When comparing Monster iSport Freedom vs Plantronics BackBeat Fit, the Slant community recommends Plantronics BackBeat Fit for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones for running?” Plantronics BackBeat Fit is ranked 1st while Monster iSport Freedom is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Plantronics BackBeat Fit is:
Connectivity with source devices is via Bluetooth, so in place of a full headphone cable is a flexible, soft and short cord made of rubber material that keeps the earpieces connected. You won't have to deal with a long and dangling cable.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great highs with recessed mids and lows
The high frequencies are what define this headphone's sound signature. The highs are clear and with good detail to them, which make these a good choice if you prefer sports headphones with detailed sound. The mids and bass are recessed, but they are still present enough to give some body to the sound.
Pro Versatile connectivity
If sports use is your primary use case then the Bluetooth connectivity will free you from the hassle of dangling wires while moving. However, there is the option to use a 3.5mm cable if you prefer a wired connection, or if the headphones are out of battery and you want to continue listening to audio.
Pro Good battery life
Long music listening sessions in wireless mode should not be a problem. These have around 24 hours of playback time which should be good enough for most users.
Pro Easily control headphone functions with the on-ear cup controls
With these headphones wirelessy connected to your smartphone, you do not need to pull out your device for playlist control. You can make simple touch gestures on the right ear cup for functions like volume adjust, or to play/pause/skip tracks.
Pro Easy to bring on the go
You should not have too much difficulty fitting these into a bag when going out. The ear cups can be folded into the headband, reducing its size for easier portability.
Pro Taking phone calls is possible without taking these off
The built-in mic along with the touch panel will make taking calls easier, as you do not need to pull out your phone to answer them.
Pro Bluetooth connectivity minimizes the hassle of wires
Connectivity with source devices is via Bluetooth, so in place of a full headphone cable is a flexible, soft and short cord made of rubber material that keeps the earpieces connected. You won't have to deal with a long and dangling cable.
Pro Full mids, punchy bass, and smooth highs
The highs are not the most detailed, but they are clear and do give an airy feel to the music. The mids are full and forward so vocals will definitely sound great.
Bass is hit or miss though, depending on how well these headphones seal in your ear. If there is a good seal then bass is punchy and tight though not very powerful. Otherwise, it is likely that the bass will sound a bit on the thin side.
Pro The included case doubles as an armband
The case can be converted into an armband by reversing it inside out. This is very useful as you can use the arm band to store your smartphone while on a run, along with some essentials like your keys or some cash.
Pro Fits nice and snug in the ears
The ear tips are made out of a soft and flexible material that is comfortable and supports the weight of the earpieces quite well. This is enhanced by the wing tips that further help to keep the headphones in place.
Pro Earbud design allows ambient sound in
The design does not create a thorough seal in your ears, which can be a good thing as this will allow you to maintain awareness of what's around you.
Pro Good battery life
The BackBeat Fit can last up to 8 hours of playback from a full charge.
Pro Sweat resistant
A sweat resistant coating is applied to the interior parts, so splashes of liquid aren't likely to cause damage.
Pro On-earpiece buttons allow basic smartphone/music player function control
Each of the earpieces have a single button. Different combinations of presses will allow you to pause/play tracks, answer/end calls, adjust volume and do other functions which can be convenient.
Pro Built in microphone has a decent sound
The audio from the microphone is not amazing, but it is quite clear with no distortion so it should be good for most conversations.
Cons
Con Lack of bass can make music feel unexciting
You may find the audio to be lean and unexciting due to the lack of bass. You will not be able to get a powerful thump from your music with these, which can be detrimental to your listening experience.
Con You may accidentally trigger remote functions
The panel can easily register accidental contact and can also be inaccurate, which can disrupt the listening experience.
Con Flopping earpiece cord can be annoying
When you start moving, it is likely that the short but fairly chunky cord connecting both earpieces will flop up and down. This can come into contact with your skin which can be distracting, and can even cause skin irritation.
Con Noise leakage can be distracting
While these headphones allow you stay aware of your surroundings, this also means that a lot of environmental sound will get in the way of your music. If you want to zone-in on your audio while running or working out then these may not be the best ones for you.