I purchased these BackBeat GO 2's because I need a lightweight Bluetooth Earbud with some distance capabilities. After digging through Plantronics White Papers on this item, I discovered two pieces of information that is not readily available in the product advertising; probably because Plantronics seems to push Apple and Google. 1. These headphones will pair nicely with a Tablet using Windows 8.1; I am using a Samsung 11.6 ATIV. 2. The specs barely mention distance. Most Bluetooth specs read 33 feet distance. I am pushing 35 - 40 feet, in a gym with other Bluetooth devices around.
I understand some Reviewers have had issue with the in-the-ear fit. I recommend switching out ear pieces and rotating the Stabilizers; No.1 in the "Getting Started" manual, to multiple positions until you find the position that suits. With the proper fit adjustments the earbuds will stay in place. These are not Noise Canceling Headphones, but with the right seal and the volume adjusted loud enough, it doesn't matter.
After you get the earbuds adjusted, CHARGE the entire unit for 2.5 hours. The 20 minute charge for 1 hour of listening is for charges from the Charge Case. Don't go trying to listen to audio until you have given the BackBeats a full charge. This will ensure you get maximum battery life through its life time. Yes, the battery only lasts 4 hours; 5 hours with the Charge Case, but let's face it, who is in the gym for 5 hours. And if you're pairing the BackBeats with a cell phone or MP3 player, charge the BackBeats as you charge your phone or player. I do have to agree that the USB Charge Case a bit tight for the earbuds. I am concerned I may crimp the cable at some point, however, the case flap is long enough to leave the buds resting at the top of the pouch and still close the case.
The BackBeat GO 2s are lightweight, do not have cumbersome cables, and there is nothing bulky hanging around your neck or on top your head. I don't hang the wire around my neck like they show in the adverts, mainly because I am on my back or inverted on some piece of gym equipment. The cable is short enough that it does not get in my way and yet long enough that if I do put the cable behind my neck the controls with mic are still at chin level; which is where you want the mic anyways. Speaking of the mic...
I Skype everyone I know. The controls work fine at answering Skype calls. Since I do not carry a cell phone or MP3 player, I have a Skype number. When people call me, answering the Skype call with the BeatBeat Controls is no problem. And I do not have to pick up the mic and place it to my mouth to be heard. I would contribute that to the mic being at chin level.
I am not an Audiophile so I am not a good judge of sound quality. I primarily listen to audiobooks via Audible. For that purpose the sound is really good. It’s not 7.1 in the ear, but it more than meets the needs.
Construction of the Headphones and the case are very good quality. I would have much rather a snap or fabric closure strap on the case versus the rubber closure strap, but with care it should last. The headphones are actually ruggedized in a semi military manner. They are sweat resistant. The cable is a ribbon cable; supposedly to keep it from twisting and tangling, and it too is rubber coated.
I do not recommend the BackBeats to someone looking to do a road trip or 8hrs of work. These are not for hours upon hours of use. I would recommend them for the person mowing their own lawn, house cleaning, going to the gym or laundry
One last note. I noticed one advertiser listed the Plantronics BackBeat GO 2s as being "Made in America". They are NOT. They are Designed in Santa Cruz, California, America, made in Malaysia.
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This Item  Plantronics 200203-01 BackBeat Go 2 Wireless Hi-Fi Earbud Headphones with Charging Case - Compatible with iPhone and other Smart Devices - Black |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | -33% $59.98 List: $89.98 | $49.95 | $299.00 | $55.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Saturday, Aug 10 | — | Get it as soon as Saturday, Aug 10 | Get it Aug 15 - 27 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Sound quality | |||||
| Noise cancellation | |||||
| Battery life | |||||
| Sold By | — | XONJKUN | alwayz-on-sale | Amazon.com | Xmenha |
| connectivity tech | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| headphones form factor | Two-ear | On Ear | Two-Ear | Open Ear | On Ear |
| connector type | wireless | — | wireless | — | wireless |
| cable feature | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable |
| control type | Media Control | Touch Control | — | Media Control | Call Control |
| water resistance | — | waterproof | waterproof | — | waterproof |
| model name | Go 2 | S19 | — | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, Black | — |
| weight | 0.05 pounds | — | 0.05 pounds | 0.12 pounds | 3.57 ounces |
From the brand
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In 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, along with their team at NASA were on a mission… to the moon. And they took our headsets with them. That was more than 50 years ago, and since then we have continued to enable seamless work from anywhere.
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Reviews with images
Sound quality not sufficient for this price point
After about a year of use, I maintain my initial opinion that these are just okay - especially for the price. Overall, they look nice, but the sounds isn't on par w/ price.PROS:Nice form factor - easy to unplug and leave around your neck; easy setup & easy to turn on/off without having to touch the phone.Case charger - has saved me a couple times when I've forgotten to charge.CONS:Sound is tinny compared to other headphones I have - even with an equalizer, I can't get any good bass out of these things. Good for phone calls, not for music;Fit - they tend to slip out of my hears easily (a problem I have with many ear buds) - some 3rd party rubber buds helped make a more secure fit, but if I wear them while running, the rubber texture on the cord grabs my collar and they pop out often.Battery - battery life is definitely short - even for bluetooth headphones. I find that I have to charge them after every use at the gym and if I forget before the next day, It's a drag. The little charging battery in the case has saved me a few times. I can plug it in while warming up on the treadmill and they'll get enough juice to get me through weights.
