When comparing Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 vs Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2, the Slant community recommends Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is ranked 29th while Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 is ranked 72nd. The most important reason people chose Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is:
With the BackBeat Pro 2, you get powerful yet clear sound that is comparable to higher end models but at a noticeably more affordable price. Wireless range and stability is quite good and the noise cancelling, while not the best, can reduce a good amount of external noise.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Balanced and clear sound
These headphones will sound great with a practically all genres of music. The highs are slightly rolled-off, but still present a good level of detail, so these headphones are not harsh. The mids are warm, while the bass is controlled instead of boomy.
Pro Extensive accessory bundle
The ATH-ANC23 offers good value for money due to the extras that you get. The accessory pack includes a carrying pouch, the active noise cancelling in-line control hub, an alkaline battery, an airplane adapter and a number of eartips, including foam ones, which provide a better seal and noise isolation than the standard silicone tips.
Pro Good active noise cancelling
The active noise canceling feature blocks out high and mid frequency noise quite well. Voices and environmental noise aren’t likely to interfere with your music. Loud, low-frequency noises like jet engines may still seep through though, so these are not the best for long flights.
Pro Good sound reproduction, wireless signal stability and decent noise-canceling for the price
With the BackBeat Pro 2, you get powerful yet clear sound that is comparable to higher end models but at a noticeably more affordable price. Wireless range and stability is quite good and the noise cancelling, while not the best, can reduce a good amount of external noise.
Pro Decent noise cancelling
While the active noise canceling is not the best, it is able to reduce a good amount of noise from your surroundings. Loud engine sounds or high pitched noise may still mix in with your music though.
Pro Clear and powerful sound
The BackBeat Pro 2’s mids and treble are not forward, yet sound clear and neutral. You may hear a bit of sharpness in the higher frequencies, but overall you’ll get a pleasant listening experience with great details from your music.
The low-end is quite emphasized, so you’ll get a lot of thump from bass hits. Bass lovers will likely find these headphones to be up their alley.
Pro Music automatically pauses when taking the headphones off
You won’t need to press a button on the headphones or on your source device to pause the music when you need to remove the BackBeat Pro 2. There are sensors inside the headphones that detect this motion, so the music is automatically paused, and then resumed when you put the headphones back on.
Pro Open-listening mode
Listen to the environment via a microphone without taking off the headphones.
Pro Wired or wireless functionality
These headphones have Bluetooth connectivity for wireless convenience, but you can also switch to 3.5mm wired mode if the battery runs out and you cannot charge right away.
Pro Good wireless range and stability
You’ll be able to hear audio even if you are around 100 feet away from your source device, provided there is a clear line of sight. Signal quality is also pretty good with minimal music cuts and drops.
Pro Very good battery life
These headphones can last up to 24 hours of playback from a full charge, and this with moderate volumes in wireless mode with noise cancelling activated. This is very good battery life, considering other wireless headphones at the price range only have around half the battery life on average.
Cons
Con The control unit to earpiece cable may be too short
If you are a tall person, you may have a problem positioning the large active noise cancelling module. The wire connecting the module to the earpieces is quite short. This can make it a little difficult to clip the module to your belt or pocket, which can get annoying.
Con Noise cancelling is not very effective on low-frequency noise
You may still clearly hear low-frequency noise, even with active noise cancelling turned on. The feature is effective on high and mid frequency noise, but not that well on low-frequency sounds. Loud engine noises may still mix in with your music.
Con Heavy
These headphones may put some strain on your head and neck due to these being quite heavy, coming in at almost 300 grams.
Con Bulky for traveling
These headphones may not be ideal for on-the-go use, as they are large, full-sized headphones that do not fold down to a compact size.