Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.4

Sound

20.0%

4.5

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

8.2

Battery

4.0%

3.6

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 3.6
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • altec-lansing-backbeat-classic-106
altec-lansing-backbeat-classic-106

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is a wired in-ear headphone featuring 10mm driver units and a frequency response range of 40Hz to 17,000Hz. Designed for lightweight portability at approximately 25g, these earphones include a 1.2m tangle-free cable and a 3.5mm gold-plated connector, often bundled with a travel bag for added protection. Main pros include its effective passive noise reduction through a secure acoustic seal and a lightweight design that enhances comfort during long listening sessions. However, notable cons include a more limited frequency range compared to modern competitors, a lack of active noise cancellation, and no built-in microphone for headset functionality.

Technical Specifications of Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.1
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a technical score of 5.14 points, which is higher than that of 57.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.6
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 54.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

10 mm
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 uses a driver size of 10 mm, smaller driver size than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 3.9% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

40 Hz
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 reaches a lowest frequency of 40 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 99.2% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

?
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Altec
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

14 g
Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
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Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 vs the average headphone

  • 93.6% lower weight
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
  • 23 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (125 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (125 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.125 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is cheaper than the average headphone (£25 vs £90).£25 vs £90
  • Play while charging
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 93.6% lower weight
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 23 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (125 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Play while charging
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Fixed cable
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 22 Hz weaker bass extension
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (40 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Not headset-ready
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 years older release date
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2009
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 22 Hz weaker bass extension
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (40 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (40 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.40 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Not headset-ready
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 8 years older release date
    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    April 2009
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2009 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106?

  • Affordable price point, offering good value for under $20
  • Tangle-resistant cloth-covered 'shoelace' style cable
  • Lightweight and comfortable in-ear design suitable for long use
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to a tight acoustic seal
  • Small connector plug that fits easily into recessed headphone jacks
  • Durability that holds up well over several years of regular use

What customers dislike about Altec Lansing Backbeat Classic 106?

  • Weak bass response compared to higher-end models
  • Microphonic noise (cable thumping) when the cloth cord rubs against clothing
  • Lack of an inline microphone or remote for phone calls
  • Straight plug design is more prone to strain than elbow-style connectors
  • Limited frequency range (40Hz - 17kHz) compared to modern competitors
  • Small number of included ear tip sizes may limit the fit for some users

Expert reviews

I
ilounge.com
15/05/2021

The Altec Lansing Backbeat series (106, 206, and 326) offers budget-friendly, noise-isolating in-canal earphones ranging from $30 to $80, sporting a professional gold and black design with durable gray fabric cables and clear rubber tips. On the positive side, all three models feature solid build quality, aesthetic appeal, and a headphone plug friendly to mobile devices. The...Read more

C
cnet.com
17/04/2009

Altec Lansing UHP106 Backbeat Review Summary The Altec Lansing Classic UHP106 BackBeat earbuds offer a comfortable fit and reliable sound quality for an affordable retail price of around $20 online (down from a $29.99 list price). A standout feature is the 46-inch cloth-mesh cord, which provides excellent tangle resistance and protects the wiring from cracking during freezing winter...Read more

G
geardiary.com
08/03/2009

The Altec Lansing Backbeat 106 headphones offer an affordable, entry-level upgrade over standard stock earbuds, featuring a comfortable fit, a tangle-resistant fabric cord, and clear, non-tinny sound. According to Gear Diary, the headphones provide adequate, normal bass across various devices, though the fabric cable generates significant microphonic noise when rubbing against...Read more

G
geardiary.com
08/03/2009

The Gear Diary review of the Altec Lansing Backbeat 106 headphones finds that the sub-$15 earbuds offer solid performance and superior sound compared to standard,, tinny stock earbuds. Tested across various devices, they provided consistent, reliable audio quality, outclassing competitors in the same price range. Key pros include a durable, cloth-covered cable that prevents tangles,...Read more

I
ilounge.com
15/05/2021

This iLounge review evaluates Altec Lansing’s line of noise-isolating in-canal earphones, which includes the Backbeat 106 ($30), Backbeat 206 ($50), and Backbeat 326 ($80). A shared pro across all three models is their solid, professional design featuring gold and black accents, paired with durable gray fabric cables, an iPhone-friendly plug, and multi-sized clear rubber ear tips....Read more

C
cnet.com
17/04/2026

The Altec Lansing UHP106 Backbeat (Classic 106) earbuds offer solid audio performance and a comfortable fit for a budget-friendly retail price of around $20. A major highlight of the design is the 46-inch tangle-resistant cloth mesh cord, which is more durable than traditional rubberized coatings and prevents cracking in freezing winter temperatures. Additionally, the straight...Read more

G
geardiary.com
08/03/2009

The Gear Diary review of the Altec Lansing BackBeat 106 headphones highlights their value as a durable, budget-friendly upgrade over stock earbuds, featuring a tangle-resistant fabric cord and effective passive noise isolation. The 106 model delivers solid, clear sound quality that outperforms similar low-end alternatives. While comfortable for extended use, the review notes a...Read more

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