A Bluetooth headset, like the Aminy UFO, offers hands-free calling, so you can go about your day without having to constantly hold your phone in your hand to avoid missing a call. I tested the Aminy UFO Bluetooth headset for a week to see how its design, comfort, sound quality, and features compare to other options on the market.
Design: Sleek and high tech
The Aminy UFO Bluetooth headset is one of the cooler looking headsets you can buy in its price range. The glossy-black headset consists of two main parts: the main engine and the battery. The main engine is tiny, and it’s similar in size and shape to a guitar pick, except much thicker. The main engine connects to the battery via a USB port, and the battery also serves as a part of the ear hook to keep the unit secured onto your ear. Additionally, the battery contains a flexible plastic portion in the center, so you can gently bend the device to place it around your ear. When the main engine and battery are assembled, the entire unit measures about two and a half inches from side to side and two inches from top to bottom. The speaker protrudes out of the back of the main engine on an angle, and you cover it with an ear cushion that slides into the ear canal. The unit’s electronic components—the battery portion and main engine—have a splash-proof nano-coating, which provides the headset with a water-resistance rating of IPX6. There are only two control buttons, and they’re located on the main engine. When you’re wearing the headset, the controls end up right in the center of your ear. However, the buttons surround a raised sphere on the unit that helps prevent accidental button presses.
Comfort: Feels good, stays in the ear
The Aminy UFO stays on the ear extremely well. It doesn’t fall off even during exercise or heavy activity. The package includes three different ear cushion sizes, so you can get the best fit. You also get a left and a right-ear battery. This allows you to place the headset on whichever ear feels more comfortable. You can also charge one battery while you use the other, and alternate on which ear you place the Aminy UFO.
Sound Quality: It’s pretty bad
While the Aminy UFO has an attractive and comfortable design, the sound quality could use some serious improvement. The headset sounds very tinny; on louder volume levels, you can even hear a slight static sound during quiet moments on a call. When listening to music, the tinny sound is even worse. The high, low, and mid tones blend together, and the music sounds a bit distorted. As you turn the volume up to the loudest setting, the background static becomes more noticeable.
Features: Two batteries included
The Aminy UFO’s battery lasts for eight hours of talk time, but you do get two batteries. The package also includes a vinyl drawstring case, where you can store the headset and accessories. Other than the dual batteries and water resistance, the features are pretty basic. The headset has noise-cancelling, but it’s average at best. The two button controls respectively control the volume and call features. You can answer, end, or refuse a call with the call button, as well as activate Siri if you press it twice. The volume button can change to the next song on your playlist, in addition to turning the volume up or down.
Price: A budget headset
You can purchase the Aminy UFO for around $25, which is definitely on the cheaper end of the price spectrum. But the Aminy UFO is priced where it should be, as it has some of the flaws you sometimes see in budget headsets.
Aminy UFO vs. New Bee LC-B41
An even more affordable option, New Bee’s LC-B41 often sells for under $20. The LC-B41 comes with additional accessories—a case, additional ear cushions and hooks, a separate wired earbud, and earplugs. The New Bee doesn’t include a backup battery like the Aminy UFO, but it does have an exceptionally long battery life (up to 24 hours of talk time and two months of standby on a single charge). The Aminy UFO’s design is more attractive than the New Bee’s, which is a more basic looking headset that’s not water-resistant. But even still, the New Bee might serve as a better affordable headset option for those who prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation. While it offers some benefits (dual batteries, water resistance, and a cool design), its tinny sound might be a serious issue when you’re trying to listen to music or hold a conversation.
