OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:24 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

80%

7.3

Technical score

20%

8.1

User score

â–²Better than 82% of headphones
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–²Better than 78%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components

52%

7.8

Sound

20%

6.8

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

7.4

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 81%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.4

Number of reviews

â–²Better than 71%
  • plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
  • plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
  • plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
  • plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
  • plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
  • plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
  • plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
plantronics-backbeat-pro-2-se
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components:

52%

7.8

Sound

20%

6.8

Features

10%

6.4

Design

8%

7.4

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

7.3
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.4

Number of reviews

8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.4/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Popularity:
Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE has a popularity score of 7.4 points, which is higher than that of 69.1% of products in this category.
7.4
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

8.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
4
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 4, newer Bluetooth version than 57.3% of headphones and equal to 4.9% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
100 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 100 m, higher Bluetooth range than 98.2% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
Audio latency
40 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 40 ms, lower audio latency than 77.2% of headphones and equal to 14.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
24 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 24 hours, lower battery life than 58.8% of headphones and equal to 3.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
24 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 24 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 65.4% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
680 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 680 mAh, higher battery capacity than 64.6% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Plantronics
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
289 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 289 g, heavier than 77.3% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4, lower clamp force than 51.2% of headphones and equal to 7.4% of headphones.
Show more

Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX Low Latency
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Low Latency, the average pair of headphones does not. 8% of headphones support aptX Low Latency.
  • 90 m longer Bluetooth range
    This pair of headphones has a higher Bluetooth range than the average pair of headphones (100 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    100 m vs 10 m
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Fast pairing support
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • Find-my-headphones feature
    This pair of headphones supports find-my-headphones features, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.7% of headphones support Find My Headphones.
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    3 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 32.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (289 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    289 g vs 218 g
  • 9 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 7 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (37 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    37 mm vs 44 mm
  • 6 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • 32.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (289 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    289 g vs 218 g
  • 7 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (37 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    37 mm vs 44 mm
  • 3 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (57 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    57 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (3 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    3 % vs 0.3 %
  • 9 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 17 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (93 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    93 dB vs 110 dB
  • 10 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (93 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    93 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 6 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (24 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    24 hours vs 30 hours

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
cozNowEIZcan
≈ estimated
04/08/2018
Hands-on review · comfort, noise cancelling, mic and daily use
Verdict
Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE is a good pair for daily commutes, with decent sound and features at a fair price.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

tomsguide.com
22/11/2018
Long-term test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The BackBeat Pro 2 SE is a stylish, warm-sounding headset that can go two weeks between charges, though it is heavy and its noise cancelling trails Bose.
techradar.com
26/10/2018
Hands-on test · Travel headphones
Verdict
The BackBeat Pro 2 SE is a lighter travel headset whose 24-hour battery and bass-heavy sound suit frequent flyers, though its noise cancelling trails Bose.
hardwareinside.de
19/10/2018
Hands-on test · Wireless ANC headphones
Verdict
The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE suits listeners who like a crisp, punchy sound, with excellent build and a comfortable fit despite its weight.
kopfhoerer.de
30/07/2017
Hands-on test · Feature-packed headphones
Verdict
The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a well-rounded pair with lots of features and deep bass, though it can sound sharp and tiring on electronic music.
netzwelt.de
01/11/2016
Hands-on test · Bluetooth ANC headphones
Verdict
The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is comfortable with decent noise cancelling, but it does not feel premium and boosts the bass too much.
macwelt.de
14/11/2016
Hands-on test · Office and travel
Verdict
The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a well-balanced pair for music lovers that also works for office calls and travel, though at 289g it is not light.
clubic.com
25/06/2019
Hands-on test · Music-focused headphones
Verdict
The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE is a musical, immersive pair that sounds best with a cable, but its noise cancelling lets too many everyday sounds through.
audiocasque.fr
11/12/2016
Hands-on test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The BackBeat Pro 2 SE is a comfortable wireless headset with a 24-hour battery and punchy bass, but its noise cancelling is modest next to Bose.
on-mag.fr
24/11/2016
Field test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The BackBeat Pro 2 SE is a stylish, comfortable headset with punchy bass and stable Bluetooth, though its noise cancelling is only medium strength.
gameit.es
23/05/2017
Hands-on test · Premium headset
Verdict
The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is a premium headset with distortion-free sound, strong call microphones and great battery life, though its price is very high.
T
techpulse.be
24/08/2018
Summary of the review
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE Review: A great travel companion, even when you are at home
(Translated)Show original
gadgetgear.nl
16/12/2016
Hands-on test · Long-haul flights
Verdict
The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Special Edition is a stylish, well-balanced pair whose noise cancelling cuts most plane engine noise, good for long flights.
androidics.nl
27/01/2017
Hands-on review · Over-ear headset
Verdict
The BackBeat Pro 2 SE is a well-built, feature-packed headset with balanced sound and a sturdy hard case, though its call button feels flimsy.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE

  • Excellent value for money compared to premium competitors like Bose and Sony
  • Impressive 24-hour battery life with reliable wireless range
  • Smart sensor technology that automatically pauses/plays music when headphones are removed or put on
  • Warm, powerful sound profile with punchy bass suitable for most listeners
  • Multipoint Bluetooth allows simultaneous connection to two devices
  • Special Edition (SE) features a more premium design, NFC pairing, and a hard shell carry case

What customers don't like about Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is decent but not as effective as class-leaders from Bose or Sony
  • Slightly bulky and heavy (approx. 290g), which may cause fatigue during long sessions
  • The ear cups do not fold for compact storage, only swivel flat
  • Sound can occasionally be a bit muddy in the lower-mid range due to boosted bass
  • The included 3.5mm backup cable lacks an in-line remote or microphone
  • Ear cups can get warm/sweaty after prolonged use due to the leatherette material

Verdict

The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 SE is a feature-rich, over-ear wireless headset featuring 40mm drivers, active noise cancellation (ANC), and a remarkable 24-hour battery life with a 330-foot Class 1 Bluetooth range. Distinguishing itself from the standard version, the Special Edition adds NFC pairing and a rigid travel case while maintaining signature smart sensors that automatically pause music when the headphones are removed. Main pros include its exceptional wireless range, multi-point connectivity for two devices, and high-quality dual microphones for clear calls. However, notable cons include ANC performance that is less effective than top-tier competitors, a bulky non-folding design, and a sound profile that some users find overly bass-heavy or muddy in the mids.

Compare Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 SE and other products in the Headphones category

No results found