Manage updates with the Download AppJabra BT3030 Bluetooth Stereo Headset
Manufacturer: Jabra Part number: Bt3030
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Jabra BT3030 is a great, affordable option for a stereo Bluetooth headset, if you want to use your own headphones.
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CNET editors' review
Jabra BT3030 Bluetooth Stereo Headset price range: $39.95
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 08/06/2008
The good: The Jabra BT3030 is slim and lightweight, plus it has tactile and easy-to-use controls. We especially like that it has a 3.5-mm headset jack so you can use it with any headphones. It's affordable and music quality was decent.
The bad: The Jabra BT3030's call quality could be improved.
The bottom line: The Jabra BT3030 is a great, affordable option for a stereo Bluetooth headset, if you want to use your own headphones.
User reviews
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I bougth this to replace my Motorola MOTOROKR ™ S9 Bluetooth Headphones
by armoredcore2006 on June 19, 2008
Pros: sound quality, comfort, cool looking, cool features and great battery life.
Cons: mmm... I still havent been able to remove the lanyard lol other than that, Im loving this product!
Summary: Ok, So I have the S9 that were supposed to be sweat proof. THEY ARE NOT!!! One trip to the gym made them go bad! I was pissed to see ...
Summary: Ok, So I have the S9 that were supposed to be sweat proof. THEY ARE NOT!!! One trip to the gym made them go bad! I was pissed to see that a product that its advertised as a sweat resistant will not resist sweat at all! Anyway, back to the BT-3030. This this is has a better sound quality and are WAY more comfortable. You can actually lay down in your bed to listen to music (yay) It only takes 2 hours to charge (maybe less) and so far I am liking this product. Oh one very important thing to say about this things is that I was running the other day and guess what? the music will not get all choppy or cut off at all!!! Yes, another complain I have about the S9. Running was impossible with those. (even walking really) So, if your looking for a reasonable priced bluetooth to listen to music and still be able to answer your call, this is the one you to get. Hope this helped!
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Been through MANY stereo bluetooths. Best so far!
by mjrei1 on November 16, 2009
Pros: Good to great stereo sound. Good battery life. Use with any headphones!!! Very affordable.
Cons: Volume about 2 clicks from perfect. Otherwise perfect.
Summary: I currently own many stereo bluetooth headsets and have reviewed most of them here on CNET. The Jabra BT3030 is my favorite all-around to date. So much so that I'...
Summary: I currently own many stereo bluetooth headsets and have reviewed most of them here on CNET. The Jabra BT3030 is my favorite all-around to date. So much so that I've purchased a total of 3 BT3030's! (That's saying alot as I own some of the best--Altec Lansing Backbeat 906, Jaybird JB200, Plantronics 855.) What makes BT3030 so good?
- Price: $30-$40 new online.
- Sound Quality: Good to very good.
- Battery Life: 7-12 hrs of music.
- Functionality: Super functional.
The only negative is a minor one, and that is some of my lower volume mp3's aren't as loud as I'd like. So, occasionally, I wish I could bump up the volume 1 to 2 notches... not a big deal.
To keep this review short, let me just say that overall the BT3030 beats the competition hands down. I still own but no longer use my other more expensive stereo bluetooth headsets.
I've paired my BT3030 with Shure SE210 headphones and together they sound fantastic! They appear as if they were made for each other as the Shure's cable length is short (all Shure headphones come with super short cables, and include longer cable extensions that are unnecessary with the BT3030) and similar in length to to Jabra headphones that come with the device. Functionality is second to none. The unit clips on my t-shirt collar under any dress shirt, hidden from view but where the mic works perfectly. During business use I put in only 1 earbud which makes it less noticeable than any standard bluetooth headset. After work at the gym I pop in the other earbud and I've got fantastic stereo sound!
At $40 bucks each, I've got several and I NEVER EVER run out of battery! So small extras are easy to carry in a pocket.
Some of the negative comments about the microphone are lost on me. I'm very picky about performance and I've yet to have anything but compliments on the call quality from the listeners on the other end of a call.
All things considered, pair the BT3030 with quality earbuds and there is no competition for the money in stereo bluetooth headsets. Not only that but the geek factor is nonexistent as these look like a standard earbud(s) vs. others that look like Frankenstien bolts or worse, ear muffs! Most of the time people don't know I've got a bluetooth phone connection, let alone a stereo music connection! There are many stereo bluetooth devices but none surpass the value, functionality and performance of the Jabra BT3030.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great triple-purpose Bluetooth device!
by KI4LIV on February 24, 2009
Pros: Small and light. Wear it under your shirt. Sound quality is excellent!
Cons: None that I have found.
Summary: I was given this item by a co-worker who got it for his kid. His kid didn't think it met his "cool" image, so, he took it back from ...
Summary: I was given this item by a co-worker who got it for his kid. His kid didn't think it met his "cool" image, so, he took it back from his kid and gave it to me.
I use it to listen to music when I am at the gym, running, or biking.
I use it when I am in a noisy room where I wouldn't normally be able to hear someone I am on the line with. The included earbuds do an excellent job of sealing your ear so that outside noise is blocked out. Lets put it this way - with these on and nothing playing through them, it's almost as quiet as it is when I am wearing my hearing protection at the pistol range!
Third use that I have found for these - as a bluetooth "dongle" for my car stereo!
I hooked up a 12 inch stereo patch cable from the earphone jack on the "Dog tag" to my AUX input on my car stereo, then I stream audio over the internet to my cell phone, which is then played through the car stereo - works AWESOME!
The co-worker saw that I did that trick with the stereo and is now wishing he had thought of that! He would have never of given them to me !
After having used these for a week now, I would buy another one if this one was lost or stolen!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best I've used yet
by EMS_Jes on July 23, 2008
Pros: Compatible with ANY 3.5mm headset. Easy to stow away in your shirt. Delivers OUTSTANDING sound quality for the wearer and EXCELLENT clarity to the caller
Cons: One headset cord shorter than the other.
Summary: I have used Bluetooth technology since around 2003 or so. I was a machine gunner in the Marine Corps, and, my hearing is, now, less than acceptable. Added to that, ...
Summary: I have used Bluetooth technology since around 2003 or so. I was a machine gunner in the Marine Corps, and, my hearing is, now, less than acceptable. Added to that, my ear canal openings are rather small, as headset sizes go. And, as if all that weren't enough, I work at a sea port along the Florida coast, so...wind is a huge factor in any call I make, headset or no.
I purchased this because my hearing issues require me to use a stereo headset if I am going to use one at all. All the other Bluetooth devices I've used were pretty poor for my hearing, not to mention all the excess noise they picked up that interfered with my caller being able to hear. I also didn't want something that would require me to be attached to my phone. Having been in the Marines, and accustomed to wearing "dog tags", I figured, this was something I could at least try.
Before writing a review, I waited to see how a week's worth of use would be. Day one was greatly impressive. The sound quality was great, the ability for my caller to hear was excellent (according to them), and the comfort was perfect.
The three sets of earbud covers that come with it are VERY pliable and offered no discomfort in long term wearing. I had to go with the smallest size. I sometimes wear them in excess of 9 hours a day (in a row) and have had NO discomfort at all. The ease of it being around my neck also provides me the ability to tuck it in to my shirt. This, I thought, would be a HUGE problem.
As it turned out, it was a HUGE benefit. Working in the Port, we have a lot of wind coming through. Even if it is calm and still in town, it's windy at the Port. The nature of nature, I guess. Today, it was windy and stormy, with winds in the range of 15-35kts. I had the BT3030 tucked in to my t-shirt, under my uniform shirt. I was standing in an unprotected (from the elements)area, eying the storm for funnel clouds and the wind was quite impressive. Enough to knock you off your balance with some gusts. I was sure my call was doomed. I raised my voice to compensate for the wind, and heard my caller ask, "Why are you yelling?" I could hear the wind buffeting against both ears, standing in the wind head on. I covered my ears, and asked if they could hear me clearly, and without the background noise of the wind. Their response was, "Just like you were sitting right next to me. Why?" I found this to be overtly impressive. I have had the same experience during calls I've made on the beach near my house as well. If I raise the volume on the device to compensate for my portion of the wind:sound issue, all is well.
Admittedly, outside of my shirt, the caller was deafened by the wind sounds. I have also had no issues at 70 miles per hour, with the windows open, on the interstate.
The buttons are easy to manipulate, and well sized and spaced. The headset is interchangeable in case you want to move to a higher quality headset, though, these seem to be just fine. To test this, I plugged my computer headphones in to the device, and it worked perfectly.
The convenience of being able to tuck the device out of my shirt, and, out of the way was very beneficial to me, as I am often climbing in and out of tractor trailers to due inspections at a security check point. The headphones only offer one problem to me, and that is the new design that seems to be catching on. The cord for the left ear bud is definitively shorter than the one for the right. I've noticed it as a trend over the last year or so. I don't get it, but, I don't like it. Although, I would not call it a design "flaw", it is bothersome to me.
The battery life, at least in the first week, has proven to be quite impressive. After the first full charge (which took about an hour after opening the package) I talked to friends and family for about the next 8 hours. It was my day off, and no, I don't spend that much time on the phone on a regular basis, but, I do spend a lot. Thus the comfort concern I had in a device.
Again, outside of the shirt, in an open environment, the background noise is an issue. However, walking around my house with it out presented no real problems, until I ran the water in the kitchen sink, at which time the caller heard NOTHING I said, and asked something about me being at a waterfall, etc, etc.
Given the reasonable price ($64.95 or so from Amazon.com, including expedited shipping), ease of use, compact size and easily tucked away, battery life, and sound quality and clarity for both me and my caller...I have no issues with this device what so ever, save the ear bud cord thing. Again, maybe that issue is just a "me thing".
Jabra has, on this device at least, raised the bar for overall performance and quality of a stereo style device.
If my opinion changes over time, I will edit this post and make note of it.Updated
I still love this thing. I agree that the optional "clip" is "a tad flimsy". And, that's being gracious. It's pretty much useless. The lanyard comes apart fairly simply with a good tug, and, I did this to apply a dog-tag chain protector (like I wore on my dog-tags in the Marine Corps). It keeps the chain from grabbing hair, etc, and is simply a flexible tube of clear(ish) plastic that the chain slides in to.
I have found that as either the battery on my phone (AT&T 8525), or, on my BT3030 wears down, the distance of operation degrades. DRAMATICALLY! I have found, that after about 2-3 hours of use, even with my phone plugged in, the distance at which the device has viable operation can be less than 3 feet.
That having been said, I would have given it a considerably lower rating. However, to be fair, I live and work near the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) and the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Central Florida. I live in Cape Canaveral, and, the signal here (though AT&T claims it is 3G( is the E (Edge) Network, on a good day. The equipment at both KSC and CCAFS have the ability to create monumental problems with cell phone, and I would presume, wireless devices in and near the area. Nextel shares and IdenNet frequency with NASA and causes for huge issues with their network in this area. Until I can get away from the area, and test the device for a few days, I have to lower the rating, in fairness to potential consumers who may read this. The first day I used the device at work, I was able to set my phone on top of a chair, outside, and walk about 30 yards from my phone, with NO signal degradation at all. Very impressive. However, now, I am finding, that as time wears on (battery life is averaging about 6 full hours of talk time, and that's 6 hours of CONSTANT talk time).
If I find the device fairs better in a less electronically congested area, great, I'll make note of it here. But to be fair to the point of these reviews, I had to change it. I still think it is the BEST Bluetooth device I have EVER used.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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THE Best BT Solution!
by Jouten_Za on October 5, 2009
Pros: Design is perfect. No 'Dork' factor. Good battery life. Excellent call and music sound quality.
Cons: The 'clip' is worthless, but I don't use it anyway.
Summary: I had my doubts about this BT headset, I have tried many so I went in with pretty low expectations.
I am pleased that these headphones perform phenomenally in music ...Summary: I had my doubts about this BT headset, I have tried many so I went in with pretty low expectations.
I am pleased that these headphones perform phenomenally in music and calls.
I absolutely love the design. I like that I can use whatever headphones I choose. I also love that I can play my music from my phone to the 2.1 speakers I have. It's an awesome feeling knowing you can use it that way too.
Apparently from another review states you can stream audio too. I believe it.
I will more than likely get one for my wife too. She even thinks it's 'cool'.
Thanks Jabra, I didn't think you would impress me, but you did.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent with O2 XDA Orbit II with WM6.1 OS
by Elrebo on August 6, 2009
Pros: I like the fact that I can use it with any set of earphones I want, I like the fact that I can use it to connect to any piece of stereo equipment (at least those I've tried so far) with an audio jack. I like that it's not a star trek prop wannabe
Cons: Nothing so far
Summary: Just bought Jabra BT3030 for my O2 XDA Orbit II (a badged HTC) I'm running the WM6.1 OS
The BT3030 connected 1st time straight out of the box (...Summary: Just bought Jabra BT3030 for my O2 XDA Orbit II (a badged HTC) I'm running the WM6.1 OS
The BT3030 connected 1st time straight out of the box (after charging) and works seamlessly.
I've read the odd report that states the music quality is poor, I have no complaints at all, OK the Orbit II have a built in audio booster so that may help, but I've been very impressed with the quality, and volume, Also works on the copilot satnav software and or course the phone, incoming calls are crystal clear, and I'm told by those on the other end that I'm equally clear to them. Also found an added little bonus, I plugged a standalone 2.1 speaker system that we use for an iphone, laptops etc into the dog tag. this enabled me to send tunes from my phone to the speakers from the other side of the room which was a nice bonus.
1 point to note is the the volume seam to be a separate volume control from my phone, to explain, if I set the dog tag to min volume, I can increase the volume from my phone, once my phone is at 100%, fairly loud, I can then increase it further using the dog tag volume to ear drum splitting levels.
A great bluetooth stereo solution, great music quality (one the XDA Oribit II) great call quality seamless connection.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just OK. That's it. Just OK.
by cab6v on October 6, 2008
Pros: Doesn't look as toolish as other headsets if you put the dogtag under your shirt. Cool to have stereo headset for music.
Cons: Call quality is not very good on either end - has a constant low hissing. It is ok sometimes, but people on the other end hear clicking in the background even if I'm not moving. On top of that, the lanyard causes clicking for listener if you move.
Summary: It would be fine if the call quality wasn't so fair to average. In order to conduct calls for business that don't make my clients not want to ...
Summary: It would be fine if the call quality wasn't so fair to average. In order to conduct calls for business that don't make my clients not want to talk to me, I'm going to have to get a real headset - probably the Blue Ant V1. If not for its music ability, this thing would be pretty useless. With the music ability and its ability to go incognito and not make me look like a bluetooth dork, it's only an "ok" product.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wonderful Stereo Bluetooth Headset
by Kaye Esse on April 11, 2008
Pros: Convenient Size, Good Sound, Easy to Use
Cons: Optional clip is a tad flimsy.
Summary: I like the dog tag design for two things: You can keep up with it easy and it is not bulky, heavy, or big. (I returned the Motoral S9 for ...
Summary: I like the dog tag design for two things: You can keep up with it easy and it is not bulky, heavy, or big. (I returned the Motoral S9 for that reason) The headphones that come with it have pretty good sound for music. If you have a favorite pair you can use those if they are 3.5mm. The only minor flaw I find with this device is that the mic is on the dog tag; which if you are small like me when it is around your neck it hangs too low and if you're outside your callers won't be able to hear you well. The optional clip is the savior to that because you can clip it on your collar but, the clip is not that sturdy. Although you could also shorten the chain with wire cutters.
All around great device. Perfect if you ride public transportation (you can rest your head back without a bulky power pack in the way) and want to listen to music and be able to answer the phone without having to get it out of your bag or pocket.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Replacement for OEM Blackberry stereo headphones.
by jodywalker on January 20, 2009
Pros: Comfortable, Good sound quality for what these are designed to be...a phone headset. I found them great for blocking out the noise around you like gyms, busy airports, traffic noise etc. I love that I can plug in ANY headset of my choice.
Cons: You can't hear your own voice through the earbuds when talking on the phone.
It sounds like your talking with your fingers in your ears.
You'll get a lot of questions about why you're wearing a dog-tagSummary: Overall, I really like the product. I'm 47 and a heavy business traveler. I'm constantly in a noisy environment and found that because I'm either becoming deaf ...
Summary: Overall, I really like the product. I'm 47 and a heavy business traveler. I'm constantly in a noisy environment and found that because I'm either becoming deaf or the world around me is too loud, that I can not hear my phone conversations without a stereo headset. I'm on my 3rd Blackberry 8830 in the last 2 yrs because I wear out the 3.5mm holes due to heavy use of the wired OEM stereo headset. Verizon refused to replace their ageing 8830 (I suspect to push me to buy the Storm). Which I didn't...Verizon tells me their own their 2nd software/push upgrade since its release. But I digress..
My 8830 is still a good phone...I just need a work-around on the defective 3.5mm wired contact. The verizon rep introduced me to this headset and I was attracted to it because when wearing it, it looks more professional than the other bluetooth stereo headsets which are larger.
I'm not an audiophile but do enjoy listening to music off my phone thru the supplied earbuds/headsets, which do an adequate job. But it cracks me up how people complain about sound quality of speakers that are only 1/4" in diameter. Come on...
Therefore, I love that I can plug in my own headphones and found I could improve sound quality further with a simple upgrade above the earbuds supplied.
The supplied earbuds to a great job of shutting the world out from around you. The trade-off, which I don't understand why, is that you can't hear your voice in the earbuds as your talking on the phone. You can hear the other person perfectly. So the best way to describe ypour phone conversation it is that it sounds like your having a conversation with someone while you have your fingers in your ears. But for me...Its only a slight annoyance.
I read the cnet review and their comments were that they found it was necessary on some calls to move the microphone/dogtag closer to their mouth to improve sound quality/volume for the caller. I found that not to be true in my case. In fact, I've recieved many comments about how improved the quality of the sound is to my callers and I just let the tog tag hang where it may.
I mentioned in the "Cons" section that you may recieve a few comments from collegues about wearing a dog-tag...which I admit does look a little odd for a 47yr old business traveler. But for me, being able to hear my customers, friends and associates clearly overcomes the issue.
The battery life is great. It easily holds up all day with heavy use.
Bottom line...if your looking for a good wireless headset for noisy environments...I highly recommend this product.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best I have found!
by stevenp166 on October 27, 2008
Pros: Nice audio, sleek way to wear them, loudest I have found and super easy to operate. Love the chain or you can just clip it on your shirt. Music is very clear!
Cons: This is only cuzz I like my music loud! Could be just a tad louder and I mean a tad, most people would like the volume which I also do it's just me I like it very loud!
Summary: Tryed many of them and these are the loudest I have found. I use them when working out and they work pretty awesome!
Summary: Tryed many of them and these are the loudest I have found. I use them when working out and they work pretty awesome!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Jabra
- Part number: Bt3030
- Description: Bluetooth just got cool thanks to the BT3030. Not only does it look good, it sounds great. Finally a product that lets you listen to music from your mobile - without damaging your style! BT3030 plays music from any enabled device such as mobile phone and Mp3 player. Play, pause, skip - remote control your music without touching your mobile. Yep, that’s right - no wires! No need for phone envy - keep it in your pocket! When a call comes in, your tune pauses and the call connects. A microphone in the dog tag picks your voice up, loud and clear. No hands, no missed calls. The dog tag design keeps the wearing style simple. But if it doesn’t fit your wardrobe, use the optional clip. Your belt, your bag, your pants - you choose the look, you choose the style.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
- Weight 1.1 oz
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
Headphones
- Headphones Type Binaural
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
- Bluetooth Profiles Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP),
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) - Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Impedance 16 Ohm
Microphone
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Remote Control
- Type Remote control
- Supported Devices Digital player,
Cellular phone Wireless Link
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Connections
- Connector Type DC power input
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Clothing clip,
Lanyard Power
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 8 hour(s)
- Standby Time 230 hour(s)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Jabra products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Jabra
- Address:
77 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, NH 03062 - Phone: (603) 598-1100
- Fax: 603- 598-1122
