The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a version of the company’s upgraded model that aims to make up for a mistake or two and issues linked to its predecessors. The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 offers a great sound quality that can go neck to neck with the competition. 

The pioneering Plantronics BackBeat Pro easily became a crowd favorite even if it wasn’t perfect or feature rich. It sounds great and provides effective active noise cancellation features. With the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2, the company retained the good features and eliminated the bad, such as the bulkiness and excess weight. 

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Price Range

Plantronic’s very own BackBeat Go 810 and Sony WH-1000XM2 belong in the same price range of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 at $200. Nonetheless, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 remains to be one of our highly recommended headphones for casual listening, commuting or travel. 

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Design and Aesthetic

The straightforward aesthetic of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a bit straightforward so it’s expected that you’ll either love it or hate it – there’s no in between. The headset comes in a dark brown color palette which puts a somewhat warm temperature to the design. 

The faux wood accent also adds a premium touch to the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. The faux wood accents make the headphones standout from generic headphones, like the Bose QuietComfort 35.

The earcups of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 houses the headphone’s noise cancelling mic. The left earcups hold the controls for volume, playback and toggle for active noise cancellation. Meanwhile, the right ear cup has a pairing slider/power and a big button to answer phone calls.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 – Active Noise Cancellation

As mentioned earlier, the active noise cancellation of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 can be toggled through the left ear earcup. If you turn it off, you can enjoy some extra battery life. 

It’s good to know though that the headphones can still work in wired mode should you run out of battery life. The toggle also features an open mic mode that allows users to pause music and hear external sound or conversation without needing to remove the headphones. 

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Weight and Build

When scouting for headphones, the build and weight of a unit can also influence a consumer’s decision. Compared to its original version, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 weighs later at 290 grams (from 340 grams). This upgrade is of great value for travelers who have limited bag space and don’t want to lug around a heavy pair of headphones. 

The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 comes in a soft carrying pouch with super soft lining to protect the headphones from scratches. The pouch also has another compartment for storing the 3.5mm headphone cable and microUSB charger. 

If you are not satisfied with the soft pouch, you can purchase a hard case for the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 that has a value of $50.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2: Performance

The quirky and slightly bass heavy sound of the original BackBeat Pro has been carried over to the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. The ANC still works even if you play music in wired mode which entails that you can extend your battery life for a bit during times that you don’t mind skipping the wireless mode. The added bass helps block out external noise which helps us understand why they lean more on giving listeners a bass-heavy sound signature. 

When the active noise canceling is enabled, audiophiles may notice a slight hiss when there’s no music or audio playing. In line with this, we’d have to say that the Bose QC35 is still the premium choice in this aspect. Of course, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 can also offer a decent ANC, it’s just that it’s not as great as the QC35. 

If you’re not really a fan of heavy bass, you can also enjoy the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 with a tamer bass space by using it wired.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Battery Life

The battery life of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is pretty impressive, offering an extended battery life than the original which offered 24-hours playback time. With this information, it just shows that you are really getting a great value for the price. It’s safe to say that draining the battery life of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a challenge, which is a good thing. The battery life of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is considered to be one of its strongest technical specifications. 

Is the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Worth Buying?

Plantronics is known to have a decent line of noise cancelling headphones and earbuds, so if you’re a stickler for ANC, you’re on the right track. Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a solid headphone choice, with its superb ANC feaures and awesome battery life. If you’ve been eyeing the Sony MDR-1000X or the Bose Quiet Comfort but want a cheaper alternative, this is a sign that you should checkout the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. 

Yes, Bose may offer better ANC and Sony or Sennheiser offers better audio frequency but the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is actually in a good place, sharing a little bit of awesomeness from the said brands. Plus, the sales of this product on Amazon Prime and physical stores is a good testimony of how great the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 is. 

In terms of value, you will learn that the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a real steal. You get great for traveling headphones that offer comfort, good sound quality, incredible battery life and ability to pair two devices at once thanks to Bluetooth wireless. You can also enjoy the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 for casual listening while you’re on the computer or to entertain yourself while commuting, watching YouTube videos or your favorite TV shows.