Plantronics BackBeat-series has a long-standing reputation as a reliable choice for headphones, particularly in the over-ear category. The BackBeat PRO series remains a well-regarded option within our editorial team. Therefore, we were interested when the company, now operating under the name Poly, introduced a more affordable BackBeat over-ear headset as part of their GO series. This review assesses the sound quality of the BackBeat GO 810 and identifies the compromises made to achieve its lower price point.
The GO 810‘s design bears a close resemblance to the BackBeat PRO 2. However, its lightweight construction, at 189 grams, is immediately apparent. This lightness is largely due to the plastic construction of most components. While the BackBeat GO 810 presents a decent aesthetic, the predominantly plastic build results in a somewhat less premium feel, particularly when handling the slightly creaky plastic joints. It is important to remember that this is an entry in the consumer series, aimed at a cost-conscious market. Consequently, the primary focus is on audio performance, which we will now evaluate in detail.
From a technical perspective, the BackBeat GO 810 incorporates Bluetooth 5.0, promising a range of up to 50 meters. While we were unable to test this extended range due to space limitations, we observed a strong signal throughout typical office use. The headset maintained a stable connection at distances of 15-20 meters, even through two closed doors. Regrettably, the headset utilizes the standard AD2P protocol, supporting SBC or, for Apple devices, AAC codecs. While adequate for many users, these codecs do not deliver the audio fidelity of aptX or LDAC. This codec choice represents a cost-saving measure.
Poly offers a dedicated and well-designed application for managing BackBeat products. This application allows users to customize settings, including EQ presets and firmware updates. The EQ functionality is straightforward, offering two modes: “clarity” optimized for speech, audiobooks, and podcasts, and “balance,” recommended for music to enhance bass and overall body.
The battery provides a respectable lifespan, offering just over 20 hours with ANC enabled and up to 30 hours without. The headphones are also designed to retain charge for up to six months, suggesting robust battery capacity. The active noise cancellation (ANC) performs adequately for its price bracket, but even at its highest setting, it does not provide the same level of isolation as dedicated ANC headphones. This again reflects the trade-offs made to achieve the target price.
Audio Performance of the BackBeat GO 810
Plantronics typically delivers satisfactory sound quality in their headphones, and the BackBeat GO 810 is no exception. Out of the box, the sound profile is warm, energetic, and pleasing. After a break-in period of 15-20 hours, the 40mm drivers, designed to emphasize bass, further refine the sound. Our standard reference playlist, encompassing hip-hop (Ludacris), classical (Tchaikovsky), and complex mixes (Space Oddity remastered), was reproduced well across the board.
The headphones perform optimally with clear, calm, and “cleaner” genres, such as singer-songwriter pop (e.g., Let her go), compared to more aggressive, noisy tracks with deep frequencies (e.g., Sound of Silence by Disturbed). The overall soundstage remains well-balanced, avoiding harshness, and the lightweight design contributes to comfortable extended listening sessions.
Wireless latency, a recurring concern in wireless audio, is well-managed by the BackBeat GO 810. While a slight delay between lip movements and audio is perceptible in videos, it is unlikely to be noticeable in typical use scenarios.
Price versus Performance
As previously mentioned, the BackBeat GO 810 incorporates certain compromises to achieve a lower price. Compared to the BackBeat PRO 2 SE, the BackBeat GO 810 is priced at approximately half the cost (1200 SEK versus 2500 SEK), which represents a reasonable value proposition. However, at retailers listing the BackBeat GO 810 closer to 1800-1900 SEK, the compromises become less justifiable. Approaching the 2000 SEK price point, more versatile headphones, such as the Audio-Technica M50xBT, present a more compelling alternative.
Considering a price closer to 1000 SEK, the BackBeat GO 810 performs competitively. However, it is important to note that the price reflects the inclusion of noise cancellation. If ANC is not a primary requirement, more affordable wireless headphones offering comparable audio quality and potentially superior aesthetics (e.g., Marshall Major III for 900 SEK, which are on-ear and lack noise cancellation) are available.
Summary
The BackBeat GO 810 is suitable for users seeking a competent audio experience across various genres, coupled with over-ear comfort, some ambient noise reduction, portability, and an accessible price point around 1000 SEK. It is not the ideal choice for audiophiles prioritizing the latest audio codecs and connectivity options, though not all users possess source devices that can fully utilize these advanced features. A slightly lower price, around 995 SEK, would further enhance its appeal. As it stands, the BackBeat GO 810 represents a compelling option for its target demographic. It establishes a new benchmark in the budget wireless headphone category for our reviews. We look forward to Poly’s future product developments, particularly the successor to the aging BackBeat PRO 2 SE.
