LG HBM-520 Bluetooth headset
Manufacturer: LG Part number: SGBS0004101
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The LG HBM-520 is a decent basic Bluetooth headset that's affordable.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock Get free shipping on orders over $25! | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/23/2012 |
 | | In stock Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by e | as of 05/23/2012 |
CNET editors' review
LG HBM-520 Bluetooth headset price range: $6.88 - $21.94
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 01/16/2009
- Released on: 10/01/2008
The good: The LG HBM-520 is a simple Bluetooth headset with acceptable sound quality.
The bad: The LG HBM-520 isn't too comfortable in the ear.
The bottom line: The LG HBM-520 is a decent basic Bluetooth headset that's affordable.
LG has released yet another Bluetooth headset, and this time it is the LG HBM-520. It improves on its predecessors with an ergonomic ear clip, echo noise cancellation, and multiconnection, which lets you connect it with two devices at once. It's not the fanciest Bluetooth headset in the world, but it gets the job done and for only $70.
Measuring 2.1 inches tall by 0.6 inch wide by 0.4 inch deep, the HBM-520 is long and slender, with a blue grid pattern on the front. Also on the front is a small multifunction call button at the top; and volume keys and dedicated power switch are on the left spine. We like that there's a dedicated power switch, because it makes it easier to toggle the headset's power on and off. The charger jack is on the right. Though the keys are small, we still found them easy to access and press.
On the back of the headset is the earpiece and flexible ear loop. The earpiece is covered with LG's e-Clip Ergonomic earbud, which has a pointed tip so that it fits more securely in the ear. Though it does have a snug fit, we wished there were different-size-earbud options so the headset would be comfortable in all-size ears; we thought it was a little too big for us, for example. The flexible ear loop is not optional, as the headset will easily fall off without it. It can be adjusted to fit either ear.
Features on the HBM-520 are typical: answer, reject, and end calls, last number redial, voice-dialing support, call-waiting support, and auto-connect. It can also connect with up to two different devices at once, and you can transfer calls from the headset to the phone, and vice versa.
We paired the LG HBM-520 with the Apple iPhone 3G. The pairing process went smoothly, as the headset automatically goes into pairing mode the first time it's powered on. Call quality is surprisingly good for such a simple headset. Callers could hear us loud and clear and we could hear them just as well. It doesn't do so well in windy environments, however, and even though it has echo cancellation, background sound still came through. Voices sounded a little scratchy at times.
The LG HBM-520 has a rated battery life of 7 hours talk time and 8.3 days standby time.
User reviews
-
-
electronically excellent but physically really poor
by 22alfar on January 2, 2010
Pros: great sound quality, many extra features for such a reasonable price.
Cons: The over-the-ear piece is so flimsy that it is easily broken. The volume and on-off buttons are difficult to find by feel.
Summary: The ear wire broke on the third usage making it totally useless since none of the ear bud covers would hold the weight in the ear without it. Verizon, that ...
Summary: The ear wire broke on the third usage making it totally useless since none of the ear bud covers would hold the weight in the ear without it. Verizon, that sold it, said it was not guaranteed but maybe I could call LG and buy a replacement. I would not even waste postage on such an inadequate piece. Fortunately a wire from an old motorola fit nicely. so plan on buying two ear phones if you don't have an old one that fits. The design is the flaw and no amount of replacement with the original is going to be satisfactory.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great value for the buck.
by simlav67 on July 22, 2009
Pros: very simple to use. Sound quality is clear, people hear you well and vice-versa.
Cons: Confort could be better
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Very nice for the price.
by tech_addicted on May 3, 2009
Pros: Duel connectivity lets you connect to more than one device at a time. Pairing is vertually fool proof. Good sound. Very light and easy to use. It can be worn with the earbud only or with an over the ear piece that is included. Good range.
Cons: Unable to find a driver to allow it to be used with bluetooth enabled computers and thier telophony applications. This would be handy as I use Skype daily to make all of my long distance calls.
Summary: For $49.99 at Future Shop, this is a great device for very little money. The sound quality is as good as many much more expensive units, for both parties ...
Summary: For $49.99 at Future Shop, this is a great device for very little money. The sound quality is as good as many much more expensive units, for both parties of the call. It is very light and unobtrusive and very easy to use.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
The best I've used.
by jasonbeckett on April 13, 2009
Pros: Excellent call quality! Small (enough) design.
Cons: Not too comfy in the ear for long periods.
Summary: I am pleasantly surprised by this headset for several reasons, the first of which is CALL QUALITY. After all, this is a phone accessory, so it had better have a ...
Summary: I am pleasantly surprised by this headset for several reasons, the first of which is CALL QUALITY. After all, this is a phone accessory, so it had better have a great call quality, and this does not disappoint. In fact, most people who I have talked with on the phone do not believe that I am on a bluetooth at all for the quality of the call.
I have always liked LG but have found the STEREO bluetooth options to be lacking lately so I was not optimistic for this unit...and it has exceeded my expectations.
With all the "glowing" part of the review out of the way, I'll say, honestly, this is not the most comfy earpiece I have ever had. If I can get it to sit just right, it's tolerable, but the rest of the time, it's very annoying after extended periods of time. I find myself taking it out and putting it in only when I am on the call.
If you can handle the fit, this is THE BEST sounding and performing bluetooth I have ever had. I highly recommend it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
I ACTUALLY HAVE the new HBM 570 by LG
by Jude526 on November 10, 2009
Pros: Size
Sound
Voice quality
Dual mic, Noise reduction and echo cancellation
Name Alert !Cons: plug in for charging tight to remove hope it eases up a bit
Summary: This is a new LG headset. I can't find a review on it anywhere. I returned my Jawbone to the Verizon store yesterday and switched it for this LG ...
Summary: This is a new LG headset. I can't find a review on it anywhere. I returned my Jawbone to the Verizon store yesterday and switched it for this LG HBM 570 I got it in the purple since they were out of the pink. I liked the style and comfort of the Jawbone but kept disconnecting when inserting into my ear. I also didn't like being able to visually see a button like I can with the LG and the fact I can increase or decrease the volume so much easier with the LG Like the Jawbone it came charged up and so could pair it up and ready use for my drive home. I was impressed immediately. Half the price of the Jawbone and although it isn't perfect, I still didn't have that much noise background. it is a pretty brushed metal and doesn't have the plastic feel of the Jawbone. It is shaped differently and may not be as pretty but it still is small and compact and visually attractive to the eye.Not cheap looking. You know when it is paired up and connected You can see the light I don't like the ear wrap and removed it. It has different ear bud cover sizes and I have a small ear. I find it to be very comfortable.It has not disconnected on me. Another thing that is important to me is battery life. It is a lot longer than the Jawbone. I don't like the plug in port for charging but that is minor. I have had it one for 3 hours straight and my ear is not irritated. It fits nicely. I have always liked LG accessories and this bluetooth will be ok. I had no sound issues with the Jawbone and I hope I will be happy with the LG I know it won't disconnect on me like the Jawbone did.
well I should had used it longer before giving this bluetooth great raves. I am disappointed to report that it doesn't live up to the expectations. It is ok but not good. I found it to be uncomfortable after the first two hours of having it on. Some calls were clear and some weren't. It does keep up a charge but it also kept disconnecting from my BB I returned it for a Jawbone ear candy and no problems. So, if you have a BB don't get the LG If someone isn't on their phone a lot then this LG might work for you, but I use my phone a lot and need to be handsfree when at home and in my car.
I have made calls on it and am told I am clear. I
It has voice alert and I like that. Lets you know by name or phone number who is calling you. It also lets you know when call has connected and when you disconnect. Not just a beep but an actual voice lets you know. You also will know when the battery is low on it. Why pay more for a BT ? I did get the Jawbone on sale and also my corporate discount but still, half the price and still ok for me. It is a personal choice.
If you have issues with your currentn bluetooth, give this one a try. I like the benefits of voice alert. That is a plus especially when driving. Knowing who is calling is great.
Updated on Nov 16, 20091 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best BT I've owned.
by TSM007 on February 2, 2011
Pros: Good fit, best earbuds (3), very good sound at both ends, great noise reduction
Cons: Sound controls hard to adjust, slow to respond.
Summary: I've had a lot of BT units, from Motorola, Jabra, Sony, and Blue Ant. I like the 520 best because of the price, the clarity (even while driving a ...
Summary: I've had a lot of BT units, from Motorola, Jabra, Sony, and Blue Ant. I like the 520 best because of the price, the clarity (even while driving a diesel pickup w/ straight pipes), and especially the earbuds. My phones have been Sanyos, Motorolas, HTC, BB, and Casios, and I have gotten good reception with all of them. My Casio Boulder did start dropping a lot of calls, but it turned out that the problem was the phone needing a software update... after that, all was well. I think that you have to experiment a bit and find a phone/ BT combination that is compatible.
-
Terrible Product
by trebuchet5684 on September 29, 2010
Pros: I thought it looked really cool until I used it. Now I hate the sight of it.
Cons: Very poor microphone; over the ear piece is very flimsy; inside the ear piece is terribly uncomfortable and gives me a headache.
Summary: Unlike my Motorola h710, this unit picks up entirely too much ambient noise at the expense of what I'm saying. Callers cannot understand me; they only hear the road ...
Summary: Unlike my Motorola h710, this unit picks up entirely too much ambient noise at the expense of what I'm saying. Callers cannot understand me; they only hear the road noise and every 3rd word. Additionally, it is so uncomfortable that I cannot wear it for any long period of time like I did with my Motorola. The outer ear piece is flimsy and will break easily and the inner ear piece is so uncomfortable that it gives me a headache. It's a poorly designed piece of eye candy that should be avoided at all costs.
-
Not a good, reliable product
by pllwtlk on August 21, 2010
Pros: The sound is just ok
Cons: The ear piece on mine also broke during the second use. I too, even though I'm female and the size of ones ear shouldn't make a difference, have found this to be extremely lame.
Summary: I used it when I travel due to different state laws regarding cell phone usage. I felt this would be safer, but it's totally worthless. It's no good ...
Summary: I used it when I travel due to different state laws regarding cell phone usage. I felt this would be safer, but it's totally worthless. It's no good without the over-the-ear piece to hold it in place. I love LG electronics but this part of it really needs some R&D.
-
Nice but Flimsy
by emdvreader on August 2, 2010
Pros: good features - separate on button and volume, talking updates and voicemail
Cons: ear piece is a joke and cannot find a replacement
-
Do not waste your money.
by Meluncha on July 16, 2010
Pros: The product has good noise reduction and clarity.
Cons: I replaced the unit twice due to the poor quality of the ear clasp, which is made of a VERY fragile plastic. Verizon would not replace would not replace at no cost.
Summary: The bottom line on this product is that though the sound is good the problem with the ear clasp outweighs any pro's. Good sound quality doesn't matter if ...
Summary: The bottom line on this product is that though the sound is good the problem with the ear clasp outweighs any pro's. Good sound quality doesn't matter if one can not keep the unit to the ear.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: LG
- Part number: SGBS0004101
- Description: This dual mic headset HBM-520 provides the ultimate hands-free experience with echo cancellation and noise suppression. With the built in LG e-Clip movable ear bud for an ergonomic and comfortable fit, as well as up to 7 hours of talk time.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Weight 0.31 lbs
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Noise canceling circuit,
Echo cancellation Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor Over-the-ear
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
- Sound Output Mode Mono
Microphone
- Type Built-in
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type Bluetooth
Power
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 7 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse LG products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:LG
- Address:
1000 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
