When comparing Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 vs Monster iSport Freedom, the Slant community recommends Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best wireless headphones around $200?” Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is ranked 1st while Monster iSport Freedom is ranked 4th. 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 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.
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.
Cons
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.
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.