By: Jeremy Neisser
The Blue Parrot 450 has been replaced by the Blue Parrot 550 . What are the differences between these two headsets, and should you upgrade?
BlueParrot 450 vs 550 - The differences explained:
The biggest difference between the BlueParrot 450 XT & the 550 XT is that the 550 is slightly heavier due to the additional padding found in the ear cushions and headband. The 550 also is supposed to be voice-command meaning it is hands-free.
In addition, there are a few small hardware changes from Bluetooth v3.0 to v4.0 in hardware, there are a number of software improvements in firmware updates between v5 for 450 and v6 for 550.
My recommendation: I would choose the B450-XT over the 550-XT not because of the price but rather the headband is slightly smaller making it tight on my head. I am not interested in getting headaches from my headset and neither should you.
I am not sure what got into BlueParrot to make the headband a different shape but it's really, really bad. All that being said, the sound quality, noise cancellation and the other features are fantastic.
BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headset
- INDUSTRY-LEADING NOISE CANCELLATION – Upgraded to keep pace with the demands of life on the go, BlueParrott B450-XT blocks out 96% of background noise so you can hear and be heard clearly wherever you are.Connector Type:Bluetooth
- IMPROVED WIRELESS RANGE – Upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 for better connectivity, this hands-free headset features a long wireless range of 300 feet/100 meters Plus, with VoiceControl, you can answer or reject calls with just your voice
- PREMIUM COMFORT – With a padded headband & large, cushioned earcups, BlueParrott B450-XT is built for improved comfort for all-day use Plus, with up to 24 hours of talk time on a single charge & USB-C charging, it’s easier than ever to stay connected
- 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 BlueParrott App provides easy firmware upgrades and feature selection, with no need to connect to a computer Plus, the customizable BlueParrott Button enables fast access to your favorite features such as mute, speed dial, and more
BlueParrott B550-XT Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset with Noise Cancelling Microphone
- ENSURES CRYSTAL CLEAR SOUNDS - The BlueParrott B550-XT's bidirectional microphone cancels out 96% of background noise so you can talk clearly during calls even when you're in a super-noisy environment.
- PROVIDES WIRELESS FREEDOM - The BlueParrott B550-XT uses Bluetooth 5 Class 1 with up to 300-FT range. It supports A2DP so you can stream music or GPS directions without worries. NOTE: Wireless range drops if the synced phone has Bluetooth Class 2.
- OFFERS HANDS-FREE FUNCTIONS - Activate VoiceControl to answer calls, activate the GPS directions or voice assistant hands-free on your iPhone/Android. You can also stream music on a Mac/Windows. NOTE: VoiceControl is phone dependent only.
- PROVIDES A CUSTOMIZABLE BUTTON - Install the BlueParrott App into your phone and gain fast access to functions such as speed dial, Push-to-Talk, and more. Then download the BlueParrott Updater to your computer for the latest firmware and functions.
- INCLUDES - BlueParrott B550-XT Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset. USB Charging Cable. Mobile Adapter. Foam Ear Cushion. Microphone Windscreen. Blucoil Headphones/Headset Carrying Case. Blucoil Soft Ear Pad Replacements.
BlueParrott B450-XT Review
The BlueParrott B450-XT bluetooth headset is the first consumer smart headset offering DSP intercom, HD voice, multipoint interconnectivity, and more.
- Upgrade Option- The BlueParrott B450-XT BPB-45020 is IP54 water/dust resistant and features USB-C charging. Instead of connecting to a computer, you can now update the headset's firmware via the mobile app.
- Noise Cancelling - The headset's 96 percent noise cancellation is perfect for truckers. Incoming callers can hear your voice loud and clear.
- Listen To Just About Everything - The wireless headset supports A2DP Bluetooth Profile and multimedia streaming. You can answer phone calls and listen to music or GPS directions.
- BlueParrot App Integration - To personalize the BlueParrott Button, install the BlueParrott App on your phone. The mute, speed dial, VoiceControl, and text-to-speech capabilities are instantly accessible. To utilize B450-XT in conjunction with other Bluetooth-enabled devices via the SDK of the app. Push-to-Talk functionality is supported by Android, iOS, Zebra Workforce Connect, ES Chat, and more.
- Durable – With IP54 dust and moisture resistance, this is the ideal wireless headset for truck drivers, field services, retail, hospitality, and warehouse employees who need to go all day without missing a beat.
- Range - an estimated 300 feet from paired devices. Based on my experience, you should expect at most 200. Unless you are in an open field with no other signals.
With 24 hours of talk time, greater wireless range, great comfort, and more sophisticated functions to keep you connected and comfortable all day make the BlueParrott B450-XT a solid choice.
- INDUSTRY-LEADING NOISE CANCELLATION – Upgraded to keep pace with the demands of life on the go, BlueParrott B450-XT blocks out 96% of background noise so you can hear and be heard clearly wherever you are.
- IMPROVED WIRELESS RANGE – Upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 for better connectivity, this hands-free headset features a long wireless range of 300 feet/100 meters Plus, with VoiceControl, you can answer or reject calls with just your voice
- PREMIUM COMFORT – With a padded headband & large, cushioned earcups, BlueParrott B450-XT is built for improved comfort for all-day use Plus, with up to 24 hours of talk time on a single charge & USB-C charging, it’s easier than ever to stay connected
- 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 BlueParrott App provides easy firmware upgrades and feature selection, with no need to connect to a computer Plus, the customizable BlueParrott Button enables fast access to your favorite features such as mute, speed dial, and more
BlueParrott B550-XT Review
At its core, the Blue Parrot 550 is an upgrade to the 450 with features like DSP (Digital Signal Processing), HD voice , multipoint interconnectivity, and more.
Just like the 450, the operating range for the Blue Parrott 550 Bluetooth headset can operate up to 300 feet away from the connected device but that's pushing it. I tested it and 200 is about the max. This rugged version comes with 24 hours of talk time.
The BlueParrott B550-XT Headset boasts of exceptional voice quality, with a noise reduction rate of 96 percent. It offers voice-controlled features so you can concentrate on your work more.
- 96% Noise Cancelling - Ok, first off. Why 96%? That seems totally random and made up. After testing it, it does cancel just about everything from the background, 96% might be the random number but it's almost 100% noise cancelling! The BlueParrott B550-XT's bidirectional microphone cancels out 96% of background noise, allowing you to talk clearly even when you're in a loud setting.
- Tremendous Range - The BlueParrott B550-XT uses Bluetooth 5 Class 1 with up to 300-FT range. It supports A2DP so you can stream music or GPS directions without worries. NOTE: Wireless range drops if the synced phone has Bluetooth Class 2.
- Voice Control - Activate VoiceControl to answer calls, activate the GPS directions or voice assistant hands-free on your iPhone/Android. You can also stream music on a Mac/Windows. NOTE: VoiceControl is only available if your phone offers it.
- ENSURES CRYSTAL CLEAR SOUNDS - The BlueParrott B550-XT's bidirectional microphone cancels out 96% of background noise so you can talk clearly during calls even when you're in a super-noisy environment.
- PROVIDES WIRELESS FREEDOM - The BlueParrott B550-XT uses Bluetooth 5 Class 1 with up to 300-FT range. It supports A2DP so you can stream music or GPS directions without worries. NOTE: Wireless range drops if the synced phone has Bluetooth Class 2.
- OFFERS HANDS-FREE FUNCTIONS - Activate VoiceControl to answer calls, activate the GPS directions or voice assistant hands-free on your iPhone/Android. You can also stream music on a Mac/Windows. NOTE: VoiceControl is phone dependent only.
- PROVIDES A CUSTOMIZABLE BUTTON - Install the BlueParrott App into your phone and gain fast access to functions such as speed dial, Push-to-Talk, and more. Then download the BlueParrott Updater to your computer for the latest firmware and functions.
- INCLUDES - BlueParrott B550-XT Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset. USB Charging Cable. Mobile Adapter. Foam Ear Cushion. Microphone Windscreen. Blucoil Headphones/Headset Carrying Case. Blucoil Soft Ear Pad Replacements.
Conclusion: BlueParrot 450 vs 550:
Regardless which route you go, both are fantastic headsets that are durable, high-quality and cancel out a ton of sound. I went with the 450 as the 550 is slightly tighter on my head.
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.
