The best Bluetooth headset for truckers is the BlueParrot B250-XTS. In my experiences there is no competition. I have been using a B250 headset for several years and love everything (almost everything, more about that later) about it.
If you’re like me and are tired of dealing with garbage headsets or tiny ear buds that don’t eliminate background noise then keep reading my review.
You are more than likely here because you are a truck driver in need of a good headset. I was in your position not long ago.
I needed something that was better than the annoying ear buds I was using.
Of all the reviews I found on BlueParrot headset models for truckers it is their ability to eliminate background noise that truck drivers rave about the most.
This was why I bought my first one a few years ago. It was an older version of the B250 called the B250 XT. It worked great but after several years I was ready for a new one. I have since then upgraded to the B250 XTS (the one I am using now).
If you want the quick link to the headset here it is on Amazon.
If you are like me and want to research something before you buy then keep reading my practical review.
In this article I’m going to highlight the pros and cons (yes, there are a few cons) that I have encountered after using it while driving regionally throughout the Midwest.
First, a little about me. I needed a headset to use while driving my truck. It is mainly used for when I talk to my wife, kids, or dispatch. Like I said earlier I did own the older model headset called the 250 XT. I loved it.
It was everything I needed but it did lack a few things that I found with the newer model.
So what does the better B250 XTS have/do that the older B250 XT doesn’t?
1. HD Voice: The older B250 XT didn’t have HD voice, the B250 XTS does. Honestly though, I only see a little difference.
2. Micro USB Charging: For me personally the biggest change that I appreciate is the B250 XTS is able to be charged using Micro USB, the older model (the B250 XT) was not able to.
I mention this improved charging option as one of my pros below too.
3. Noise Cancelling: The older B250 XT cancelled 85% of the noise while this one (the B250 XTS) cancels 96%. More about this later too.
Here you go, from one trucker to another, my review of the BlueParrot B250 XTS.
Pros Of The BlueParrot B250 XTS
Let’s start with all the stuff I like about this headset, there are a lot of them.
1. Awesome At Noise Canceling
Of all the things that the BlueParrot B250 XTS does well it is noise canceling. This is the reason I use it and probably the biggest reason you should buy one.
There are actually other BlueParrot headset models that noise cancel just as good as this one but they are also more expensive. This model is supposed to noise cancel 96% or outside noises and it does this no problem.
I often use it while the windows of my truck are open and the person I’m talking to (usually my wife and kids or dispatch) have no idea that I’m talking to them while driving with the windows down.
On my end of the phone conversation I also don’t hear any outside noises either. It’s like I’m driving with the windows up. No problems at all.
I’m pretty sure my older 250 model (the B250 XT) only noised cancelled 85%. This newer model (the B250 XTS) cancels 96% of noise. I do notice that this newer model is a little better at noise cancelling.
2. You Can Charge It While Using It
Being able to charge it while using it is great. I never have to worry about being without my headset as long as I’m in my truck.
I remember some older headset models didn’t allow you to charge them while using them. No worries, this one does.
For a fully drained battery it takes about 3 hours to fully charge.
3. Micro USB Charging
The previous model that I had, called the B250 XT, didn’t allow me to charge it by Micro USB. Actually, this was one of the things most truck drivers complained about with the old model, not just me.
This new model, the B250XTS does allow you to charge by Micro USB. This is great, you can charge just like any other device that has Micro SB.
Of all (there’s not a lot) the changes between the old model and this model I would have to say that this is the one that I appreciated the most.
Thanks for listening to your truck drivers BlueParrot!
3. Lasts Me Between 20 And 25 Hours On A Full Charge
On a full charge I am able to get 20 to 25 hours of talk time out of it. I do all of my taking while behind the wheel, I rarely use the headset outside my truck .
I don’t know if the distance you are from the phone is going to decrease your talk time but I would think it would.
5. Comfortable
I’ve used some cheapo headsets (those stupid earbuds) in the past that have been uncomfortable to wear for more than 15 minutes. I guess you get what you pay for, right?
Fork over a few more dollars and you will instantly have a headset that is way more comfortable. There are days where I wear this things for an hour straight and it’s still comfortable. The only time it gets uncomfortable is in summer because I sweat a lot and the sweat builds up on the earpiece.
I’m telling you, getting a cheapo headset isn’t worth it because in a few months you’ll be looking for a better anyways. Get the BlueParrot and be done with it.
6. Mic Moves Up And Out Of The Way
The headset can go over either ear and the mic can be moved up out of your way when you aren’t using it.
I like that the mic is not fixed in one position so that I can keep the headset on in case I get a phone call from someone. Check out my tip below for correctly positioning the microphone.
Cons Of The BlueParrot B250 XTS
These are some of the things I don’t like about the headset.
1. It’s A Little Bulky
The headset is a little bulky and I would say that this is one thing that I don’t like about the headset.
You look a little like someone working the drive thru at McDonald’s. You know what though? I’d gladly look a little odd with the headset on and have really good call quality than look really cool and have poor call quality.
I’m driving a truck, who cares what I look like! As long as it does what its supposed to I’m cool!
2. Doesn’t Translate Text Messages
I didn’t expect it to translate text messages but I’m putting it out there now just in case someone from BlueParrot is looking for ideas to improve the next model.
3. Won’t Connect 2 Phones (easily)
Another complaint I have with this headset is that I cannot get it to sync two phones no matter how many times I try.
I am following exactly what the instructions tell me to do but it doesn’t work. The instructions tell me that my first phone is Phone A and the second phone should be Phone B once they are both connected. It never works though.
What do I do? I have to connect one phone at a time. This is a little time consuming because I have turn off the Bluetooth on one phone to connect to the other phone.
Not a huge deal but it would be nice if it was easier to sync 2 phones.
4. The Instructions Are Confusing
The instructions that come with the headset are a bit confusing. If I didn’t already have an older BlueParrot headset it would be tough to figure out some things. See Con #3.
Either that or I’m just an idiot.
Other than those 4 things I don’t have many complaints about this headset. It works really well at doing what it is supposed to. It noise cancels like a pro and lasts a long time on a full charge.
BlueParrot B250 XTS Tips And Accessories
I also wanted to share some tips and accessories for truck drivers out there that already have this model. Below are a few of them.
1. Get A Case For It
I bought this one and it’s worked well for me. It keeps everything in one spot and stops me from breaking anything (I have a tendency to break electronics). Well worth the few dollars you will spend on it.
2. Get Replacement Ear And Mic Cushions Ahead Of Time
Save yourself some time and get replacement ear and mic cushions now. You can find them right here on Amazon.
If you are planning on using your headset a lot then you will go through these cushions in no time.
3. You Need Another Charger
Unfortunately, the only charger the headset comes with is the Micro USB one. If you want a charger that plugs into a wall or a 12 volt charger you will have to buy them on your own.
Here is the link to both of them on Amazon. These will work well, they are the ones that BlueParrot recommends.
4. Microphone Positioning
It took me a few tries to finally go back to the instructions and learn how to position the microphone the correct way.
When you are talking the microphone should be near the corner of your mouth, not directly in front of your mouth. Also, there is the word “TALK” written on the microphone housing that has to be facing you when you are talking.
Just doing these two little things made my call quality much better.
5. How To Turn Off The Indicator Lights
This one is in the instructions too. The indicator lights that are on can be annoying when driving at night.
This is how you turn them off: Quickly press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons on the headset at the same time. This will turn off the lights.
To turn them back on just do the same thing again.
Trucker Cell Phone Laws
Driving while using your cell phone for anything is a going to give you problems if you get caught. Big problems.
Even if you aren’t caught by the police it’s just irresponsible to drive a tractor trailer or box truck of any kind while using a phone.
Being hands free is safer for truck drivers and will save you money by avoiding fines by keeping your hands on the steering wheel.
Put down your cell phone and get a headset already. You can talk to your wife, kids, friends, parents, and even dispatcher (unfortunately) hands free. No more holding your phone up to your ear while looking around for state police looking to hand out fines.
Crazy stuff, don’t risk your career and livelihood over a phone call.
Here is information straight from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) website regarding cell phone use:
What Is The Definition Of Using A Mobile Telephone?
1. Using at least one hand to hold a mobile phone to make a call; or
2. Dialing a mobile phone by pressing more than a single button; or
3. Reaching for a mobile phone in a manner that requires a driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt.
Compliance
Make sure the mobile telephone is within close enough proximity that it is operable while the driver is restrained by properly installed and adjusted seat belts.
- Use an earpiece or the speaker phone function.
- Use voice-activated dialing.
- Use the hands-free feature. To comply, a driver must have his or her mobile telephone located where he or she is able to initiate, answer, or terminate a call by touching a single button. The driver must be in the seated driving position and properly restrained by a seat belt. Drivers are not in compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free function.
There you go, evidence directly from the FMCSA website that says you are allowed to use a hands-free device.
Stay safe driver.
