Backbeat Go 810 Rating
Introduction
In recent years Plantronics has become a household name in the wireless active noise cancellation segment.
They have maintained their reputation with the introduction of the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 wireless headphones and the Plantronics backbeat Go 810 wireless headphones.
These are some of the best over ear Bluetooth headphones out there. The Plantronics Backbeat Go 810 headphones have been advertised as noise cancelling.
Whilst they do have the technology, I think they are probably high end noise isolating headphones than noise cancelling.
Image: Plantronics Backbeat Go 810
Image source: Plantronics
The more reputable names in the segment were Sony, Sennheiser and Bose. However the makers of these headphones always priced their headphones at the upper end of the Price scale.
Plantronics has managed to satisfy a segment of the market that wants the quality but is unwilling to part ways with $300 for a pair of cans.
Image: Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
So why compare these two headphones specifically ? Well most commentators, myself included see the Backbeat Go 810 as the affordable version of the Backbeat Pro 2.
One could argue that it is the Backbeat Pro 2 without the bells and whistles. The Backbeat Go 810 retails for about half the price of the Backbeat Pro2. But does it have half the performance ?
If you want a comprehensive review of the Plantronics Backbeat Go 810 click here
Lets compare the features and the specifications side by side
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Active noise cancellation
Backbeat Pro 2
The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 wireless headphones come with on demand active noise cancellation. I must say I was pretty impressed with the level and quality of noise cancellation.
Plantronics designed the backbeat Pro 2 with Active Listening Mode. The purpose of this mode is to ensure that you can quickly hear conversations and announcements around you when you are in a noisy place without having to remove your headphones.
When you take your headphones off, the smart sensors of the backbeat Pro 2 pause your music automatically and also resume your music as soon as you put them back on.
Backbeat Go 810
Noise canceling in these headphones was a rather mediocre.
But, when I was on a work out, I preferred to have on some high tempo music as I put on a sweat, so noise cancellation was not a deal breaker for me at all.
If you want quality noise canceling headphones, then I would highly recommend taking a look at my list of the best noise canceling headphones.
The Backbeat Go 810 wireless noise canceling capability can be surprisingly versatile.
For instance, I tried to use them at work to see how they would contend with noisy office chatter and other ambient noise that comes with working in a modern office space in a big city.
They actually did an OK job of muffling out my co-workers when they were chatting.
Unfortunately they do not have an ambient mode, like the Sony WH-1000XM3 so you don’t get advanced noise cancellation capability.
So as a result my co-workers had to tap me on the shoulder to get my attention, which is not always ideal.
The headphones did an OK job of keeping out the air conditioner noise as well.
I tested these headphones on a flight as well and I believe that the headphones coped well with jet engine noise, but crying babies did slightly over power them.
40mm Drivers
Backbeat Pro 2
There is no lag in sound audio. I enjoyed incredible mids and lows, and the bass was extremely rich.
The powerful 40mm speaker drivers deliver an appropriate amount of rich bass, crisp highs and natural mid tones for my music.
When testing the sound quality of my headphones’, I am always sensitive to muddy sounds. I am glad that the backbeat Pro2 headphones’ produced clear sounding music.
Playing a playlist on spotify really gave me the goosebumps, it’s amazing how much rich, clear sound, and bass these cans can kick out. The sound is immersive and high resolution.
Backbeat Go 810
The drivers delivered detailed and thorough sound.
Detailed mids with clear and crisp vocals. The bass was decent but not powerful.
Battery Life
Backbeat Pro 2
The backbeat Pro 2 SE provide up to 24 hours of listening time with a 3 hour charge. The headphones also include 21 days of standby power and up to 6 months of deep sleep hibernation.
Disappointingly the backbeat Pro 2 does not come with quick charging, which has come to be a standard in active noise cancelling headphones these days.
Backbeat Go 810
The backbeat Go 810 provide up to 22 hours of battery life, when the ANC is on with a single charge.
When the ANC is turned off the headphones can go continuously for 28 hours before they need a recharge.
The Backbeat Go 810, provide additional battery life of 3 hours with a quick charge of 10 minutes.
Bluetooth
Backbeat Pro 2
With the backbeat Pro 2 you can stream rich, life-like audio up to 100m/330ft away from your class 1 Bluetooth smartphone or tablet.
Backbeat Go 810
With the Backbeat Go 810 you can achieve up to 164ft or 50m extended range with class 1 Bluetooth-compatible devices.
Open Listening
Backbeat Pro 2
Open listening mode allows you to listen to airport or train station announcements and conversations without having to take off your headphones.
This can be achieved by using the on-demand, open listening mode button located on the left ear cup.
Backbeat Go 810
N/A
Smart Sensors
Backbeat Pro 2
The smart sensors automatically pause your music, when you remove your headphones, so that you do not lose the position of your music or entertainment.
As soon as you put your headphones back on, your headphones will resume playback.
This has also been designed to ensure that power is conserved.
Backbeat Go 810
N/A
Recommended
Multi point technology
Multi point technology allows wireless connectivity between 2 devices so that you can switch from answering calls on your phone back to your music and movies.
Backbeat Pro 2
The backbeat Pro 2 includes multi point technology.
Backbeat Go 810
The backbeat Go 810 allows connectivity to a maximum of 2 devices.
Travel Case
Backbeat Pro 2
The included travel case is a stitched travel bag, which protects against scratches, but may not protect against other bumps.
If you are interested in Plantronics and a hard cover case, then I recommend that you check out this review.
Image source: Plantronics
Backbeat Go 810
The included travel case is a stitched travel bag, which protects against scratches, but may not protect against other bumps.
Image source: Plantronics
On Ear Controls
Backbeat Pro 2
On ear controls allow you to, activate open listening mode, turn active noise cancellation on and off, skip tracks and take calls.
Image source: Plantronics
Backbeat Go 810
On ear controls allow you to activate smartphone voice assistants, select your preferred EQ presets, turn active noise cancellation on and off, skip tracks and take calls.
Image source: Plantronics
Jack
Backbeat Pro 2
The headphones come with a 3.5mm jack.
Backbeat Go 810
The headphones come with a 3.5mm jack.
Whispered Status Alert
Backbeat Pro 2
Whispered status alerts indicate the status of your battery so that you can determine when to charge your headphones.
Backbeat Go 810
N/A
Table: Specifications
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The Bottom Line
From a performance point of view, the Backbeat Pro 2 edges out the Backbeat Go 2 with superior noise cancelling , better audio (particularly the base) as well as enhanced features such as open listening mode.
The battery life is slightly longer at 24 hours vs 22 for the Backbeat Go.
The Backbeat 810 go is never the less a solid set of cans and has done all the basis right.
The sound is good, not superb and the clamping force is excellent making these headphones especially good for the gym.
The Backbeat Go 810 also include quick charging, something that the Backbeat Pro SE does not include.
