Logitech Bluetooth headphones, $30 shipped

When you hit the gym, the treadmill, the bike trail, or whatever, the last thing you want is a headphone cord flopping around and getting tangled in stuff. Alas, iPods and most other MP3 players lack Bluetooth, so cordless listening is out.

Or not: Logitech's FreePulse Wireless Headphones combine a universally compatible Bluetooth adapter with a lightweight, rugged set of headphones (or neckphones, if you want to get technical). ClubMac has the Logitech FreePulse for $29.87 shipped. Price just about everywhere else: $80 and up.

Happily, these are new 'phones, not refurbs, and you don't have to wait on a rebate. However, before you pull the trigger on cutting the cord, be sure to watch the above video and read CNET's review--especially the user reviews at the bottom. Apparently many buyers found the headphones uncomfortable to wear, though I have a set similar to these and find them A-OK (even with my glasses on).

My complaint is with the bulky, ugly Bluetooth adapter, which compromises an MP3 player's pocketability (to say nothing of its aesthetics).

On the other hand, once you've experienced cord-free headphones, it's hard to go back. If you routinely use an MP3 player while exercising (or know someone who does--it's gift-giving season, after all), I think you'll be pretty happy with these. And you gotta love the price tag.

Thanks to reader Mike for sharing this deal!

[guymatrin]

I agree. I thought it was looking pretty good untill I saw the adapter.

I think I'll stick with the Jabra BT8010 you suggested a couple of months ago that I bought. Though obviously Jabras' can't be used with any MP3 player, but it does perform as a pretty decent headset.

[tehrani625]

I have a pair. They are nice headphones. If you get a small extension cord for the adapter (they come with one but they gave me a broken one) it makes it much easier to pocket. I use them with my mac book and my gateway laptop they are great for just being able to lay in bed and listen to music without my iPod. Or to be able to get up and walk around, like to the kitchen or to get the door. By the time I get to the door the signal cuts out, so i don't have to mute them to talk to whoever is at the door.

[dredgerie]

can you use the headphones by themselves if your device already comes with bluetooth?

[rickbroida]

I was wondering about this myself, but given that the iPhone 3G doesn't support stereo Bluetooth (why, Apple, why?!), there's no point in finding out...

[ark_v2]

Yes, they do.

[jrb6961]

I wonder if you could use a different Bluetooth transmitter (like the one Sony has for the ipod) and use it with these headphones. Anyone know if that would work?

[Macajuel]

Damn, I already got a pair of these. I think I may have paid $40 or so on eBay at the time. The comfort issue is a definite concern for some people but I've found that I'm able to wear them for several hours with no discomfort. The adapter really is too big but it wasn't a deal-breaker for me. If the adapter does bother you though, the set comes with an audio extension cable that lets the adapter hang away from your mp3 player, it also makes it compatible with just about any standard 3.5" headphone jack.

Some points to note, battery life is a paltry 6 hours so you'll be charging it everyday (the charger is double-headed so you charge the adapter and the headset simultaneously). My main issue (especially with the adapter being as big as it is), is the fact that there are no media controls anywhere on the headset other than volume and bass boost. I would've liked to be able to pause, fast-forward and rewind the actual tracks right from the headset without having to mess with the player.......pity.

[raiderspe]

looks like they up-ed the price to 35, or am I missing something

[rickbroida]

You're not missing anything. That happens quite frequently: a deal that's live in the morning disappears by afternoon. I'd like to think it's the result of all the Cheapskaters flooding the site with orders, but who knows?

[ark_v2]

I got these for $90 :(
They are pretty good; the sound is pretty good and I haven't had eny sync problems. Some people don't seem to know that they work as A2DP headphones. I sync them to my cellphone most of the time.

[vocalbass]

The deal is gone now...
it says:
"We're sorry but this product (#7123770) is currently unavailable.
You may call ClubMac's toll free number to place your order. [phone]
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Thank you for shopping at ClubMac. "

[raiderspe]

I called that number this morning to see if i could still get them and he said yes. They will ship out in two weeks and the price is still 29.99.

[simon222333]

That sucks if you own an Iphone. My new BB Storm has AD2P music streaming for my headphones, car stereo & home stereo. Heck even my 4 yr. old LG Chocalate supports AD2P. The supposely new & improved 3G Iphone does not! Almost 2009 and Iphone listeners are still walking around with wires hanging from their ears like idiots!

[BigAl35540]

When synced to a phone like my LG enV2 it looks to me like you can't answer an incoming call with it, no microphone inboard. I never have liked behind the ear headphones even though I wear hats. They get knocked off my ears to easily. The adapter could plug into my Gateway laptop okay and I have the adapters to hook into my main stereo system switchbox, but can I cover the whole apartment with it? My current Bluetooth headset does until I turn the microwave on and then you get a distance away and the break up is pretty bad! Can I multi pair it with the adapter and the LG enV2 phone, (using one at a time of course!)? I think I would want one that I could answer a call and also had a mike onboard. that makes more sense to me!