Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE Headphones: A Complete Review

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE Headphones: A Complete Review

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE – wireless Bluetooth headphones for $ 250 ($ 200 are the usual Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2, not a special edition) in which there is everything! These are some of the coolest headphones that have come to my review lately. For comparison on hardcore, I will compare Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE (for $ 250) with  Sony MDR-1000X  (for $ 600, which came to me for a test in the winter of 2016-2017).

Plantronics BackBeat Series Bluetooth Headphone Prices (in 2019):

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

• Full-size Bluetooth Headphones with 2 Microphones
• Frequency range: 20 – 20,000 Hz
• Membrane Diameter: 40 mm
• Sensitivity: 93 dB
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Weight: 289g
• Profile Support: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands-free, Headset, AptX
• Function Support: Multipoint, Answer / End Talk, DSP
• Battery Type: Own Li-Pol
• Battery capacity: 680 mAh
• Operating time: 24 hours
• Charging time: 3 hours
• Features: iPhone support, foldable design, cable connectivity, LED indicator, NFC, volume control

There are many controversial issues. But the Sony MDR-1000X is even inferior in some ways and loses to the Plantronics. For example, Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 automatically pauses music when removing the headphones from the head (and playing on putting them on), which is very convenient and saves battery power. But first things first.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Special Edition costs $ 50 more than the regular Pro 2 version and includes a hard carrying case (in the regular version, fabric). BackBeat Pro 2 SE is also gray and has slight differences in the texture of the bowls.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 – Overview

SOUND

The sound is moderately bass, equally cool goes both Hip-Hop c electronic music, and instrumental rock compositions. I was pleased with the positioning of individual instrumental parts and the width of the scene. Compared to the Sony MDR-1000X, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is probably not enough in terms of quality and detail, but there is also an aptX codec in Plantronics. The overall picture of the sound in the MDR-1000X and BackBeat Pro 2 is very similar; both models are biased towards the bass.

You can also view: Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones: A Complete Review

FUNCTIONALITY AND USABILITY

In terms of useful features, Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 has incorporated a lot of valuable things.

From standard:

• NFC – attached a smartphone and connected;
• Profile support: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands-free, Headset, AptX;
• Support functions: Multipoint, Answer/end conversation, DSP;

From non-standard:

• Smart sensors. Pausing music after you remove the headphones from the head and play after putting on (this is very convenient and cool);
• Convenient LED indicator that reports the battery level, on / off, and pairing;
• Active noise canceling function. She passed my standard test in the subway and showed herself at 4+ out of 5. Sony MDR-1000X is still better; I’m sure this is due to the design features and not because of the ANC function itself.
• Sidetone function – allows you to hear yourself through microphones to understand how well the interlocutor hears you.

And now about usability:

• The ability to hear yourself through the microphone and mute the microphone with a separate button;
• On the left cup: a convenient volume control in the form of a circle, standard buttons forward / back for the audio track, play/pause, and quick pairing via NFC. You need to apply smart to the left bowl. At the back of the left bowl is a 3-mode switch. Turn on / off the noise canceler and hear yourself through the microphone.
• On the right bowl is one large button for receiving / dialing/ending calls. Rear 3-way switch on / off / Bluetooth. + button for mutating the microphone. There is a connector for recharging in the same bowl and a mini-jack input for listening via cable. You can also check the battery level using the indicator by pressing the big key.

COMFORT AND DESIGN

The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headphones are comfortable, and even after 2-3 hours of listening to music, I felt relieved. Among the wireless ones for $ 250, these are some of the most convenient models. Unless the  SteelSeries Arctis 7 is more convenient, but they are gaming and do not even have half the Plantronics functions.

Plantronics Hub program, personal experience, and all the benefits

The Plantronics Hub on Android has a lot of exciting features. The display of the headphones’ charge level on your smartphone, ending with the control of the headset. Not all functions are useful, but the application is impressive, and in the future, I think it will become more practical.

You can also view: Apple AirPods Pro: A Complete Review.

From personal experience:

I have been listening to them in the office for the past few days and have not experienced any fatigue from listening, extraneous sounds, or distortion. This is, of course, an excellent result for mid-range headphones, and they are ideal for an open office environment, especially if you don’t want to hear noisy employees.

To summarize all the advantages:

• 35% less and 15% lighter than the previous generation model.
• Buttons are not touched but mechanical. For most of me, it is much more convenient!
• New, flexible ear cushions for better ergonomics. Ear and headband coverage that evenly distribute weight around the listener’s head.
• Pure voice quality thanks to 2m microphones;
• Smart sensors that automatically pause or resume music when you take pictures or put on your headphones.
• Its ability to connect up to two devices at the same time. They can easily switch between them.
• Built-in dual microphones for phone calls.
• Foldable ear pads and protective carrying case.
• The battery lasts 24 hours with continuous listening and up to 21 days in standby mode (off for 6 months).
• There is a 3.5 mm cable, so you can use the headphones as wired if your battery runs out.
• The coverage range of Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity is 100 meters.
• Meager cost $ 200-250. A special edition of the BackBeat Pro 2 SE with an NFC connector, a robust carrying case, and a slightly different design – $ 250.

Conclusion: Should you buy Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE?

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE – these are cool headphones that have incorporated both convenient functionality and excellent sound quality for the right price. There is nothing better to buy from the wireless segment for the money. I could write that the design could be more exciting and the cups could fold inwards, but let’s omit the controversial points. These headphones have no significant drawbacks.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 – the best wireless headphones for $ 200. Should I spend $ 250 on NFC and a hard case? – You decide