We at senses.se have a particular interest in headphones and have evaluated numerous models over the years, including those from the American brand Plantronics. Following their acquisition of Polycom and subsequent rebranding as Poly, some online confusion regarding the name persists. While many still refer to Plantronics, Poly appears to have, in some instances, removed the original company name entirely from the product designation. Today, we are reviewing the BackBeat GO 410, a successor to the BackBeat GO 3 released in 2017. These wireless headphones bear a striking resemblance to Apple’s BeatsX, drawing significant design cues – a fact reflected in their price point.
BackBeat GO 410 – The Technology
Upon unpacking the BackBeat GO 410, the initial impressions are:
a) the notable design similarities to BeatsX.
and
b) the generously sized battery housings, which contribute to a balanced feel when worn around the neck.
These headphones incorporate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), discussed in more detail below, and can be conveniently powered on or off by magnetically connecting the earcups – another feature reminiscent of BeatsX. A primary drawback is the inclusion of a microUSB charging port, which feels somewhat dated in 2019 compared to the more contemporary USB-C. Consequently, the headphones do not support fast charging (unlike the original BeatsX, which leverages Apple’s technology for rapid charging in as little as five minutes). The BackBeat GO 410 achieves a full charge in approximately two hours.
BackBeat GO 410 – The Functionality
The BackBeat GO 410 offers a comfortable fit around the neck, and the earcups’ rubber tips are adaptable to various ear shapes; selecting the largest suitable size optimizes bass response. The headphones pair easily and reliably via Bluetooth 5.0 with all tested audio sources, and their 35-gram weight provides a balanced and comfortable wearing experience. A notable feature of the GO 3 was its carrying pouch with an integrated charging battery for on-the-go charging. The GO 410 omits this feature, including only a standard, lightweight mesh carrying pouch adorned with the Plantronics abbreviation, PLT.
The ANC performance is adequate for this class of device, but does not achieve the complete sound isolation offered by over-ear headphones such as the Panasonic RP-HD605. A subtle hiss is audible when ANC is activated in quiet environments, but it is generally unobtrusive, and the headphones provide reasonable attenuation of urban ambient noise. However, these are not the optimal choice for users prioritizing noise cancellation or frequently commuting on noisy trains or airplanes. Nonetheless, the ANC is respectable considering the headphones’ compact and flexible design. An EQ function is available through the updated Plantronics app, but the settings are basic and do not rival the capabilities of more premium solutions from brands such as Bang & Olufsen.
The advertised battery life is eight hours, which aligns with our testing results. Activating ANC and using higher volume levels will reduce battery life, so disabling noise reduction and selecting a moderate volume can extend playback time.
Phone calls can be conducted using the headphones, but, as is typical, this is not the ideal solution. For optimal call quality, it is preferable to speak directly into the phone or utilize a dedicated Bluetooth earpiece.
The wireless range is noteworthy: we maintained a stable connection and clear audio even at a considerable distance from the paired device. The specifications indicate a range of 30 meters, which is impressive and significantly exceeds the standard 10-meter range of Bluetooth 4.
Disadvantages with BackBeat GO 410?
The BackBeat GO 410 presents no significant shortcomings, offering a well-constructed and performing headphone that underscores the superior audio quality of wireless headphones with interconnected earcups compared to “true wireless” options like the Apple AirPods. True wireless earbuds experience bandwidth limitations due to wireless transmission between the earpieces over Bluetooth’s already constrained signal. However, two aspects warrant consideration:
1. The thin plastic surrounding the earpieces can cause some discomfort. This may lessen with extended use, but even after an hour, some users may experience soreness around the ears.
2) The price. With an average retail price of approximately SEK 1300, the BackBeat GO 410 is reasonably priced, but slightly more expensive than the BeatsX. While the BackBeat GO 410 delivers a more balanced and accurate sound profile than Dr. Dre’s headphones, some users may prefer the more pronounced bass response and fast-charging capabilities of the BeatsX. Moreover, the BeatsX exhibits a slightly more refined and aesthetically pleasing design, in our opinion.
Summary
Poly (Plantronics) continues to deliver a reliable and well-sounding product, suitable for various audio content, including music, film, TV streaming, and audiobooks. These wireless headphones incorporate successful design elements and deliver decent, relatively full, and clear audio without technological issues (stable connectivity and seamless pairing). A lower price point closer to SEK 900 would significantly enhance their appeal. Currently, they represent a “good value for the price” proposition, while remaining competitive with the BeatsX, which has seen price reductions towards SEK 1100 and offers a few additional features.
Personal preferences regarding sound profile and aesthetics will ultimately dictate the choice. However, if you find the BeatsX‘s bass too emphasized, the BackBeat GO 410 provides an intriguing and similarly designed alternative. For wireless running (essentially mandatory on the latest iPhone models), this solution offers superior audio quality compared to true wireless options (which are often perceived as a trendy status symbol).
