Do you want the best headset? 
Bluetooth headsets today are finding their way into nearly every corner of our technological lives. We’re able to use a Bluetooth headset on a mobile phone, tablet and even on our Laptops and desktop computers.
This is a great communication option for those who prefer a small ear style headset for listening to music or for business applications.
When you open the door to Bluetooth headset options, you’ll find that there are a lot of makes and models to choose from. Doing a quick Google or Amazon search will get your eyes to cross and your brain to become fuzzy with confusion.
In this blog I’m going to do a side-by-side comparison of two very popular Bluetooth headsets by Jabra. Specifically, I’ll be comparing the Jabra Elite 65T against the new BlueParrott M300 XT.
But, before I begin with my comparison, I wanted to mention that I did a video side-by-side of these two Bluetooth headsets. Not only do I cover the specifications of both, but I do a voice sound quality test and also a test on how well they both do to remove unwanted background noise.
If you’d like to watch that video and hear how these models sound, then check it out. I’ll include it below for your convenience.
If you’re still reading this, then join me as I break down these two Bluetooth headsets. In the process I’m hopeful that you’ll come away with more information that you can use to help make a headset buying decision.
Bluetooth version
The Jabra Elite 65T uses Bluetooth 5.0
The BlueParrott M300 XT uses Bluetooth 5.1
When a Bluetooth version changes from, say 3.0 to 4.0, or 5.0 to 6.0, that usually indicates that something major has changed. Changing from 5.0 to 5.1 doesn’t suggest that anything major has changed, but something did.
If you’d like to read about Bluetooth changes, and specifically, 5.0 to 5.1, here’s a short article by Headphones Addict that discusses this.
Wireless Range
When you use the Jabra Elite 65T, you can expect to receive a maximum of 33 feet. By contrast, when using the BlueParrott M300 XT, you can expect more.
The M300 XT is rated up to 300 feet of wireless range. However, in order to get that distance, the M300 XT needs to be connected to a Class 1 Bluetooth device. Under normal circumstances, you’ll likely get somewhere around 50 feet of wireless talk range unless the conditions are met.
Wireless range does matter to a lot of people. If you want the freedom to move around your work area to grab some coffee, talk to someone who’s not nearby, see who’s at the front door etc., then having more wireless range will offer you more flexibility. In that sense, the BlueParrott M300 XT is the winner in this category.
Connectivity
Both the Jabra Elite 65T, and the BlueParrott M300 XT can connect to two devices. Typically, these devices are mobile phones and tablets, though it can also connect to a Bluetooth enabled computer. It’s not recommended to connect to a computer because the audio quality isn’t the best.
Microphone
The Jabra Elite 65T comes with a noise cancelling 4 microphone array.
The BlueParrott M300 XT also comes with a noise cancelling microphone. The BlueParrott documentation states that it reduces unwanted background noise by 80%. Most headset manufacturers don’t typically state the amount of noise the microphone reduces, so this was a little unusual to see it in writing.
In the video I recorded, I test both of these microphones for how well they pick up voices, and how well they do to remove unwanted background noise. If you’d like to hear them both for yourself, then make sure to watch the video
Talk Time
The Jabra Elite 65T provides up to 5 hours of talk time. It also can be recharged in the portable case to bring the total available talk time to 15 hours.
The BlueParrott M300 XT provides up to 14 hours of talk time right out of the box with a fully charged battery.
Which is better for you? I guess that depends on how you use a Bluetooth headset. If you use it sporadically throughout the day, then from a battery perspective, the Jabra Elite 65T might work fine for you in spite of the limited, 5 hours of battery.
If you use headsets for long stretches of time where having a long battery life is important, then the BlueParrott M300 XT might be your better choice.
I think both could be used equally well in most cases. A recharge of the battery in the Elite 65T will keep you going, where the battery in the BlueParrott wouldn’t require a recharge. Clearly, the BlueParrott is more convenient, but it is nice to have the ability to recharge the battery on the go.
Battery recharging
The Jabra Elite 65T charges via Micro USB
The BlueParrott M300 XT charges via USB C
You may have a preference for one over the other. For me, I like USB C, so that would be my choice if I had only one to choose from.
Weight of the headset
When wearing an ear style headset, weight is normally an important factor. After all, you don’t want to put something on the ear that’s heavy. That would be uncomfortable sooner than later. So let’s take a quick look at how much both of these Bluetooth headsets weigh.
Jabra Elite 65T - .22 ounces per earbud, or .44 ounces for both. BlueParrott M300 XT - .7 ounces
Though the BlueParrott M300 XT weighs more overall than the Elite 65T, the BlueParrott has an ear loop that helps to distribute the weight across the entire ear where the 65T rests in the ear with no other means of support.
Both headsets felt comfortable to me, but like sound, comfort is an individual thing. What’s comfortable to one person might not be comfortable to someone else. It’s best to try on both, if possible, before deciding. Or at least, reading a lot of reviews and watching video reviews paying special attention to those things, like comfort.
Sound Quality
As mentioned a moment ago, sound quality is an individual thing. To me, this is how I felt these two headsets performed in my sound quality tests.
For voice quality. I found the Jabra Elite 65T to sound better than the BlueParrott M300 XT. I thought the quality of the voice was noticeably richer and overall provided better sound quality.
For removing unwanted background noise. I thought the BlueParrott M300 XT removed more noise from the background over the Elite 65T. You may have a different opinion, but to my ear, that’s how these headsets did when compared to each other.
Warranty
Both models come with the same warranty of 1-year. This is very typical to Bluetooth headsets.
Price
The suggested selling price for these Bluetooth headsets are:
Jabra Elite 65T - $79.99
BlueParrott M300 XT - $99.00
Final thoughts
Some of the opinions I’ve expressed in this blog may differ from what you experience. Still, there are things that need to be considered when making a Bluetooth headset purchase whether for yourself or for your team.
Sound quality should always be at or near the top of your list, along with noise cancellation. I was split down the middle on these, so depending on what’s more
important to you, voice sound quality, or background noise removal could sway you towards one model.
As for long term comfort, I personally would give the nod to the BlueParrott largely due to the fact that it has additional support that I feel will make it a more comfortable headset when worn for long periods of time.
The available talk time could be an important decision making factor as well. The BlueParrott would likely be the winner for most people at 14 hours.
If you use a Bluetooth headset mostly for listening to music, then in my opinion, I think the Jabra Elite 65T would be your better choice. If you plan to use the headset mostly for business purposes, then the BlueParrott might be best.
In the end, it comes down to what you’ll use the headset for and what are the most important features you’ll need. Once you come to those conclusions, making a decision between these two models should be easy.
Have headset questions, or need some help?
If you have questions about headsets, and you’re not sure where to turn to get answers, look no further than to Headset Advisor. We’ve been consulting with customers since 1994, and we can be a great resource for you.
Call us, email us, text us or chat live with us. We’re here to help you find the perfect headset that’s comfortable, sounds great, compatible with your system and within your budget.
