wire, which was connected to the audio player or radio through a headphone jack.

Today's headsets, especially radio headsets, are technological wonders-extremely lightweight with no irritating cords, almost negligible in appearance, sound quality, durability and comfort. They are equipped with superior technologies like push-to-talk and duplex wireless transceivers. These can transmit scrambled digital signals in a spread spectrum format for ensuring complete security and privacy to the user. Radio headsets also have the noise cancellation option for better acoustics.

Radio wireless headsets have wider ranges of up to 300 feet or 90 meters. They use frequencies of 2.4GHz and can be receive transmission even through walls. Sound quality, speaker power, bass and treble range are some features to look for in a radio headset. Other options are the accessibility of the controls like volume and frequency. The battery is also important as the total cost of ownership depends on the batteries. Some radio headphones use rechargeable batteries. The style and comfort are other factors to be considered while buying a radio headset.

There are several manufacturers of radio headsets like David Clark, BHI, Kenwood, Warren Gregoire and others. The Internet is the best source to find out more about buying a radio headset. There are many websites that provide information about the products, along with other offers, discounts and warranties. A good radio headset is around $30, though it varies according to model.