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Yada YD-V1 Bluetooth headset misses the point

Check out our full review of the Yada YD-V1 Bluetooth headset with direct charger and the Yada YD-V1 with phone holder.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
Antuan Goodwin

Corinne Schulze/CNET

The Yada YD-V1 is a smartly designed little Bluetooth headset. Packaged as part of two hands-free calling bundles, one that has 12-volt and USB direct chargers and another that adds a mobile phone cradle to the mix, the YD-V1 is billed as a "car-centric" headset.

Its design and control scheme all but eliminate button presses beyond the initial pairing, so we can see how the YD-V1 could be easy to use in a vehicle in motion. Simply lift the headset from the cradle to take a call and replace it to end the call.

However, none of that matters if the device doesn't sound good when making those calls. Audio is plagued with static and hissing at its best. At worst, the weak Bluetooth signal makes for choppy sound when obstructions block the signal, even if that obstruction is you between headset and the phone in a pocket on the opposite side of the body.

As much as we like the understated looks, simple controls, and clever charging solution that the YD-V1 brings, we can't help but feel that it somehow misses the point. A Bluetooth headset is supposed to make good sounding, clear calls. Everything else is secondary.

Check out our full review of the Yada YD-V1 Bluetooth headset with direct charger and the Yada YD-V1 with phone holder.