BlueParrott makes some of the best noise cancelling Bluetooth headsets on the market. Two of their most popular models are the BlueParrott 650 and 550.
As a professional driver or someone who spends a lot of time on calls in noisy environments, having a high-quality headset can make a huge difference in call clarity and reducing fatigue.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features and performance of the BlueParrott 650 and 550 so you can decide which one best fits your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | BlueParrott 650 | BlueParrott 550 |
| Design | Over-ear, large earcups | Over-ear, smaller earcups |
| Weight | 9.1 oz | 6.7 oz |
| Battery Life | 24 hrs talk time | 16 hrs talk time |
| Wireless Range | 300 ft | 66 ft |
| Noise Cancellation | 4-mic active NC, adjustable | 2-mic active NC |
| Audio Performance | HD Voice, adjustable volume | HD Voice, adjustable volume |
| Durability | IP54, drop/shock resistant | IP54, drop/shock resistant |
| Customization | Parrott Button, iOS/Android app | Parrott Button, iOS/Android app |
| Price | $299 | $199 |
Overview of the BlueParrott 650 and 550
The BlueParrott 650 and 550 have many similarities but also some notable differences. Let’s start with a high-level overview:
BlueParrott 650
- Over-the-head noise cancelling Bluetooth headset
- 24 hour talk time
- 300 foot wireless range
- Advanced noise cancellation with 4 microphones
- Customizable Parrott Button
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Foldable design
BlueParrott 550
- Over-the-head noise cancelling Bluetooth headset
- 16 hour talk time
- 66 foot wireless range
- Noise cancellation with 2 microphones
- Customizable Parrott Button
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Foldable design
As you can see, both headphones share the same basic design and features like extended battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation, and call control buttons.
The 650 stands apart with its longer battery life, increased wireless range, and upgraded noise cancellation. But the 550 is smaller, lighter, and more affordable.
Key Differences Between BlueParrott 650 And 550 Noise Cancelling Headset
We’ll unpack the differences in more detail next.
- Design and Comfort
The BlueParrott 650 and 550 have similar over-the-head designs optimized for all day wearing comfort.
The 650 is slightly larger with bigger ear cups that fully enclose your ears. It weighs 9.1 ounces.
The 550 has smaller ear cups and weighs just 6.7 ounces, making it one of the lightest noise cancelling headsets around.
Both headsets have thick padded headbands and ear cushions coated in soft leatherette material. The plush padding helps block out ambient noise and prevents sore spots during extended wear.
Each ear cup swivels and folds inward so you can pack the headsets into the included carrying cases. The foldable design makes them easy to toss in your bag and perfect for traveling.
For controls, both models have a prominent Parrott Button on the outside of the right ear cup. You can press the button to answer/end calls or summon your phone’s voice assistant. An LED light indicates call, pairing and battery status.
Comfort-wise, the 550 may have a slight edge for smaller heads due to its reduced size and weight. But both models are designed for hours of fatigue-free wearing.
- Battery Life
One of the biggest differences between the BlueParrott 650 and 550 is battery life.
The 650 delivers an impressive 24 hours of talk time per charge.
With its long-lasting battery, you can easily wear it for even the longest work days without needing to recharge.
The 550 has a battery that lasts for 16 hours of continuous talk time.
That’s still enough for most jobs, but may require more frequent charging for extremely long shifts or multi-day trips away from power sources.
Both headsets have standby times over 250 hours, so the battery won’t drain much on days you don’t have many calls.
And they charge quickly via USB-C, reaching fully juiced in 2-3 hours.
If you are frequently away from electrical outlets for more than a day at a time, the 650’s superior battery life gives it the advantage. But the 550 offers enough uptime for typical daily use.
- Wireless Range
With Class 1 Bluetooth radios, the BlueParrott headsets maintain clear connections across an extended range.
The 650’s Bluetooth range reaches up to 300 feet, giving you ample room to roam away from your paired smartphone or tablet. You can leave your device in a locker or truck and keep moving around a worksite or warehouse without dropping calls.
The 550 has a shorter stated wireless range of 66 feet. In practice, this is enough range for most situations. But the 650’s increased range provides more flexibility and mobility.
Both headsets remember multiple device pairings so you can quickly switch between different phones or tablets when needed.
- Noise Cancellation Performance
One of the main reasons to choose a premium BlueParrott headset is for their excellent noise cancellation capabilities. This allows you to hear and be heard clearly even in extremely loud environments.
The BlueParrott 650 utilizes 4 microphones combined with advanced digital signal processing algorithms to block ambient noise. The noise cancellation is effective across a range of frequencies and adjustable via a dial on the headset.
With the 650’s exceptional noise cancellation, the headset excels in reducing steady loud noise like vehicle cabins as well as minimizing voices and sporadic loud sounds. Your voice comes through loud and clear to call recipients.
The BlueParrott 550 uses 2 microphones for its noise cancelling abilities. It still provides noticeable ambient noise reduction that dampens overall environmental noise. But with fewer mics, the 550’s noise cancellation isn’t on par with the 650’s class-leading performance, especially for unpredictable noise.
If you primarily work in very noisy environments like driving loud trucks or construction sites, the 650 is worth the investment for its unmatched noise isolation. But the 550 still outperforms basic headsets for clear calls in noisy locales.
- Voice Quality
Thanks to their noise cancelling abilities, both the BlueParrott 650 and 550 transmit clean, high-quality voice pickup to create an excellent call experience for people on the other end.
Your voice comes through clearly and consistently with minimal background noise, even when you are in a loud setting. Volume is adjustable so you can increase loudness if needed in boisterous environments.
The 650 may have slightly better voice reproduction due to its multi-mic array. But both models offer clear, reliable voice quality during calls.
For hearing the other person on the call, the headsets both deliver loud, perceptible audio directly into your ears. With their over-ear design and noise isolation, you shouldn’t miss a word during conversations.
- Durability
BlueParrott touts both these headsets as being extremely durable for workplace conditions.
The 650 and 550 boast IP54 certification, meaning they are dust-protected and resistant to splashing water. You don’t have to worry about wearing them in the rain or gritty environments.
Both headsets have been tested to military-level standards. They can survive drops, shocks, and vibrations. The materials used can handle the bumps and scrapes of daily industrial use.
While not completely waterproof, the 650 and 550 provide more than enough durability for most professions. Between their resilient design and included cases, they are built to last through years of regular use.
- Customization and Apps
To tailor your experience, BlueParrott offers companion apps for iOS and Android.
Using the app, you can customize functions of the Parrott Button and LED light for each headset.
For example, you can set the button to toggle noise cancellation levels or redial the last number.
The app also enables firmware updates to keep improving performance.
And you can use it to switch between paired devices or monitor battery level.
While handy, the app features aren’t essential and many people happily use the headsets for calls without ever installing the software. But the customization and upgrades enabled can enhance convenience and functionality.
- Pricing and Value
The BlueParrott 650 retails around $299, placing it at the higher end of premium Bluetooth headsets. But for occupations where clear voice and noise cancellation are critical throughout long noisy shifts, it delivers value many times beyond the price.
The BlueParrott 550 costs closer to $199, making it a more budget-friendly option. You still get solid noise cancellation and reliability in a durable package. For lighter noise levels or shorter duration calls, the 550 can be a smart choice.
Both models include hard-shell carrying cases, microUSB charging cables, and accessories in the box. And BlueParrott backs them with industry-leading 2-year warranties.
Considering their build quality and lengthy usable lifespans, the headsets provide years of performance for the investment. For those who rely on clear calls all day, the benefits easily justify the price tag.
Also Read: Comparison of Sordin Supreme Pro X And Peltor Headsets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most demanding users and extremely noisy environments, the BlueParrott 650 is considered the best overall headset in their lineup. With class-leading battery life, wireless range, and multi-microphone noise cancellation, it’s hard to beat the 650’s performance and versatility. However, the BlueParrott 550 is a compelling budget-friendly alternative.
No, the BlueParrott 550 is not fully waterproof. It does have IP54 certification making it dust-protected and resistant to splashing water. But it should not be submerged or worn in heavy rain. For full waterproofing, consider the BlueParrott B450-XT which has an IP67 rating.
The BlueParrott S650-XT is their premium convertible headset designed for professional drivers. It has enhanced noise cancellation and can be worn over-the-head or attached to a hard hat. Key features include 96% noise cancellation, 30-hour talk time, and a 550 foot range.
The main differences are the BlueParrott 350 is an over-the-head headset while the BlueParrott 450/450-XT uses a neckband design. The 450 models also have increased range, talk time, and waterproof IP67 rating compared to the 350. But the 350 is more affordable while providing good performance.
Closing Remarks
The BlueParrott 650 and 550 are both excellent noise cancelling Bluetooth headsets well-suited for noisy work environments. The 650 stands out with its superior 24-hour battery life, 300 ft wireless range, and class-leading 4-microphone noise cancellation.
It’s the best choice for maximizing voice clarity in extremely loud settings. But the 550 offers a lightweight and more budget-friendly option. With 16-hour battery life and durable design, it still performs well for most daily use cases, just with slightly reduced range and noise isolation capabilities compared to the premium 650 model.
In the end, your choice comes down to budget and just how noisy your work environment is. For most, the 550 hits the sweet spot of price and performance.
