A hands free device is one that allows an individual to talk without holding a cell phone directly to his ears. Over the years, hands free devices have evolved from nearly an afterthought to a must-have accessory. In some jurisdictions, the only way to legally talk on a cell phone while driving is through the use of a hands free device.

In most cases, a hands free device involves the use of a headset of some sort. There are two main types of headsets used for hands free devices, wired and unwired. Unwired headsets often use Bluetooth® technology to transmit signals between the phone and the headset.

Another option for a hands free device is totally contained within some phones themselves, with no special equipment needed. This is through the use of a speaker phone. In such cases, communication can be achieved without holding the phone, though it still needs to be relatively close to the speaker in order to have clear voice transmission.

Over the years, some jurisdictions have become increasingly aware of the distracting properties cell phone conversations may have on drivers. To combat that issue, many jurisdictions have passed, or are looking at passing, laws relating to the use of a hands free device while driving. These devices are also capable, in many cases, of automated voice dialing, further adding increasing safety. However, in some jurisdictions, any cell phone communication at all may be prohibited, whether or not it is facilitated by the use of a hands free device. This is especially true for younger drivers and those who drive buses.

Which type of hands free device a person may use depends on their cell phone's capabilities. While most will support some type of wired hands free device, some may not support a wireless device. Most phones that are Bluetooth® capable will advertise so on their packing and list of features. For many, this is an important selling point, especially in those jurisdictions which require a hands free device.

The price of a hands free device varies. As mentioned, the vast majority of cell phones come with a wired hands free device. For those who lose a wired device, the replacement cost may be approximately $10 to $30 US Dollars (USD). To get a wireless hands free device, the price ranges from $20 USD to more than $100 USD, depending on the brand and the features. Some feature noise-canceling technology that helps to filter our background sounds.