Jabra BT530
Manufacturer: Jabra Part number: 100-95030000-02
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Jabra BT530 is a solid Bluetooth headset with great noise-cancellation at an affordable price.
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CNET editors' review
Jabra BT530 price range: $45.72 - $59.84
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 12/04/2008
- Released on: 09/01/2008
The good: The Jabra BT530 is an easy-to-use headset that delivers excellent noise-cancellation. It comes with a variety of gel tips for additional comfort for ears of all sizes.
The bad: The Jabra BT530 has a boring design, and voice quality could be improved.
The bottom line: The Jabra BT530 is a solid Bluetooth headset with great noise-cancellation at an affordable price.
Jabra has been a household name in Bluetooth headsets for years, surviving competition from the likes of trendy names like Aliph and newcomers like BlueAnt. And there's a reason why: Jabra usually delivers quality headsets. Like the BT8040 and the JX10, Jabra hopes to once again revive the Bluetooth headset market with something new, and it's called the Jabra BT530. Though it's neither DARPA-approved like the Jawbone 2, nor does it have the voice command capabilities of the BlueAnt V1, it still delivers excellent noise cancellation. And for $99.99, it's not a bad deal at all.
It's clear from the looks of the Jabra BT530, that it's a function-first, design-second sort of headset. Measuring 1.9 inches long by 0.7 inch wide by 0.5 inch thick, the BT530 has a decidedly business-like appearance. It is long, slender, and wrapped in a soft-touch black plastic with a skinny strip of perforated chrome in the middle. Two volume buttons are on the upper half of the headset, both of which are easy to find by feel. Between the two volume keys is the multifunction call key, which is raised above the surface of the headset so it's easy to press.
The skinny strip of chrome is actually home to two noise-cancellation microphones, which helps a lot in reducing background noise. On the left side is a dedicated power slider-switch, which we like to see, since it makes it easier to power down the headset when not in use. On the top is the charger jack. In between the two volume controls is an LED indicator.
Turn the headset over and you'll find the earpiece and a place for an ear hook. The BT530 comes with two kinds of earpiece covers--a simple gel tip that sits just inside the ear, and another of the same gel tip with an additional rubber loop that fits snugly within the ear folds. For the former, you need to wear an ear hook or it won't be stable; with the latter, an ear hook is not required. We thought both variations felt quite comfortable, and we could see ourselves wearing the headset for hours. The BT530 comes with a variety of gel-tip sizes, so it's easy to mix and match for different size ears.
Of course, the main feature of the headset is its noise-cancellation technology. The BT530 is part of Jabra's new Smart Series with Noise Blackout technology. With the help of the two noise-canceling microphones, it promises crystal-clear sound, good volume, and even audio shock protection. And of course, it also has the typical headset features, such as answering, ending, and rejecting calls, voice dialing, last number redial, call mute, call waiting, and placing a call on hold.
We paired the Jabra BT530 with both the Apple iPhone 3G and the LG Lotus. We have to say that we were very impressed with the noise-canceling capabilities of the headset. There were some static issues at times, so audio quality wasn't perfect. But overall, callers reported the lack of background noise, especially compared with when we weren't using the headset. On our end, we could hear them loud and clear, too. That said, voice quality did sound a little harsh, and not quite as natural as we would like. However, the BT530 did its job by canceling out most background noise in a variety of situations--in the car, in a busy crowd (we tested it in a busy restaurant during lunch hour), and in the office.
The Jabra BT530 has a rated battery life of 5.5 hours talk time and 10.4 days standby time.
User reviews
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Live-able but not perfect
by skinnyflip on September 15, 2008
Pros: Outgoing sound is great. In a quiet room you don't have to talk loud with the BT 530 to be heard. Nice design. Comfortable and secure fit. Compact.
Cons: Noise reduction isn't the greatest, but it is a big improvement from the Jabra JX10 model. Volume on the incoming sound is the biggest con of the Jabra BT530.
Summary: I've had this headset for about two weeks now. My Sennheiser VMX 100 broke and the original bluetooth headset i was waiting for hadn't come out yet (Soundid ...
Summary: I've had this headset for about two weeks now. My Sennheiser VMX 100 broke and the original bluetooth headset i was waiting for hadn't come out yet (Soundid HD300). From my browsing on bluetooth headset, the claims on the jabra headset made this headset seem like a good buy.
On/Off switch just broke for the 2nd time, so now I'm using a paper clip to turn it on and off. Main use for this one is for my computer for now. For around the same price range, I recommend getting a blueant z9i instead.
Paring with the headset to my Nokia N82 was no problem. Package came with two earhooks, and a total of about 6-7 eargels. So far this is the most comfortable headset I've used.
Noise Reduction: My expectation is that the other party is able to hear you clearly when there is noise. So here are some scenario's of what noise it's been clearly and un-clearly heard from. On the Hwy, some bluetooth do pick up noise even when the windows up. With the BT530, the person on the other end is able to hear you clearly with the windows up, according to her she hears "wind." But if you were driving with the windows down, the receiving person wouldn't be able to understand you at all. Bottom line is that the BT530 does well in moderate noise environments. In the parking lot with wind at about 10-15mph and cars, the receiving party is able to hear little wind and doesn't hear cars or a conversation that was happening right in front of me.
The thing I liked most about this headset is that you don't have to talk that loud to be heard. The thing that I didn't like is that when the person on the other end is soft spoken, I'm the one saying "I'm sorry what was that?" It's even worse when you're in a environment where there's a lot of noise, you wouldn't be able to hear your friend, even if your bluetooth and phone volume is loud to it's max.
Overall this headset is alright. It's not perfect, but it's something I can use before something better comes out. The BT530 does have it's good values, but it's not the bluetooth I'd recommend. Anyway if you're like me searching for a good bluetooth headset, I'd try purchasing the "Joby Zivio" and giving that a try.
Updated on Sep 17, 20092 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best headset to the iPhone so far.
by the_hartmann on December 10, 2008
Pros: I have tried several headsets that couldn't connect to my iPhone. Jabra has got it right. Furthermore the balance between good sound and noise cancellation is the best I hav tried so far.
Cons: I would have loved it in a glossy piano black finish.
Summary: Best headset to the iPhone in the market today.
Summary: Best headset to the iPhone in the market today.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great headset but could be a bit louder.
by HGH450 on October 4, 2008
Pros: Great little unit. Very good noise cancelling effects. People had a difficult time determining if I was in a vehicle, at the market, etc but had no difficulty hearing me.Very modern styling and an attractive earpiece.
Cons: The only flaw I can see right now is the volume of the unit while listening to a caller. The unit is equipped with "Acoustic Shock Protection". They should have allowed the end-user to adjust the volume better. It's not a deal breaker though.
Summary: All in all this is an excellent product - befitting Jabra's line of very good quality headsets. If not for the small volume issue then this product would score ...
Summary: All in all this is an excellent product - befitting Jabra's line of very good quality headsets. If not for the small volume issue then this product would score a 9 out of 10 with me. As it is, however, it scores a respectable 8 out of 10. As i mentioned previously, the unit performs surprisingly well at noise cancellation and callers can hear me rather well. I can also hear them - okay. Louder would have been much nicer but the issue is not a deal breaker. Keep in mind I am an electronics early-adoopter. I have had just about every BT headset out there at one time or another so I believe I am especially qualified to offer my opinion on such matters.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easy to use, clear sound, not affected by background.
by gabrielbarreras on November 15, 2009
Pros: Good construction, great sound, long battery life, small.
Cons: Not comfortable for long-calls, sweet spot for optional ear loop is hard to find.
Summary: If you look around you can find this item for under $30, and that's a great deal.
Summary: If you look around you can find this item for under $30, and that's a great deal.
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Jabra BT530-Highly recommended
by bangaloreboy on October 22, 2009
Pros: Great performer. Very good voice quality. Clean looks. Uncomplicated.
Cons: None really
Summary: I had a Motorola H350 for 3 years until the ear hook peeled away. Although it may not have been the best, I had very few complaints against it . Once ...
Summary: I had a Motorola H350 for 3 years until the ear hook peeled away. Although it may not have been the best, I had very few complaints against it . Once it was time to move on, I started looking for the headset which would suit me best. After reading a lot of reviews, I decided to go with BlueAnt Z1. Initial excitement turned into frustration as the headset generated incessant static. Another negative for me was how complicated it was to operate the headset with the myriad button combinations one had to memorize. I was forced to return the headset and continued my search...I decided that I needed a headset that was 1. a good performer, 2. not too complicated, 3. business like in looks (if not the best looking). I eventually zeroed in on Jabra BT530 considering its favorable reviews and clean looks. If all the reviews are reviewed, BT530's low stars are not for its performance, but from customers who were unhappy with the vendors. Now coming to the headset itself, its been a week now and I can say I am really happy with BT530. Not that I have'nt had any hiccups-I had an issue initially with my handset inadvertantly going into silent mode when connected to BT headset. Strangely, I have'nt seen this happen again. All in all, I give 5 stars to this headset for its worryfree performance! Highly recommended.
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Better sound quality in car at speed th anything else
Pros: Filters out most of the background noise when used in a car at freeway speeds
Cons: Ear loop broke when I tried to adjust it to fit my ear
Summary: I like it's ability to filter away most background noises which makes it useful in a lot of environments and situations
Summary: I like it's ability to filter away most background noises which makes it useful in a lot of environments and situations
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Finally! The search stops here...
by emr0103 on September 17, 2009
Pros: No 1 button does all BS. Dedicated buttons for each function...simple. Wear it all day and sometimes forget about it. Callers hear me very well even with a noisy background. Last 5-6 hours as advertised.
Cons: The On/Off switch worries me a bit. It seems that it might break off at anytime. Be extra careful moving it back and forth.
Summary: After so many trial and errors with other headset, trust me I had my fair share. I've tried the high end to low end headset's and I must ...
Summary: After so many trial and errors with other headset, trust me I had my fair share. I've tried the high end to low end headset's and I must say for the price this one is a definite keeper. I just love it! Make sure you buy it from Amazon...half the price then going to the store.
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finally one that wroks
by mochy2 on September 15, 2009
Pros: easy to use, good battery life. ppl can actually hear me while i use this one.
Cons: none really... maybe the feel you have when you first get used to it but that goes away pretty quickly
Summary: the main thing is that the person on the other end is able to hear you clearly, and with this one they can. I have been through over 30!!! bluetooths ...
Summary: the main thing is that the person on the other end is able to hear you clearly, and with this one they can. I have been through over 30!!! bluetooths and none worked while i was driving with my window down. This one does, and no complaints from ppl i am calling. This is really my favorite peice i have ever had!!!!!!
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Good sound quality - poor on/off switch.
by pete1899 on September 3, 2009
Pros: The sound quality was good from both ends. The headset was light and comfortable when worn with the loop around the ear. The controls for accepting calls and volume were easy to find and use.
Cons: The volume was turned up to max but it was still difficult to hear clearly. The sliding on/off switch was stiff and was tricky to use. It came off within a week so I got a refund as I'm sure the same thing would happen again with a replacement.
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so far quality is better then my blue ant z9i.
by splicerjj on August 27, 2009
Pros: I like ear tip which goes in the ear making the quality of the voice superb. Also the fit with the ear clip fits snug.
Cons: The on/off switch is pretty crappy. Very hard to move up and down for the on/off procedure.
Summary: Ive only had this unit for a day, however so far its very good, since I own a Blue Ant z9i and I get lots of complaints from callers telling ...
Summary: Ive only had this unit for a day, however so far its very good, since I own a Blue Ant z9i and I get lots of complaints from callers telling me they cant understand me, while on the Z9i and have also tried the new Jawbone prime and the Plantronics Voyager Pro. This one has all the features necessary and does not have the problems I had like from the Jawbone, or the features missing from the Plantronics.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Jabra
- Part number: 100-95030000-02
- Description: The Jabra BT530 is a multiuse headset that supports your mobile and office desk phone applications.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
- Width 0.7 in
- Depth 0.5 in
- Height 1.9 in
- Weight 0.4 oz
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Mute button, Built-in DSP, On/off switch, Volume control, Answer/end button, Noise canceling circuit, Battery level indication
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear ear-bud (with over-the-ear mount)
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
- Bluetooth Profiles Headset Profile (HSP), Hands Free Profile (HFP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
- Sound Output Mode Mono
Microphone
- Type Boom
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
- Microphones Included 2
Remote Control
- Type None
Wireless Link
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Earhook
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 5.5 hour(s)
- Standby Time 250 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Jabra
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Jabra products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.jabra.com
- Address:
77 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, NH 03062 - Phone: (603) 598-1100
- Fax: 603- 598-1122
