![]() ![]() They are not going to blow you away with detail, but the 40mm drivers do a respectable job delivering audio with well represented highs and mids and a healthy amount of low end. The 500s continue the company’s success in that regard by offering clean, well-rounded audio. It’s not uncommon to find Plantronics’ headphones lauded for the sound they’re able to produce, and that’s not without reason. Though the BackBeat 500s are looking like a solid value buy up to this point, the value argument isn’t complete until we mention sound. Certainly, you’re still likely to have some of the headaches all modern Bluetooth products present, but these performed better in this respect than some other wireless headphones I’ve used in the past. Though they only boast a Bluetooth range of 10 meters, I had little trouble with connection when walking around my apartment, which has a host of walls and older construction materials that often mean trouble for connections. They can be connected to two different sources at the same time, and do a great job automatically pairing with devices the minute the on switch is flipped. The controls on the left earcup are responsive and easy to use, and Bluetooth pairing was a breeze. I am not a fan of the grey and lime green design our review unit came in, but luckily, the 500s are offered in two other colors, White and Dark Grey, that offer a far more reserved look. For those who have large, or even medium sized heads, these present a serious problem.Īside from that concern, nothing about the hardware gives me pause. If I left them suppressed, they barely covered the top half. ![]() With the 500s, however, I had to fully extend the arms in order for the cups to rest on my ears comfortably. Usually, I don’t even need to lower the earcups. I have an average-to-small head and thus never have trouble with fit when it comes to headphones. They are also quite flexible thanks to the plastic, which should help with fit, but I have serious concerns in that regard. There are numerous higher-ticket cans using plastic construction, so you can’t lambast Plantronics for the choice it made and, really, there’s no reason to. ![]() On a budget smartphone, that fact would be worthy of a complaint or two but, in headphones, opting for plastic has a lot of benefits besides reducing cost. ![]() Though a great value, the hardware of the BackBeat 500s doesn’t belie their price everything here is plastic. The BackBeat 500s are the sportier, on-ear brother of the Pro 2s, and they offer a similarly enticing package for just $79. You’ll often find its BackBeat Pro 2s on best wireless headphones lists for their combination of style, features and knockout price. A leader in the world of communications hardware for more than 50 years, the company has made a name for itself in consumer headphones in recently, specifically by offering high quality wireless cans that don’t break the bank. One company hoping to help users find their way is Plantronics. Like many consumer electronics, top-notch audio equipment (both wired and not) comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges, but cutting through the noise to find a product that is both high in quality and value can feel like a goose chase. The world of high quality wireless audio is rife with overwhelming bottom lines, products that cost users several hundred dollars and more than a modicum of buyer’s remorse. ![]()
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