Plantronics Backbeat Go Review | 93 Data compared

The Plantronics BackBeat GO is a compact wireless Bluetooth headset reviewed by Android Police. It costs $99 and stands out for its lightweight design. The design is very small and mimics wired earbuds. Major pros include well-balanced sound quality and a standard microUSB charging port built directly into the right earbud. This means you do not need an annoying proprietary charger. Call quality is also quite good, which fits the reliable reputation of the brand. YouTube· However, this device has several notable drawbacks. The biggest con is the poor battery life, which only lasts between 3 to 3.5 hours during real-world music playback tests. The inline remote controls are cumbersome and it is hard to feel which button you are pushing. The fit can be an issue too, as the buds tend to slip out during vigorous workouts. Additionally, it can only pair with one device at a time, requiring manual re-pairing when you switch electronics. Finally, the official companion app is incredibly basic and frustratingly redirects users to a website when clicked.

The Plantronics BackBeat Go features a highly convenient, wireless design that prioritises a lightweight and unobtrusive aesthetic. The earbuds connect via a thick, tangle-resistant cable that measures approximately one metre, neatly concealing a charging port under a rubber seal and incorporating a subtle inline controller. Pairing the device with smartphones is seamless and straightforward, as the headset enters pairing mode immediately upon startup without requiring a password. Additionally, its performance during phone calls is reliable, delivering clear audio that makes it a fully functional hands-free accessory. However, the headphones fall short when it comes to multimedia playback, making them difficult to recommend for music lovers over cheaper, wired alternatives. Due to the audio processing limitations of Bluetooth, the sound quality is flat, thin, and tinny on standard settings, turning muddy and rumbling when bass-boosting profiles are applied. The device also lacks versatility; it does not include a wired adapter in the box to bypass Bluetooth limitations for times when higher audio fidelity is desired. Ultimately, it caters strictly to users who value wireless convenience above music quality.

The Plantronics BackBeat Go is an exceptionally lightweight (0.46 ounces) wireless stereo Bluetooth headset designed seamlessly for both voice calls and music playback. It earned a 4.0 "Excellent" rating and a PCMag Editors' Choice award due to its comfortable, unobtrusive build and highly functional tangle-free neck cord. The device features a simple three-button inline control system for handling calls, tracking, and volume adjustments. Additionally, it stands out as an exemplary tool for phone calls, utilizing the company’s extensive background in mono headsets to deliver highly natural voice quality and superior wind noise suppression on busy streets. It pairs effortlessly with iOS and Android devices, includes a dedicated battery status indicator for both platforms, and can fully recharge in just two and a half hours. Despite its high praise, the review highlights several prominent audio and design-related drawbacks. The primary disadvantage stems from its ultra-soft earbud tips, which deform too easily and make it difficult to lock in a consistent, proper fit. This shifting physical seal directly compromises its 6mm neodymium drivers, resulting in a thin, weak bass response that requires...

Plantronics BackBeat GO The Plantronics BackBeat GO is an ultra-lightweight, wireless stereo Bluetooth headset designed with a stylish, two-tone matte finish available in black or white. Built primarily for active users and workouts, it features a light oleophobic coating to repel sweat and a specialized tangle-free connecting cable. Functionality is concentrated on the right earbud, which houses an in-line microphone, basic power/media controls, and a micro-USB charging port protected by a rubber flap. The headset provides roughly 4 hours of battery life—which displays directly on connected iOS devices—and features helpful audio notifications for power status, connectivity, and low battery. Key Pros & Cons Stylish and lightweight form factor. Sweat-resistant oleophobic coating. Tangle-free matte cable design. Convenient iOS battery indicator integration. Uncomfortable fit during long listening sessions. Tinny audio quality lacking deep bass. Short battery life restricted to 4 hours. Despite its high portability and sleek appearance, the BackBeat GO struggles significantly with comfort and audio performance. The earbuds can feel tight and uncomfortable during extended use, falling short of older models like the Backbeat 903 or competitors like Bose. Sound...

The AAII review highlights the $79.99 Plantronics BackBeat GoGo as an ultra-lightweight Bluetooth headset, featuring a compact design with a flat cord to prevent tangles. It provides excellent call clarity, in-line controls, three sizes of cushioned eartips with stabilizers for a secure fit, and an on-screen battery meter for mobile devices. However, the review cites a limited battery life of 4.5 to 5 hours as a significant drawback, requiring frequent recharging. Additionally, while providing clean mid-tones, the headset lacks deep bass, requiring a perfect seal for acceptable low-frequency sound.

The Plantronics BackBeat GO wireless in-ear headphones are exceptionally lightweight, 13-gram earbuds designed to offer tangle-free audio streaming and calling functionality via a single connecting cable. The review praises the headphones for delivering a remarkably good audio experience characterized by clear, detailed sound and a healthy level of bass. Additional strong points include their highly comfortable fit—supported by three sizes of silicone soft tips and stabilizer inserts—and a wireless Bluetooth range of up to 10 meters, allowing users to keep their media devices safely stored in a bag or on a desk. The inclusion of inline controls, an integrated microphone for phone calls, and an on-screen battery meter for iOS and Android users add substantial everyday convenience.

The Plantronics BackBeat Go earphonesGo are praised for their exceptionally lightweight design, balanced sound profile, and reliable Bluetooth range of up to 20 meters. They offer clear, non-harsh high frequencies that outperform many competitors in the budget, wireless, in-ear category. However, the review highlights that the earphones use standard SBC codecs, which can reveal digital compression, and they lack significant bass, making them unsuitable for users seeking a heavy low-end. Despite these drawbacks, they are noted for providing a stable connection and superior comfort.

The Plantronics BackBeat Go is a compact and lightweight wireless Bluetooth stereo headset priced at $99.99, featuring an attractive design and a comfortable fit achieved through included silicon eartips and optional wings. On the positive side, it offers a balanced sound quality without overemphasized bass, works well for making phone calls with an integrated inline remote microphone, and features a flat, tangle-free "fettuccine" style wire. It also provides a convenient, albeit tiny, onscreen battery meter for iOS devices. However, the headset has several notable shortcomings, most significantly a mediocre battery life of only 4.5 hours due to its small size. The audio lacks dynamic range because it compresses files and lacks the aptX codec, and the volume can feel a bit restrained in noisy outdoor environments. Additionally, the buttons on the inline remote are small and hard to operate by feel, the on/off switch is tiny, and the minuscule status LED is very difficult to see in bright sunlight. Finally, the earbuds protrude more than normal headphones, the package lacks a carrying case, and the unit is not sweat-resistant, making...

The PCMag review of the $99.99 Plantronics BackBeat GoGo awards the wireless headset an Editors' Choice, highlighting its featherweight design, comfortable fit, and superior voice performance, which is described as the best for phone calls in its class. It features effective, two-way noise suppression and a tangle-free flat cable, outperforming competitors in call clarity and comfort. PCMagHowever, the 6mm neodymium drivers deliver a weak bass response, resulting in a thin sound profile that may not satisfy users seeking a warmer, more powerful audio experience. Additionally, the review notes a difficult-to-secure fit and occasional cable noise during physical activity, detracting slightly from the overall user experience.