The XVi BlueParrott Reveal Pro comes in elegant packaging, but, the product itself feels cheaper than the box it comes in. Though it has the best volume range of any Bluetooth headset we tested, the Reveal Pro’s audio quality is okay. Compared to any other product on the lineup, it is noticeably lacking, especially since there are several better-performing products with similar price points, such as the Jabra Stealth.
When it comes to call performance, the BlueParrott headset works fine. You can hear everything you need to hear, and the mic picks up what you’re saying decently well. While the Reveal Pro has the widest volume range and puts out more sound at max volume than other headsets we tested, the tinny, shallow-sounding audio is disappointing. It’s better for the other end of the call, the Reveal Pro’s mic extends to get closer to your mouth than other Bluetooth headsets, so it picks up your words and cancels out ambient noise better than average. Some testers, however, weren’t huge fans of the extendable mic, as it throws off the balance of the device and makes it feel less stable in your ear. It also tends to rest against your face, which some testers found irritating.
One thing we really liked about the BlueParrott device is its customizable Parrott button. You can use a companion app to program this button to mute calls, speed dial a contact or even launch certain apps. There is also a volume rocker, multifunction button and power switch on the headset.
At 14 grams, the Reveal Pro weighs in on the heavy end of the products we tested. It is also one of the bigger in-ear products. Though comfortable, the device has some stability problems. Without using the included ear hooks, it falls out easily, and testers noted that they frequently needed to adjust it. Even with its weight, the Reveal Pro’s plastic construction seems flimsy, almost hollow.
Overall, the XVi BlueParrott Reveal Pro is a decent Bluetooth headset, but compared to other products we tested, it falls short. Its good microphone performance, volume range and programmable Parrott button don’t quite offset its flimsy-feeling construction, iffy stability and poor audio quality.
