CONCLUSION

   Having the previous STONE2 model here didn't really make things very easy for me since it took me almost 3 weeks of testing both headsets just to see what it is that Jabra improved on the STONE3. Well the good news is that if the person on the other end uses a smartphone with one or more quality microphones you will most likely notice quite a bit of a difference in audio clarity between the STONE2 and STONE3 headsets however during testing that didn't happen many times (then again not many people that i know of use the latest in smartphone technology so that could be the reason). Still although there's a difference in audio clarity and the STONE3 also uses NFC for easier pairing with compatible devices i was a bit disappointed to see that Jabra didn't feel like boosting the battery levels of both the headset and the charging unit (5 recharges however are plenty) so we had to recharge the STONE3 once every 90-100 minutes of use. Jabra states that the STONE3 has up to two hours of talk time (120 minutes) but that's only if you use it at medium volume levels something we did not. Of course once you are done talking you can place the headset back in the charging unit to replenish its battery but still we would like to see even a tiny improvement on that area compared to the previous STONE2 especially since it’s been 2 years since then (back then it was ok really but now not so much). During testing we didn't really notice any difference in regards to the dual microphones used and neither did the people on the other end once we switched headsets (STONE2/STONE3) so no improvements there either although that was never something that needed improvement with the STONE2 to begin with (not that i wouldn't welcome any improvements had Jabra made them).

   The STONE3 Bluetooth Wireless Headset by Jabra currently retails for roughly the same exact price tag as the STONE2 did at launch which is set at USD107.89 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 85Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Obviously this is still not a low price for a Bluetooth Wireless Headset but considering that you're also getting a portable charging unit for that particular headset i think that it's not a bad deal in the end. Overall i had no problems with the STONE3 (same with the STONE2) and although i do prefer the MOTION Bluetooth Headset more since its microphones are working quite better i do understand that certain compromises need to be done when you design a headset that's as small as the STONE3 and I’m certain that everyone else does too. Still we are talking about one of the best Bluetooth Headsets in the market not only in terms of build quality, size, weight and design but also in terms of audio clarity (for both ends) and battery life which is why the STONE3 is worth our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Design
- Size / Weight (7g)
- Audio Quality (Both Ends)
- Dual-Mics With Noise Blackout 3.0 Technology
- Caller Announce / Battery Life Announce / Voice Commands
- Bluetooth 3.0 (A2DP/HFP/HSP)
- Charging Unit (Offers Up To 10 Extra Hours Of Use)
- NFC Compatible (Near Field Communications)
- Available in Black & White 

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Dual-Mics Could Perform Better (Design/Size Limitation)
- Just 2 Hours Of Talk Time (Design/Size Limitation)