Jabra BT500 Bluetooth headset
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Jabra BT500 is compact and has a comfortable fit.
The bad: The downside of the Jabra BT500 is its unattractive form factor and stiff volume buttons.
The bottom line: The slim Jabra BT500 fits comfortably, but its performance and styling aren't up to the company's usual standards.
Like the BT250, the Jabra BT500 has a crescent shape that fits behind either ear. Yet despite its trim profile, we didn't love the BT500's overall look. The Razr is sexy, but the BT500 is far from it. The gray coloring is too utilitarian, and the sharp angles and flat sides rob the headset of the aerodynamic curves we liked on the BT250. In all, the headset just looks too industrial and boring.
On the upside, the Jabra BT500's fit is relatively comfortable. The speaker rests just inside the ear, and you get a selection of four rubber ear gels in different sizes. The short boom mic also extends down just an inch, so the headset assumes a low profile when you're wearing it. Also, since there's no ear hook, users with long hair and earrings may find it easier to slip the BT500 on and off quickly without any entanglements.
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As a senior managing editor for CNET, Kent German heads up the CNET Reviews team in San Francisco. Formerly a cell phone reviewer, he still blogs about wireless news and offers his take on the wireless industry. When not at work, he's planning his next trip to Australia, going for a run, or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 15 of 25 users found this review helpful
"JABRA MAKES GIGANTIC MISTAKE IN THIS PRODUCT!" By Jim McMahon
Pros Lligh, good battery life
Cons USES NON-STANDARD USB CONNCTION
Summary I previously have been using a BT250 headset, and have been happy with it EXCEPT for the funky charging situation. So I was pleased when I heard that the BT500 would offer USB charging (I currently own a Motorola V3, which charges using a standard USB cable).
Jabra however, instead ... Expand full review
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Headphones Type: Headphone - Monaural
- Product type: Headset
- Design: Over-the-ear