Logitech Mobile Freedom Bluetooth Headset review

The current line of Logitech Bluetooth headsets is comprised of the Pro, Traveller, Freedom and the low end Express. Both the Traveller and Freedom are mid-level devices featuring Windstop wind-noise-reducing technology.

Package Content

• Logitech Mobile Freedom™ Headset
• AC power adapter
     

Technical Specifications

• Bluetooth v1.2 compliant. Headset profile and Hands-free compliant
• Weighs 0.90 oz (23 grams)
• Broadcasting range of 10 meters (30 feet)
• Talk time up to 7 hours
• Standby time up to 250 hours

Design

Freedom Front

Freedom Back

Freedom in palm

Almost the entire headset is dark gray color with several silver highlights. It weights about 0.90 oz and is about 3 inches long. The headset features a large round ear-piece which sits on top of your ear. To minimize the discomfort, the ear-piece is covered with a foam cap. Around the edges of the ear-piece is the round rotating silver ring which connects to the ear hook. The problem is that the hook is squashing your ear in half when you are wearing the headset and you look like as if you are severely lop-eared. Needless to say this is very very uncomfortable.
On the top of the headset is the round rocker switch used to adjust the volume up and down. The switch is quite raised from the rest of the headset so it is easy to locate and press. Next to is the power on/off button.

The boom is about 2 inches long with a patent-pending WindStop mouth peace located at the end of the boom. Logitech even sent us a micro-fan to use to simulate wind and be able to truly appreciate the WindStop technology. The idea behind the WindStop is some type of porous plastic which stops the wind from directly blowing the sensitive microphone. I'll discuss the results I got in the Performance section.
 The charging port is located just below the speaker. Right above it is the LED indication.
I'll not even talk about ergonomics or fashion when it comes to this headset – they are just not present.

Freedom side

Freedom Microphone

The Mobile Freedom supports Bluetooth 1.2 specification which means devices are discovered more reliably, their audio quality is be better, and they will have better reliability under interference conditions (compared to 1.1 Bluetooth version devices). The pairing with the HP 6315 and Nokia 7610 was a breeze. The volume was easily adjustable via the large via the large rocker switch. Using the multi-function button starting, muting and ending calls was also easy.

Performance

Having large ear-piece has definitely contributed for the very clear sound produced by the Mobile Freedom. I only wished it was a little bit louder. Both phones I tested the Freedom with were lacking Bluetooth 1.2 so I definitely was able to hear the "pop-corn" effect - sounds noticeable when Wi-Fi networks create interference with Bluetooth.

As pointed out before, Logitech Mobile Freedom features patent-pending technology which tries to suppress ambient noise in raucous environments. Our tests showed that it really works. When the headset was tested with a small fan blowing directly towards the microphone, the wing noise was definitely present, but it was not impeding the other party from hearing the person wearing the headset. All headsets that does not feature DSP (digital signal processing) or technique similar to the one employed by Logitech do not work well at all in noisy environments. When outdoors, the wind usually completely mutes your voice and all the other party hears is the airstream.

Model	Type of wind suppression	Range
Cardo Scala-500	Design	7.87in (20sm)
Logitech Mobile Freedom	Design	9.84in (25sm)
Jabra BT800	DSP	11.81in (30sm)
Jabra BT250	None	23.6in (60sm)

The table above shows at what distances the air-stream created by a fan does not suppress the voice of the person using that headset

In my range tests the Mobile Freedom performed exceptionally well. Within 30 feet (10 meters) range the connection was crystal clear. At 40 feet the connection was still very good with some minor disturbance.

Model	Range (feet)
Jabra BT2500	25
Logitech Mobile Freedom	45
Cardo Scala-500	50
Jabra BT800	150

The table above shows at what distance communication was possible when there was a clear line of site between the headset and the phone.

According to the specification the Mobile Freedom should have up to 7 hours of talk time. In my test the headset lasted for 6 hours and 15 minutes of continuously playing music which is excellent achievement. According to the specification again the stand-by time is up to 250 hours (10 days). With normal daily usage of about 30 minutes, the headset should keep working without being recharged for about 4-5 days.

Comfort

Wearing the Freedom

Side shot

Back

The Achilles' heel of this headset is in its ear-hook design. As pointed our, it is just squashing your ear almost in half. As soon as the headset is put on, discomfort is felt. The headset is not designed to be worn for long period of time. The most I would say is about 5-10 minutes of use. After that all I wanted is to take it down.

Conclusion

Even though this Logitech's headset offers excellent battery life, range and wind noise suppression, the horrible design ruins it all. I do not see the point of owning a headset with good features and performance, but completely uncomfortable to be worn. The only time I can see the Mobile Freedom in use is for very short conversations taking place in a windy outdoors. But why bother putting a headset on for a short time, when you can just pickup the call with your phone.