BlueAnt X3 Micro Bluetooth Headset

With a winning design and plenty of features, BlueAnt X3 micro Bluetooth headset from WirelessGround is one of the best performing, best looking and smallest headsets we have ever seen.

The device comes in several different colors and has a great charger package that includes adjustable “gooseneck” USB power cord which can be twisted and shaped the way you need.

The X3 micro stands for all of its advertised times and ranges: up to 7 hours of talk time, up to 180 hours standby, short 1.5 to 2 hours recharging time and a 30-foot (10 meter) range. It is compatible with any Bluetooth device that supports the headset or hands free profile. A compatibility chart is available on WirelessGround website and on official BlueAnt website.

We have tested the headset with: HTC 8125, LG vx8360, Nokia 6288, Nokia n95 and Motorola RAZR V3. Our tests showed great results in all devices.

Setting Up The Headset

BlueAnt’s X3 micro comes with two ear tips as well as a gel ear tip. Package also contains two detachable ear hooks, which simply clip on the device and revolve when you want to switch ears.

The detachable ear hook design is comfortable and it is easy to use, even when grabbing the device in a hurry to answer an incoming call. Also provided a neck strap, so that you don’t have to put it in your ear all the time.

Pairing

When it is in pairing mode, the device will flash red and blue. Pairing via Bluetooth was a very easy exercise. Once the handset was set to “discoverable”, the X3 was immediately recognized. The first time the X3 boots up out of the box it defaults to discoverable mode and allows to be detected automatically.

Pairing via PC is a similar process, you can use the BlueAnt to perform VoIP calling (Skype) provided your PC supports the headset or hands free profile. Given the X3 can be paired with up to three devices, it is perfect for someone who got a PDA, work cell phone and a PC/laptop. Multiple (up to 3) pairs require pressing and holding the Multifunction button and then pressing the “+” button once, twice, or three times depending on which paired device you wish to connect to.

Functions

With one multifunction button and two volume buttons, the device functions flawlessly. The multifunction button engages voice dial, cancels voice dialing, answers a call, ends a call, turns the device on and off, voice dials through a second and third paired phone, and it can also turn off the LED indicator light, which is an amazing addition for the X3 micro. Some might find flashing LED light extremely annoying and attention drawing and being able to turn it off is a rational and needed function.

The volume buttons increase or decrease volume, or mute a call when pressed together. Pressing all three buttons together deletes all stored paring information.

Sound Quality

The sound is clear and it connects wonderfully fast to phones tested, including controlling the voice command features.

In some cases users might experience hardly noticeable echo which is easy to elminate through adjustments to the volume of both phone and the X3 headset. During our test it sounded loud and clear, and callers did not report any issues with voice quality.

Range

BlueAnt advertises a 30 foot (10 meter) range for the X3 micro and the device performed with pretty much the same sound quality throughout that range.

Another great feature is a light beeping warning sound that lets you know you are about to step outside headset’s range.

Battery Life and Charging

The device has a built-in lithium polymer battery that can be charged through USB port. Even though it is a good battery, eventually it will become weak and less effective, especially when it’s used and recharged a lot. Like many Bluetooth headsets, the battery can’t be replaced, which means the headset itself will eventually have to be replaced when it no longer holds a charge long enough.

Another fine design feature is the bendable USB charger cord. It allows to plug it into the USB port of any computer, use the included car charger, which has its own USB port, or use the traditional AC wall charger.

The USB charger cord itself can be molded so it would preserve the connection between the charger cord and the X3 micro. The charging port on the X3 micro is small and hardly noticeable. The charger is small enough to be truly portable, so you won’t carry yet another huge charger around.

Style and Comfort

As mentioned before, BlueAnt’s X3 micro Bluetooth Headset looks awesome. It is 2 inches (50.8 mm) long, one inch (25.4 mm) wide and a half inch (12.7 mm) thick.

BlueAnt’s X3 micro Bluetooth Headset comes in several different color schemes: cool white, hot pink, bronze, gold and red. In our case it was black. It looks good on the ear but it won’t stay for long on your ear without the ear hook, so the detachable ear hook is pretty useful.

The device is comfortable enough to wear, it weights only 0.46 ounces (13 grams). The ear hook fits fine and makes the phone quite secure. It could get a little uncomfortable during really long usage, but it is a problem for any ear device.

Price and Purchasing

With a regular price of $79.95, the headset can be found online for under $50.00. The price at WirelessGround is $29.95.

Help and Support

The unit ships with both a quick start guide and a manual. Official website also has both documents in PDF should you misplace the paper version. Their site is very comprehensive, and has everything a user should need in terms of questions and support.

Conclusion

The X3 is an outstanding item that includes both broad spectrum of features and an innovative design. It looks great, small, charges quickly, lasts for long periods on a charge, and demonstrates consistently high call quality across a range of environments and phones. All in all, it’s an excellent product and a great value. Highly recommended for anybody looking to replace a lost or damaged headset, new users, or those wishing to upgrade and get better functionality.

The good:

• Small size

• Ease of use

• Design and functionality

• Audio quality

• Three charging methods

• Three bluetooth devices support

• Flexible USB Charger Cord

• Car charger

• Range

• Battery

• 2 year hardware warranty

The bad:

• May become loose without ear hook

• Volume buttons are small and a bit touchy. Careless fingers might hang up on someone

• A lot of LEDs (can easily be de-activated though)

X3 Micro specification:

Supports Headset and Handsfree Profiles
Works with a Bluetooth enabled computer for voice calls
Multi-Connect Call Switching Technology
High Quality Full Duplex Headset Sound
Bluetooth compliance – Bluetooth version 1.2 with Headset
Bluetooth Power – 3.5mW (0.0025W)
Max. cordless distance – 30 feet (10 meters)
Weight of headset – less than one half ounce
Standby time – 180 hours
Talk time – 7 hours
Normal re-charge time – 1.5 ~ 2 hours
Battery type – Li polyymer rechargeable battery
Three Charging Options – PC / Mac’s USB Port, Car charger, AC Charger (US Version)

The box includes:

BlueAnt X3 micro Bluetooth Headset
User Guide
Start Guide
HelpLine Support Guide
Flexible USB Charging Cable
Car Charger with USB Port
AC Wall Charger
Two Soft Gel Earbud Covers
Two Removable Ear Hooks
One Foam Earbud Cover
One Neck Strap