Arctic P253 BT Bluetooth Headphones Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. The Arctic P253 BT Headset4. Comfort and Performance5. Closing Thoughts6. View All Pages

Today we are going to look at one of Arctic's latest products, the P253 BT Bluetooth headset. This has been designed for budget-restricted users who are looking for a decent pair of Bluetooth headphones, particularly those who want to use them for sports.

Even though we are more accustomed to reviewing high-end gaming headsets, we have been very impressed by Arctic's Bluetooth audio offerings in the past and couldn't resist when they offered us this model to test.

We reviewed Arctic's slightly more expensive P311 Bluetooth headset back in 2011 and awarded it our coveted ‘Worth Buying' award.

Specifications

• Headphone Type: Supra-Aural On-ear, Neckband
• Driver Size: 28 mm
• Microphone: Omnidirectional, -42±3dB
• Frequency Response: 18 Hz – 22 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Bluetooth Version: V3.0 +EDR Class 2. V3.0
• Range: 20 m
• Rechargable Battery: 400mAh Lithium-ion Battery
• Playback Time: 20 hours
• Standby Time: Up to 400 hours
• Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung, Blackberry and other phones with Bluetooth connection, Laptops and computers with Bluetooth connection or Bluetooth adapter

It is quite clear from the packaging that the Arctic P253 BT is not going to be anything particularly sophisticated.  The brown cardboard packet features a basic diagram of the headphone on the front.

The packet itself is very compact, due to the folding nature of the headphones within.  Turning the box around reveals a detailed breakdown of the features and specifications of the unit, alongside a diagram outlining the different features of the buttons on the headphones.

Inside the box, the only item we find alongside the headphones is mini-USB cable for charging.

Arctic have chosen to use a gloss black and silver colour scheme for the P253 BT headset which looks a little more premium than the grey finish we saw on the P311.

The plastics used in construction still feel a little cheap, but high quality plastics cannot really be expected considering the price point. The gloss finish is likely to pick up scratches and marks over time, but certainly looks impressive when new.

The entirely plastic construction of the P253 BT helps to keep weight down to a minimum, although the headset feels slightly on the flimsy side.  It is important that a headband style headset is lightweight though, otherwise it can be quite uncomfortable to wear.

One of the most convenient features of the P253 BT is its folding design, which makes it ideal for those on the move.  It also means that they can easily be thrown into a sports bag without risking too much damage to the unit.

We find all of the buttons located on the right earpiece, letting you control all functions with one hand.  There is a multifunction button in the centre which has numerous functions.  The number of functions can make it a little confusing to use at first, but after a while you get used to the different functions and it becomes much easier.

This centre button also controls the hands free functionality, letting you make and answer calls with the small microphone which is also located on the right earpiece.  The other four buttons are volume up and down, and skip forward and back.

We have tested most different styles of headphone in the past, and we have generally found that neckband models are less comfortable than their over-the-head counterparts. Considering the price point of the P253 BT, we are quite impressed with the level of comfort it has to offer, though.

The arms of the headset hook around your ears, with the band passing around your neck.  Arctic have designed the neckband so it does not need to be adjusted for size, however we wonder if it would be more comfortable if it could be.

Arctic advertise this model for the sports market, meaning comfort during exercise is a key factor.  Perhaps the only significant negative point of the headset in terms of comfort is realised after a sweaty session in the gym, as the earpads can get a little uncomfortable after around 30 minutes use.

We are happy to say that the headset remains firmly in place when running, rowing and cycling though, thanks in part to the lack of a cable to tug them out of place.

We were pleasantly surprised by the level of the sound quality offered by the P253 BT, especially considering the price point.  In our music tests, it performed particularly well and only fell down with the more bass-heavy tracks which it didn't quite do justice.

Although we imagine most users will purchase this headset to use with a mobile device for music playback, it can also be connected up to a laptop or PC. We also conducted our movie playback tests too, which yielded pretty good results.  They are more than good enough to watch a few movies on the go, however we would recommend a more competent set of headphones for frequent usage as the bass is a little lacking and they don't create the most immersive experience.

In terms of battery life, the P253 BT offers good performance too.  We tested the headset for around 14 hours and it showed no signs of fading, so we wouldn't be surprised if it could reach the 20 hours claimed by Arctic.

Everything considered, we are very impressed with what the Arctic P253 BT Bluetooth Headset has to offer.  In terms of build quality, the P253 BT doesn't offer anything particularly special but is perfectly acceptable given the price point.

We have been using our very similar old Arctic P311 for three years now and it's still in perfect working order with no physical damage at all – which bodes well for the P253 BT.

We were particularly impressed with the sound quality of the P253 BT which seems a lot better than the P311 when they are compared side by side.  It offers punchier bass response, better overall sound quality and equally impressive battery life, lasting for over 14 consecutive hours in our tests.

One of the most handy features of the headset is the folding design which means that it is extremely compact during transportation and is unlikely to get damaged if you throw it in a sports bag with all your gear.

Without doubt the most impressive aspect of the P253 BTT is the price, though.  It can be yours for the reasonable sum of £11.74 from Amazon UK, making it very affordable indeed.  This makes it truly excellent value for money and is well worth the money.

Discuss on our Facebook page, over HERE.

Pros

• Excellent value for money.
• Decent sound performance.
• Feels pretty durable.
• Impressive battery life.
• Hands-free functionality.

Cons

• Some plastics don't feel particularly good quality.

KitGuru says: An decent product from Arctic which offers very impressive value for money.

Become a Patron!