Plantronics BackBeat Pro Review

Introduction

From the unknowns, to the reputable names, there’s no denying that EVERYONE is getting into the high-end headphones business. Products from familiar names like Bose, JBL, and Harman Kardon continue to be well received, while other companies like Beats Audio, Sol Republic, and V-MODA have shown us that they’re capable of also delivering quality products that appeal to the masses.

Another company that has its roots entwined deeply into our minds, Plantronics, just announced its high-end offering – the Plantronics BackBeat PRO. Armed with all the goodies you’d expect from a premium pair of over-the-ear headphones, like NFC, active noise cancellation, and up to 24 hours of battery life, the longtime headset maker is anticipating its new model to be a formidable option in the space.

The package contains:

• microUSB charging cable
• 3.5mm audio cable
• Travel sleeve
• Get started guide

Design

Although it’s comprised mostly out of lightweight plastic, there’s a subtle aggressive look to the BackBeat PRO that we find to be attractive.

We’ve seen them all folks! From plastic constructed bodies like the Samsung Level Over, to the meticulous industrial designs like the V-MODA Crossfade M-100, companies are really cognizant when it comes to the designs of these premium headphones. Taking a glance at the Plantronics BackBeat PRO, we’re pretty favorable to its design – and that’s despite it being constructed from mostly plastic. In contrast to the Samsung Level Over, the BackBeat PRO’s design has a more conventional look to it. Although, it comes off aggressive at the same time. However, for something priced at $250, it doesn’t radiate the solid construction we’d expect from a high-end pair of headphones.

Still, we’ll hand it to the designers for supplementing its appearance by subtly sprinkling purple accents throughout the unit – like the fabric grill over each ear cup and the purple color of the audio cable. In addition, they’ve taken a careful approach to its overall comfort, as the unit is rich with ample padding around the headband and ear cups, ensuring that it remains comfortable even during prolonged usage.

Unlike its contemporaries, the BackBeat PRO doesn’t feature a collapsible design, which is something we would’ve liked to see, since it occupies a larger amount of real-estate when it’s thrown into our bag. Interestingly, though, the ear cups can rotate 90-degrees to allow it to rest more comfortably and loosely around our neck – whereas other headphones tend to feel constricting and tight.

The unit’s NFC chip is embedded into the outside surface of the left ear cup, which makes it a breeze for pairing with an NFC-equipped smartphone. At the same time, the surface is also a physical button that acts as the pause/play. Ingeniously, the ring lining the outside area of the left ear cup can be rotated to perform track forward and reverse functions. Lastly, a physical switch to enable its active noise cancellation feature sits towards the rear – while its microUSB port and 3.5mm audio jack are positioned towards the bottom.

As for the right ear cup, it houses the unit’s physical power switch, a rounded accept/reject button, and another button towards the bottom that activates its OpenMic feature. Somewhat unique and something we don’t tend to see amongst headphones in general, enabling OpenMic amplifies environmental sounds to give us Superman-like hearing. We’ll detail the feature a bit later in the review. Finally, going with a more nostalgic feel, there’s a volume knob incorporated into the outside ring of the right ear cup. Obviously, its movement is buttery smooth – giving us precise control to its output.

Taking into account that Plantronics is known to be an experienced headset maker, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to know that this has been outfitted with various microphones. Well, it’s tough to say where they’re at, but we suspect that they’re discretely hidden behind the metal grills lining each ear cup.

Performance

The audio quality is good, but we wouldn’t say it’s the leader in its class. Still, the additions of NFC, active noise cancellation, OpenMic, and its smart sensors give it a well-rounded appeal.

Connecting the Plantronics BackBeat PRO is a cinch, especially if you happen to have an NFC-equipped smartphone – that’s because the connection is quickly established as we hover our device over the spot on the left ear cup. However, if NFC isn’t available on your phone, you can always resort to the usual Bluetooth pairing mode, which is available by default when it’s first powered on. Using it with an HTC One M8, we’re pleased by the unit’s exceptional range, as it’s able to eclipse its rivals by providing up to 50 feet of real-life connectivity indoors, which is pretty darn impressive in our experience. Well, it’s worth noting that Plantronics claims that it can retain a connection for up to 330 feet.

Going with the wired connection first, the Plantronics BackBeat PRO’s 40mm dynamic drivers don’t disappoint at all. Barely exhibiting any crackling or strain at the loudest volume setting, it still manages to deliver a potent mixture between all audio ranges. As with most other headphones in the same caliber, there’s a fair amount of emphasis with the lows, which sometimes subdues the mids and highs. Nonetheless, we can’t complain about the overall quality.

Switching over to Bluetooth, we’re pretty amused that its quality doesn’t really differentiate from the results of its wired connection. Better yet, activating its active noise cancellation feature mutes most the distraction we hear in the background. Although it doesn’t totally mute everything, the suppression it produces keeps our attention focused on the music – more than the distractions, of course.

Experience is something that Plantronics clearly has over its rivals, seeing that the BackBeat PRO offers a few “smart” features. In particular, the sensors in the headphones will pause the music when we remove them from our head – or in contrast, accept a call when putting them on.

And finally, we really need to talk about the unit’s cool OpenMic feature, which gives us Superman-like hearing. Relying on the various microphones of the unit, it’s able to amplify environmental sounds to give us this enhanced-like hearing. Essentially, pressing the OpenMic button reduces the volume of the music to the point that it’s barely audible – thus, giving more emphasis to the amplified sound. Honestly, this is a pretty useful feature if you want to keep the headphones on when you want to quickly reply to someone asking you a question. On the flip side, it has that spy-like quality to it, mainly because we can inconspicuously listen to nearby conversations.

Battery Life

Pushing the envelope, Plantronics has steadfastly one-upped the competition by giving this a battery life like no other! Not only are we astounded by its ability to offer 12+ hours of listening time with only 30 minutes of charging, but it’s rated to deliver a mind-boggling 24 hours of juice – or approximately 60 hours of noise cancellation.

Conclusion

Plantronics’ expertise and experience comes to life with the BackBeat PRO, which is one heck of a premium pair of headphones that won’t disappoint on many fronts. Sure, its $249.99 price point will give many people something to think about before making a decision, but at the end of the day, Plantronics has delivered the goods needed to capture our attention – more so when other premium headphones flaunt higher prices.

Even though we wouldn’t classify its audio quality as being the best in its class, it has enough juiciness to satisfy our deepest urges when it comes to music listening. On top of that, it’s one features rich thing that’s truly worthy of being a contender in the space. Specifically, its active noise cancellation, NFC, and OpenMic features are enough to entice us over the wealth of options available out there – especially with the latter, mainly because it’s somewhat of a rare sighting. Overall, the BackBeat PRO is a fantastic new member into the Plantronics family.