BlueParrott makes Bluetooth headsets for loud workplaces, where noise cancellation is of utmost importance.
It claims the $129.99 C300-XT headset eliminates up to 80 percent of background noise so that whomever you're speaking to will hear you clearly, whether you're calling from a truck or a lumberyard, and its mic is capable of wideband audio for better vocal quality.
We've tested headsets with stronger mic clarity, but nearly all of them have booms, so for a monaural earpiece, the intelligibility here is excellent.
This is ultimately what you're paying for, so it's certainly not a deal breaker that the rest of the package isn't that exciting.
Design and Usage
Measuring 3.6 by 1.1 by 0.7 inches (HWD), the C300-XT isn't the smallest monaural (single-ear) headset we've tested, but it's super-light (0.9 ounces) and the fit is secure despite its somewhat chunky build.
In terms of visual design, the C300-XT isn't terribly stylish—like other BlueParrott models, it's about functionality more than looks.
The microphone itself is encased in a silicone shell at the end of the earpiece, with a foam grille cover.
Beneath the grille, it's a MEMs-style mic with a frequency range of 150Hz to 6.8kHz.
The earpiece has an IP54 rating, which means it has a relatively strong dust protection, and mild water resistance.
You shouldn't dunk it underwater, but the earpiece can get wet to a minimal degree (like rain) without issue.
The black contour houses a power/pairing button, and below this are plus/minus buttons for volume.
At the top, there's a multifunction button with the BlueParrott logo on it, which can be assigned various functions.
On the very top of the headset, there's a micro USB charging port for the included cable, which is generous in length.
The multifunction button can be used for voice control, as well as push-to-talk communication.
Pressing the button and asking, "What can I say," provides you a list of vocal commands, such as "Answer" or "Ignore" for incoming calls.
The button can also be programmed for speed dial, or to launch a particular app on your phone—this is done in the BlueParrott app.
BlueParrott's app sometimes didn't recognize the headset was paired with an iPhone 8 in testing, so be advised that the process of configuring the multifunction button can be a little annoying.
In addition, you might need to perform a firmware update before being able to assign new features to the button, but the BlueParrott app doesn't handle the firmware updates—those need to be performed on a computer, connecting your headset via USB (after downloading software from BlueParrott's website).
So yes, the headset has customizable potential, but the implementation is a little clunky.
In terms of fit, the C300-XT is quite versatile.
It ships with three different styles of head and neckbands that can be used for earpiece placement on either ear, compete with tiny earpads for added comfort.
You get five eartips in various sizes and shapes, some with an outer ring that rests against the ear for added support and fit security.
There are also two pairs of over-ear silicone links that fasten onto the earpiece if you don't want to wear a headband, but want added stability.
Even without the links, the in-ear fit will be secure enough for many users.
In addition to the various eartips and bands, the C300-XT also ships with a car adapter that has a USB connection for on-the-go charging.
BlueParrott claims the C300-XT has a wireless range of up to 300 feet—far beyond typical Bluetooth specs.
It can also pair with two devices at once, supports NFC pairing, and has a battery life of roughly 10 hours or 13 days of standby time.
Clarity and Performance
Using the Voice Memos app on an iPhone 8, we recorded various vocal scenarios, including recordings while speaking against a backdrop of loud audio.
The mic almost completely eliminates all low-frequency rumble, so if you want to use the headset in a truck or on a train, it should do a good job of eliminating background noise.
We also blasted some music quite loudly and spoke in very close proximity to the music source.
Of course, in this scenario, some of the music is going to seep into the recording, but again, the levels were quite low.
Transient sounds like drum hits, are more likely to pass through, but the mic maintains its clarity with the music in the background blaring—you can hear a little bit of music, but you still get relatively clean and clear vocals.
The C300-XT uses wideband audio, though we've heard a clearer mic sound from wideband/HD Voice headsets before.
The reason is probably that those headsets have boom mics—the combo of a boom and wideband allows for some of the best possible Bluetooth mic clarity.
In the case of the C300-XT, there's still some distance between your mouth and the mic, and this adds a bit of a distant sound to recordings.
But this is nitpicking—the C300-XT's mic is clearer than most monaural Bluetooth headsets we test, just not quite as clear as those with booms.
The most important aspect of the C300-XT's performance is how well it can be understood against a backdrop of intense noise, and we give it high marks in that regard.
The audio from the in-ear driver is also clear and easy to understand, though it's not hard to imagine certain loud environments posing a challenge, as there is no in-canal seal here.
This is an earbud-style design, with a driver resting just outside the canal opening.
Conclusions
Like other BlueParrott products we've tested, mic clarity is the key selling point here.
For $130, the C300-XT delivers a winning combo of wideband mic clarity and background noise elimination.
That alone should make it worth the money for those working in loud environments where communication is key.
If you're less worried about eliminating background noise but still want excellent vocal clarity, the Plantronics Voyager 4220 UC and the Jabra Evolve 75 offer the two clearest-sounding mics we've tested recently.
If you're more interested in the boom-less route, the Sennheiser Presence UC ML and the far more affordable Jabra Steel are also solid options.
The Bottom Line
The single-ear BlueParrott C300-XT Bluetooth headset delivers strong clarity and environmental noise reduction for making calls from especially loud workplaces.
