Jabra BT530
Starting at: $39.95
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
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 ... Expand full review
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.
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Nicole Lee is a senior associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also a fan of comic books, video games, and of course, shiny gadgets.
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 4 of 4 users found this review helpful
"Live-able but not perfect" By skinnyflip
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 HD300). From my browsing on bluetooth headset, the claims on the jabra headset made this headset seem like a good ... Expand full review
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Headphones Type: Headphone - Monaural
- Product type: Headset
- Design: In-ear ear-bud (with over-the-ear mount)
