Since Apple decided to not include a headphone jack on the iPhone 7, customers have paid even more attention to Bluetooth earphones so the release of Plantronics BackBeat Go 3 wireless earbuds was timed to perfection.
While Bluetooth earphones and headphones are nothing new, there are even more customers in the hunt than ever before.
Plantronics has a history of audio that goes as far back to when man first landed on the moon.
It pours those decades of experience into the BackBeat Go 3 wireless earbuds.
The problem in the past with Bluetooth earphones was they were often bulky, uncomfortable and the battery didn’t last too long.
The other problem is remembering to charge the things as well. I can’t tell you how many times I was walking out the door for a run and the Bluetooth headphones I was reviewing were dead because I’d forgotten to charge them.
That’s obviously not a problem with regular cable headphones and earphones but the down side of that is that you have a cable.
The good news here is Plantronics has thought of all of those issues and come up with an impressive product in the BackBeat Go 3.
There are 6mm drivers in each earbud which have been tuned to deliver impressive sound.
To our ears the BackBeat Go 3 delivered a full, warm sound with vivid detail and balanced high and mid levels.
Bass was also OK without being dominant, perhaps a little thin for younger listeners. I would have liked a touch more response but most will find it’s pretty much on point.
Design-wise the BackBeat Go 3 are fairly compact and comfortable to wear.
They have a small wing on each bud and we learned that you had to twist them slightly when putting them on for a tighter fit and more noise isolation.
There are three different size buds so you can find your best fit.
And there’s no worry about sweating it out while you’re wearing the earphones because the BackBeat Go 3 has a nano-coating so you’re protected in the gym, on the road and in the rain.
But one of the most impressive things about the BackBeat Go 3 is the carry case. Yes. The carry case.
But this isn’t any old carry case. The Plantronics case has a built-in rechargeable battery so the earphones can be charged while they are sitting in the case.
You just have to remember to charge the case in case you forget to charge the earphones.
On the case is a small indicator so you can instantly see how much charge is left on the battery.
Battery life of the BackBeat Go 3 is around 6 hours but the case can recharge them twice on the go.
Each time you power them up, you’re told when they’re on, when they’re connected and how many hours of listening you have left before you need to recharge.
VERDICT
The Plantronics BackBeat Go 3 earphones offer wireless convenience, impressive audio quality and a comfortable fit. And having a case that not only protects them but also charges them on the go, gives this product a big advantage over the competition.
Plantronics BackBeat Go 3 – available in Cobalt Black and Copper Grey – $179.99 and $199.95 (with the charge case).
Plantronics BackBeat Go 3
Rating - 8
8
PROS: No cables, relatively compact, good battery life, charge case. CONS: Bass could be better. VERDICT: The Plantronics BackBeat Go 3 earphones offer wireless convenience, impressive audio quality and a comfortable fit. And having a case that not only protects them but also charges them on the go, gives this product a big advantage over the competition.