BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Cancelling Trucker Bluetooth Headset Review
The BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Cancelling Trucker Bluetooth Headset is designed for those who are constantly on the go, whether it’s truck drivers, field service workers, or anyone who requires a reliable headset for calls and audio streaming. This review will explore the headset’s design, features, performance, comfort, and overall user experience, ultimately providing a comprehensive rating.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics and Materials
The BlueParrott B450-XT boasts an updated design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Constructed from durable materials such as PC/ABS, stainless steel, and rubber, the headset is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. Its form factor is around-the-ear, which provides a snug fit while allowing for passive noise isolation.
Comfort Features
The headset comes with a padded headband and large, cushioned earcups that enhance comfort during prolonged use. However, some users have indicated that the stock ear pads may not be comfortable enough for extended wear. In this case, aftermarket solutions have proven effective, albeit with a bit of modification necessary to ensure they remain securely attached.
Features and Performance
Noise Cancellation
One of the standout features of the BlueParrott B450-XT is its industry-leading noise cancellation, which blocks out an impressive 96% of background noise. This makes it an ideal choice for truck drivers or anyone working in noisy environments. Users have reported that even when using loud equipment, such as a backpack blower, the clarity of the conversation remains intact, illustrating the headset’s efficacy.
Connectivity
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the B450-XT offers an impressive wireless range of up to 100 meters (approximately 300 feet). This extended range allows users to stay connected even when moving away from their devices. Additionally, the headset supports voice control, enabling users to answer or reject calls hands-free, adding to its convenience.
Battery Life
With a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, the BlueParrott B450-XT provides ample usage time for busy individuals. The headset’s charging time is approximately three hours, making it relatively quick to recharge. Users have noted that the longevity of the battery reduces the frequency of recharging, making it a practical choice for those who are often on the move.
User Experience
Ease of Use
The BlueParrott B450-XT is straightforward to use, with intuitive controls that allow users to manage calls efficiently. The inclusion of a Quick Start Guide simplifies the setup process, ensuring that users can get started quickly.
Customization Options
An additional benefit of the B450-XT is the BlueParrott app, which allows for easy firmware upgrades and feature customization without needing to connect to a computer. The customizable BlueParrott Button provides quick access to frequently used features such as mute and speed dial.
Compatibility
This headset is universally compatible, making it versatile for various devices. Users have successfully employed it for calls on both their computers and smartphones, demonstrating its adaptability across platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent Noise Cancellation: Effectively blocks out background noise, ensuring clear communication.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 24 hours of talk time on a single charge.
- Durable Design: Built to withstand harsh work environments with IP54-rated dust and moisture protection.
- User-Friendly: Easy to use with voice control and intuitive buttons.
- Wide Compatibility: Works well with multiple devices.
Cons
- Comfort Issues: Some users have reported discomfort with the stock ear pads, necessitating aftermarket replacements.
- Volume Concerns: A few users noted that the speaker’s position may result in lower volume levels unless adjusted manually.
Overall Rating
Considering the feedback, features, and performance of the BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Cancelling Trucker Bluetooth Headset, we would rate it a 4 out of 5 stars. The headset excels in noise cancellation, battery life, and durability, making it a top choice for those in noisy environments. While comfort could be improved, particularly with the ear pads, the overall functionality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a reliable Bluetooth headset.
In conclusion, the BlueParrott B450-XT stands out as a quality option for professionals who require effective communication tools while managing the demands of their work life.
henry hellums –
This product is incredibly user-friendly and effectively announces calls. The battery life is impressive, so I don’t need to charge it often. It’s sturdy, the size is just right, and the volume is excellent. Overall, it operates effortlessly!
FleXer –
If you’re in search of a high-quality Bluetooth device, this one offers excellent sound and is incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods.
James Thickson –
I found this headset to be quite durable, and I had high hopes for its performance while working from home. However, it lacks a dongle, which means it won’t connect to my work laptop.
Terry L. Doud –
I’ve been using my last pair, a 350 series, for five years, and it still performs wonderfully with an excellent battery life. I’ve replaced the ear pads three times and the mic foam about five or six times. Unfortunately, the stabilizer pads for the opposite side are no longer available, and they finally wore out. So, I decided to purchase the 450 model. It features a sturdier overhead support and larger pads, but it still maintains the same great Blue Parrot quality. I’m really pleased with it!
Christian R. –
This product has all the features I was looking for, but comfort was lacking initially.
REVIEW UPDATE: I’ve increased my rating to 4 stars after adding some aftermarket earpads. I got the ‘Bingle Cushions Quietcomfort 15 Ear Pads’—however, they don’t attach very securely, so I had to use superglue. If you’re facing similar comfort issues, you might want to explore other options that attach more easily. It’s not ideal, but the fix has worked well for the past few weeks, and these headphones feel completely different now—comfort is now acceptable. As I mentioned earlier, the other features of these headphones are outstanding, and the microphone’s noise suppression is impressive.
BLUEPARROTT, please address this and provide better stock earpads.
Many reviews focus on trucker needs, but I bought these primarily for office work, seeking Bluetooth headphones with a noise-canceling microphone (note that these are not ambient noise-canceling earphones, which is fine for me).
On paper, these headphones appear to be excellent.
After a day of use, here are my thoughts:
Audio quality is reasonable/good via Bluetooth. The wired connection (through the supplied USB or 3.5mm jack) is quite poor, but it’s great to have the headphone jack for flights or when the battery runs out. I’m not an audiophile, but the sound is bassy and loud—good enough for enjoying music, though it may lack clarity for purists.
The noise-canceling microphone works really well. I was on a call while walking down a noisy street, and the background noise was minimally distracting to the person on the other end, much better than my old Bose QC20s, which picked up a lot of ambient noise. General office chatter was barely noticeable.
Easy connection and straightforward button features (mute, answer/decline calls, skip forward/back on music).
Battery life has been impressive so far—still showing ‘high battery’ after 5 hours of use.
However, the design for comfort is definitely lacking, and I don’t have a particularly large head or ears. The earpads are too small and insufficiently padded, and the headphones feel a bit tight. I ordered the “Bingle Cushions Quietcomfort 15 Ear Pads for Bose QC15” based on positive feedback, and I hope they resolve the comfort issue; if not, I might have to return them.
They can connect to two devices, which is a plus, but I experienced quality issues when using a Bluetooth mouse simultaneously with my laptop. They worked fine when connected only to my phone, so this might be more about my laptop’s Bluetooth than the headphones themselves.
Amazon Customer –
I purchased this headset two and a half years ago, and it’s still performing like it’s brand new. Whenever I speak with someone, they often ask where I am because there’s hardly any background noise. I even used my backpack blower while chatting with my sister, and she had no clue I was doing yard work at the same time! She couldn’t hear any distractions at all. I decided to gift her this headset for Christmas, knowing she would love it just as much!
Alvaro –
Honestly, it’s not very good; it’s too bulky and falls over too easily.
Neftalya vargas –
Great product, but unfortunately not suitable for me. I work in a noisy environment, and while those on the other end can hear me clearly, I struggle to hear them. The speaker isn’t directed toward my ear, resulting in a significant loss of volume. If I press the speaker to my ear, I can hear perfectly, but that requires me to hold it there, which goes against the hands-free design.
Alvaro –
I really wish you offered a version for PC.
Haley Wilt –
I purchased this for my husband, who drives for work, and it allows for hands-free phone calls. The sound quality is excellent—crystal
P. Lincoln –
These are excellent! I can use them on both my computer and phone. The noise cancelling feature works well on Zoom, but they really make a difference for phone calls too!
NYEZGO INC –
The 350 is significantly better than the 250, which I used for nearly a decade. Whether it’s battery life or voice quality, the noise cancellation is outstanding. Just be cautious with the excellent noise cancellation; while driving, the ear covered by the 350 will block out most external sounds.
peter john nevin –
As a truck driver, I appreciate the effortless connection and excellent noise cancellation of this headset. This is my second one, as my first got ruined when it fell into mud, damaging the microphone. So, be cautious!