In this article, we will be reviewing the Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling headphones. Released in 2018, these headphones were priced at $200, but can now be purchased for $60, making them a very affordable option in the market. While we find these headphones to be likable, it is important to note that there is strong competition in this space.
Design and Build Quality
The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 headphones have a minimalist design that exudes sophistication. The bronze arm extenders add a nice touch to their overall look. These headphones are available in three colors – black, blue, and bone. They are well-built, although the headband feels slightly weak. However, there is reinforcement underneath, making them capable of withstanding stress. The headphones mostly consist of plastic, with fabric on the top, leather on the side, and a rubber element on the left cup. The overall design is uniform and visually pleasing.
Ports and Buttons
On the right side of the headphones, you will find the power and pairing button, LED status light, and EQ button. The EQ button doubles as a mic mute button and allows you to switch between two EQ settings. On the left side, there are volume control and active noise cancelling buttons. The headphones also feature a micro USB plug and a 3.5mm audio port. The physical buttons are well-designed and easy to locate.
Comfort
The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 headphones offer decent comfort, with a soft fabric along the top and a clamping force that is not too harsh. Weighing just 224 grams (8 ounces), they are relatively lightweight and do not exert excessive pressure on the head. However, the ear cushions are a bit stiff and small, which may cause discomfort for some users, especially those with larger ears. The headphones can be fatiguing for extended periods, particularly for glasses wearers.
Sound Quality
These headphones have a bass-forward sound profile, which may be enjoyable for those who prefer a strong bass. However, the emphasis on bass leads to a slightly muddy sound with less clarity in the mid and high frequencies. When connected with a cable, the sound quality improves, but some users may experience a drop in volume when using these headphones with their phone. The headphones support only the SBC codec, so there may be a slight lag when watching movies.
Active Noise Cancelling
The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 headphones offer three levels of active noise cancelling – high, low, and off. While the high setting is effective enough, the low and off settings also provide satisfactory noise isolation. For the best performance, it is recommended to keep the active noise cancelling feature on high. The headphones promise a battery life of 22 hours with ANC on and 28 hours with it off, and the battery management is commendable, with options to display time left or percentage.
Additional Features
One notable feature of these headphones is the “Find My Headset” function, which allows users to locate their headphones either when they are still connected or when they have been disconnected. The headphones come with a mobile app that is easy to use and includes instructional videos. However, an annoying aspect of the device’s software is the interruption of music playback every time there is an announcement on the connected phone.
Conclusion
The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling headphones offer a sleek design, decent sound quality, and effective noise cancellation. They are priced at $60, making them an affordable option in the market. However, the comfort level may be an issue for some users, especially those with larger ears or those who wear glasses. While they are not the highest-performing headphones in their price range, the additional features, such as the “Find My Headset” function, make them a worthy consideration. Overall, these headphones earn a rating of 7 out of 10 and are a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Expert Comment
Adrienne Swavey, Acoustic Engineer & Audiophile
“The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 showcases a respectable attempt at marrying aesthetic finesse and acoustic performance within an affordable price bracket. Its minimalist design, paired with a robust bass-forward soundscape, appeals notably to a demographic that values a potent low-frequency response. However, audiophiles may find the overshadowing bass to detrimentally impact the overall harmonic balance, compromising the midrange transparency and high-frequency shimmer that is often sought after. From an engineering standpoint, the use of various materials like plastic, fabric, and leather, speaks to a deliberate attempt to balance build quality and visual appeal. The ANC functionality is noteworthy for its tier, yet the employment of just the SBC codec may somewhat truncate the audio-video synchronization during multimedia consumption. Ergonomically, the headphones posit a lightweight and user-friendly experience, though, with certain physical design aspects, they may not cater ubiquitously to all ear shapes and sizes. Indeed, the BackBeat Go 810’s offerings do harmonize largely with its current market value, rendering it a commendable contender in the budget-friendly ANC headphones category.”
| Feature Category | Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 |
|---|---|
| Design & Build Quality | – Minimalist, sophisticated design |
| – Bronze arm extenders | |
| – Available in black, blue, and bone | |
| – Predominantly plastic build with fabric and leather elements | |
| – Slightly weak headband, but reinforced | |
| Ports & Buttons | – Power, pairing, and EQ buttons on the right earcup |
| – Volume control and ANC buttons on the left earcup | |
| – Features a micro USB plug and a 3.5mm audio port | |
| Comfort | – Decent comfort with soft fabric and reasonable clamping force |
| – Lightweight at 224 grams | |
| – Potential discomfort with stiff and small ear cushions | |
| Sound Quality | – Bass-forward sound profile |
| – Somewhat muddy mids and highs | |
| – Slightly lower volume and possible lag in wireless mode due to SBC codec | |
| Active Noise Cancelling | – Three ANC settings: high, low, and off |
| – Adequate performance at high setting | |
| – 22 hours of battery life with ANC on, 28 hours with ANC off | |
| Additional Features | – “Find My Headset” feature via app |
| – Interruption of audio playback during phone notifications | |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 |
| Price | $60 (current) |
Last Updated on November 2, 2023
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