When Plantronics launched its BackBeat Pro headphones in 2014 , it instantly filled a niche that didn't have many worthy contenders: t...
When Plantronics launched its BackBeat Pro headphones in 2014, it instantly filled a niche that didn't have many worthy contenders: that of wireless, noise-cancelling, over-the-ear headphones.
Now, the company has a sequel. The BackBeat Pro 2 headphones have roughly the same set of features as the original BackBeat Pro, but an updated design and a lower price of just $199 (the original BackBeat Pros cost $249 at launch).
The features are plenty: active noise cancellation, bluetooth wireless connectivity, a 24-hour battery, sensors that automatically play/pause the music as you put on/remove the headphones and a foldable design.
Truth be told, the original version had all that as well, so what's new? First, the earcups are now oval instead of round, ideally making the headphones comfier for a wider range of ears. The design is less bulky and, judging by the pictures, more stylish and premium. The multitude of buttons on both earcups was thoroughly rearranged, though we'd have to test them out to see whether the ergonomics have improved.
IMAGE: PLANTRONICS
Arguably the biggest change is the price. At two hundred bucks, the BackBeat Pro 2 headphones are a formidable competitor in the space, dominated by the likes of Beats Solo 3, which cost $299, and Bose QuietComfort 35, which are a bit more expensive at $349.95.
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