With in-ear earbuds becoming popular it is refreshing to see an over-the-ear model with an adjustable boom microphone such as the BlueParrott GN M300-XT. I first saw this design on the Plantronics Voyager range years ago and found much to like about it. BlueParrott has reinvigorated this classic style in the new M300-XT while loading it with modern advancements in technology.

I love that it hooks comfortably over the ear. There isn't any mucking about trying to squeeze it into your ear or worry about it falling out. It’s there to stay. For another, the boom microphone aims towards your mouth for clearer pickup. While it weighs only 20g it’s not invisible - at least, if your hair isn’t covering it - and offers a visual indication to your co-workers that you are on the phone.

The unit has two MEMS microphones allowing it to block 80% of background noise while still delivering your spoken words. It uses USB-C and can provide up to 14 hours of talk time. It can be worn on either ear and works up to 100 metres from your Bluetooth device. It’s IPS4 rated against dust, water and sweat, and provides a customisable button to give your choice of mute, speed dial, or push-to-talk.

You can also pair two devices with it at the same time, allowing you to switch between your mobile phone and voice calls, and Microsoft Teams on your laptop for VoIP calls, as one example. Or, you might play music from your phone but switch to Zoom on your tablet. Or, you might use it in many other ways - the functionality is there to keep you connected on two devices concurrently. Its Bluetooth pairing list supports eight remembered devices.

It's also worth mentioning the packaging has been specifically designed with cardboard built from sustainably sourced materials that are FSC certified. The hanger for the box is made from recycled plastic, and the ink is soy-based. The whole package is compact and is completely recyclable.

The M300-XT has been specifically engineered to provide superior call quality in high noise environments. Whether you’re in the office, out and about, working in a cafe or on the side of the road, or even simply at home with children and animals, you can count on the M300-XT to be a straightforward, well-performing Bluetooth earpiece.

I enjoyed using the BlueParrott GN M300-XT, finding it immediately to be a practical earpiece that connects and stays connected, without fuss, letting you get on with your day but is there when you need it.

In my view, it's aimed squarely at professionals who need to talk and walk. Despite diminutive earbuds being a new fashion, this is the earpiece for those who carry on conversations more than they listen to music and who don’t want to worry about losing them along the journey. In fact, BlueParrott’s product imagery depicts a delivery driver, which is a perfect example of someone who is busy all day, who needs to take and make calls, but who can’t stop moving to hold a phone and stand in one place.

By all means, you can use it for music too, but remember it’s a single ear mono device.

Technical specs include a 10.3mm speaker size, 20Hz to 20KHz frequency range, 5mW max input power, 32-ohm impedance, 420 minute standby time, one-year warranty, and replaceable ear gels.

The BlueParrott GN M300-XT is available at a recommended retail price of $149.