Are you interested in hands free phone call use or for listening to audio content? Two earpieces or one?

I want hands free phone and audio content, but less music than talk, such as podcasts.

I have a Plantronics earpiece from a few years ago, but it only picks up phone calls (unless I am doing something wrong). It's awkward to have on for long periods. And it is next to impossible with glasses and a face mask. So I want ear buds of some kind.

An earpiece like the Plantronics you describe used for phone calls will also provide one-ear sound from any audio content being played from the phone. Maybe the volume wasn't turned up enough?

Cordless earbuds work on Bluetooth and work fine within a pretty wide range of distance from the phone - at least 15 feet, so having the phone in a purse shouldn't interfere with use.

Bluetooth is Bluetooth, you're not limited to having to use the same brand as your phone and you've noted that.

Here are some examples.

Best Wireless Earbuds and Bluetooth Headphones for Making Calls - CNET

I bought very cheap Skullcandy earbuds and use them with a Pixel phone (Android). They suit me fine. I only use one bud when running so I can hear traffic and it does not dislodge. They also work at quite a distance. I can still hear the radio upstairs when my phone Is downstairs. Even outdoors they work at at least 30 feet.

I confirmed that the Plantronics version I have, the Voyager Legend from 2013, only works with phone calls. Perhaps later models are different.

As for the earbuds, the range of the buds from the phone isn't the issue. It's the fact that the phone is covered by fabric while in your pocket. It is discussed in the comments sections of reviews. And here: Bluetooth and pockets

And a Quora discussion on it: Quora

That's a new one on me. I've never heard of such a problem - my phone is never not in my pocket, whether I'm driving (with a Bluetooth connection to the car) or elsewhere, as when walking and talking on the phone with a low end but newish Jabra device).

The article you cited says "The primary reason behind this kind of cut-out is the poor-quality receiver of regular Bluetooth headphones.".

A Plantronics headset should be of much better than average quality. On the other hand, if it's nearly 10 years old, your problem could be that it's using an old and outdated version of Bluetooth and your phone's connection with a more modern version is struggling. Try getting a newer headset - Jabras can be found for $35- and I think your problems will go away. Or a newer kind with earbuds - much more money. Either way, a current product with an up to date Bluetooth version will better match with your phone, presuming it itself isn't a low end or 10 year old model.

When running I carry my phone in a pocket or an armband. It’s covered in fabric and joggling about but the earbuds still work fine. I run for an hour and a half usually and the only time they’ve ever cut out is when I’ve forgotten to charge the buds. As I said above they even work between floors in the house. ie through solid wood and masonry.

For a while i was using Beats wireless earbuds which fit my small ear canal very well. They were not the type popular now that fit just in the ear though, rather they had a small band that went behind the neck. Still very comfortable for the gym or while running/walking and I didnt have to worry about one popping out of my ear to the ground.

I am an Apple user but these seem to be highly rated for either type of devices. I would ensure comfort in-ear as well.

"I run for an hour and a half usually"

Good for you, very impressive.

I love my Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus. I've had them for over a year. I haven't tried the newer versions.

Raycon is our go-to. I use them with my iphone and ipad because I don't like the apple earbuds. They are comfortable and hold a good charge. They sponsor many youtube creators we watch, so we can usually find someone with a small discount code.