By: Jeremy Neisser
I recently had the chance to test out two popular headsets: the BlueParrott and the Rand McNally. Both are marketed as high-quality headsets for professional use, but I wanted to see for myself which one came out on top.
In this article, I will provide an overview of each headset and compare their features to help you make an informed decision.
BlueParrot vs Rand McNally - Key Takeaways
- Blue Parrot offers features like noise cancellation and long battery life, while the Rand McNally headset is designed specifically for truck drivers.
- Blue Parrot are the premier headset with 95% noise canceling, most Rand McNally's are about 90-92%.
- Blue Parrot 650 and the Rand McNally ClearDryve 220 both offer 300 feet of bluetooth distance however, 650 (24 hours) has a slightly longer battery life than the 220 (20 hours).
- Overall comfort, both focus on all day comfort and are even in my tests.
Blue Parrot is a well-known brand in the headset market, and for good reason. Their headsets are designed for professional use, with features like noise cancellation, long battery life, and easy pairing with multiple devices. Overall, they are the top choice for Truck drivers.
Rand McNally, on the other hand, is primarily known for their GPS devices, but they also offer a headset that is marketed towards truck drivers and other professionals who need to stay connected on the road.
In this comparative analysis, I will delve into the features of each headset and highlight the pros and cons of each. I will also share user reviews to give you a sense of how each headset performs in real-world scenarios.
By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of which headset is right for you.
- INDUSTRY-LEADING NOISE CANCELLATION – With industry-leading noise cancellation and sound quality, BlueParrott S650-XT blocks out 96% of background noise so you can hear and be heard clearly wherever you are.Connector Type:3.5mm Jack.Specific uses for product : Communication
- EXTENDED CONNECTION – The S650-XT headset features a wireless range of 300 feet/100 meters so you can leave your phone behind without dropping the connection; With 36 hours of talk time, you can stay connected even on the longest of days
- 2-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE DESIGN – Easily convert from a premium mono headset for safe, hands-free communication behind the wheel, to stereo for immersive media experiences; Plus, the powerful ANC removes disruptive ambient noise, giving your ears a rest
- ULTRA-DURABLE DESIGN – Tough enough for life on the go with IP54-rated protection against dust and moisture, this is the ideal wireless headset for truck drivers, field services, retail, hospitality, and warehouse workers
- EASY CUSTOMIZATION – The customizable BlueParrott Button enables fast access to your favorite features such as mute, speed dial & more so you can set up the headset your way; Also features streaming for GPS, music, and more
- Ultimate Versatility: Use As A Single-Ear Headset Or Convert Into World-Class Stereo Headphones. Simply Swap The Headpad For The Second Ear Cup
- Crystal-Clear Calls: Cleardryve'S Dual Microphone Technology Reduces Up To 95% Of Ambient Noise, So Your Callers Can Hear You, Not Your Environment
- Listen Easier: World-Class Active Noise Cancellation Reduces The Need To Crank Up The Volume In High-Noise Environments
- Driver Friendly: Eliminate The Need To Touch Your Phone With Cleardryve' Easily Accessible Audio Controls.
BlueParrot: Overview
As I compare the BlueParrot and Rand McNally headsets, I find that the Blue Parrot headset is a popular choice among truckers and other professionals who need a reliable, durable, and high-quality headset.
Key Features
The BlueParrot headset boasts several key features that make it a top choice for many users. These features include:
Noise-canceling technology: The Blue Parrot headset is designed to block out background noise, making it easier to hear and be heard even in noisy environments.
Long battery life: With up to 24 hours of talk time and 500 hours of standby time, the BlueParrot headset can keep up with even the busiest users.
Comfortable design: The BlueParrot headset is designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods, with a padded headband and ear cushions.
Price Point
The Blue Parrot headset is priced competitively, making it an affordable option for those who need a high-quality headset without breaking the bank. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other options on the market, the Blue Parrot headset's features and durability make it a worthwhile investment for many users.
User Experience
Overall, users of the Blue Parrot headset report a positive experience with the device. Many users appreciate the headset's noise-canceling technology, which allows them to communicate clearly even in noisy environments. Additionally, the headset's long battery life and comfortable design make it a practical and convenient choice for those who need to use a headset for extended periods.
In conclusion, the Blue Parrot headset is a reliable and high-quality option for those in need of a headset for professional use. With its key features, competitive price point, and positive user experience, it's no wonder why it's a popular choice among truckers and other professionals.
- INDUSTRY-LEADING NOISE CANCELLATION – With industry-leading noise cancellation and sound quality, BlueParrott S650-XT blocks out 96% of background noise so you can hear and be heard clearly wherever you are.Connector Type:3.5mm Jack.Specific uses for product : Communication
- EXTENDED CONNECTION – The S650-XT headset features a wireless range of 300 feet/100 meters so you can leave your phone behind without dropping the connection; With 36 hours of talk time, you can stay connected even on the longest of days
- 2-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE DESIGN – Easily convert from a premium mono headset for safe, hands-free communication behind the wheel, to stereo for immersive media experiences; Plus, the powerful ANC removes disruptive ambient noise, giving your ears a rest
- ULTRA-DURABLE DESIGN – Tough enough for life on the go with IP54-rated protection against dust and moisture, this is the ideal wireless headset for truck drivers, field services, retail, hospitality, and warehouse workers
- EASY CUSTOMIZATION – The customizable BlueParrott Button enables fast access to your favorite features such as mute, speed dial & more so you can set up the headset your way; Also features streaming for GPS, music, and more
Rand McNally: Overview
As I compare the Blue Parrot and Rand McNally headsets, I find that both have their own unique features. In this section, I will provide an overview of the Rand McNally headset.
Key Features
The Rand McNally headset is designed for professional drivers who spend long hours on the road. It has a noise-canceling microphone that blocks out background noise, making it easier for drivers to communicate with their colleagues. The headset also has a push-to-talk button that allows drivers to answer calls without taking their hands off the wheel.
Additionally, the Rand McNally headset has a range of up to 300 feet, which means that drivers can stay connected even when they are not in their vehicles. It also has a battery life of up to 24 hours, which is impressive considering its price point.
Price Point
The Rand McNally headset is priced at around $80, which is slightly more affordable than the Blue Parrot headset. It is a great option for drivers who need a reliable headset but do not want to spend too much money.
User Experience
Many drivers have reported that the Rand McNally headset is comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. The ear cups are soft and cushioned, and the headband is adjustable to fit different head sizes. The microphone is also adjustable, which makes it easy to position it correctly.
Overall, the Rand McNally headset is a great option for professional drivers who need a reliable and affordable headset. Its key features, price point, and user experience make it a strong competitor in the market.
- Ultimate Versatility: Use As A Single-Ear Headset Or Convert Into World-Class Stereo Headphones. Simply Swap The Headpad For The Second Ear Cup
- Crystal-Clear Calls: Cleardryve'S Dual Microphone Technology Reduces Up To 95% Of Ambient Noise, So Your Callers Can Hear You, Not Your Environment
- Listen Easier: World-Class Active Noise Cancellation Reduces The Need To Crank Up The Volume In High-Noise Environments
- Driver Friendly: Eliminate The Need To Touch Your Phone With Cleardryve' Easily Accessible Audio Controls.
Comparative Analysis
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the Blue Parrot and Rand McNally headsets offer great sound quality and noise-canceling features. However, the Blue Parrot has a slight edge over the Rand McNally in terms of range. The Blue Parrot can connect to devices up to 300 feet away, while the Rand McNally has a range of up to 200 feet.
In addition, the Blue Parrot has a longer battery life, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge, compared to the Rand McNally's 20 hours. This makes the Blue Parrot a better choice for long haul truckers or anyone who needs to use their headset for extended periods of time.
Durability
Both headsets are built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The Blue Parrot is known for its rugged design and can withstand drops and bumps without breaking. The Rand McNally headset is also durable, but not quite as sturdy as the Blue Parrot.
One area where the Rand McNally excels is in its water resistance. The Rand McNally headset is rated IP54, which means it can withstand splashes of water and dust. The Blue Parrot, on the other hand, is not water-resistant, so it's important to keep it dry.
Comfort
Comfort is an important factor when choosing a headset, especially if you plan to wear it for long periods of time. Both the Blue Parrot and Rand McNally headsets are designed with comfort in mind.
The Blue Parrot has a padded headband and ear cushions that provide a comfortable fit. The Rand McNally headset also has a padded headband and ear cushions, but some users have reported that the ear cups are a bit too small and can become uncomfortable after extended use.
Overall, both headsets are great options for anyone in need of a reliable, high-quality headset. The Blue Parrot has better range and battery life, while the Rand McNally is more water-resistant. When it comes to comfort, both headsets are equally comfortable, although some users may find the ear cups on the Rand McNally a bit too small.
Final Verdict
After testing and comparing the Blue Parrot and Rand McNally headsets, I have come to a conclusion.
Both headsets have their strengths and weaknesses. BlueParrot has superior noise-cancellation technology, making it ideal for use in noisy environments. On the other hand, the Rand McNally has better audio quality, which is important for clear communication.
When it comes to comfort, the Blue Parrot wins hands down. It is lightweight and has a comfortable fit, making it easy to wear for extended periods. The Rand McNally, while not uncomfortable, is slightly bulkier and heavier.
In terms of battery life, both headsets perform well. The Blue Parrot has a longer battery life of up to 24 hours, while the Rand McNally lasts up to 20 hours.
Overall, the choice between the two headsets ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If noise-cancellation is a top priority, the Blue Parrot is the way to go. If audio quality is more important, the Rand McNally is the better option.
In conclusion, both headsets are great choices for those in need of a reliable and high-quality headset.
Hi & Welcome!
My name is Jeremy and I have been an avid car nut for many year. My first car was an 1987 Honda CRX. I put in my first Kenwood stereo, amp, 2 10" JLs and a CB Radio in it and have been an avid user of CBs and car radios for years. I'll do my best to share my tips, information and thoughts to help you with whatever question you might have, ABOUT ME
After I graduated from High School, I worked 5 years are Radio Shack and 3 years at Circuit City answering questions and helping customers with various electronics questions.
