How to Use Hands Free When You Are Not Subscribed to Onstar

1. Purchase hands-free ear buds. They look like ear buds that you use for listening to music, except they have one ear bud instead of two. The microphone sits near the top of the cord to pick up your voice and a limited number of controls are on the cord as well --- such as answer call, end call, volume up and volume down. They are the cheapest option and must be connected to your cell phone to work.
2. Purchase a Bluetooth headset. It is a small device that hooks over one ear and consists of a microphone and speaker. It uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with your cell phone, which means no cords are necessary. Of course, you have to have your phone on you, as the device needs to be within a certain radius from it. The device also consists of basic controls, such as answer call, end call, volume up and volume down. Additional options, such as call waiting, are included in the more expensive models.
3. Purchase a speakerphone --- a wireless option that does not require an ear piece. They pick up your voice over a microphone and allow you to listen to the person on the phone through speakers. The come in a wide assortment of sizes and styles, each offering its own set of features. Some clip onto your rearview mirror or visor, and some have suction cups for mounting on your dashboard. The controls are on the device itself and are usually larger than the controls on hands-free ear buds or Bluetooth headsets. Keep in be mind that when using a speakerphone, anyone else in the car can hear your conversations, and anything they say will be heard by the person on the other end.