When comparing SteelSeries Siberia 840 vs Plantronics BackBeat Fit, the Slant community recommends Plantronics BackBeat Fit for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Plantronics BackBeat Fit is ranked 22nd while SteelSeries Siberia 840 is ranked 134th. 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 Good passive noise isolation
The ear cups feature a closed design which blocks outside noise. People near you won't hear the in-game audio while you're wearing these.
Pro Compatible with other gaming platforms
This is versatile gaming headset works with PC, Xbox One and a host of other devices.
Pro Boom mic is easy to position
The microphone is flexible and can easily be bent or angled as preferred. If not in use, the mic can be pushed into the ear cup so it won’t get in the way.
Pro Syncs with Engine 3 software
You can adjust the various settings of the Siberia 840 on your computer via Steelseries’ Engine 3 app. You get more fine tuning options compared to what the base station can provide, and you’ll also be able to set and sync audio profiles with your other Steelseries devices, allowing on the fly audio changes depending on the inputs to your Steelseries mouse and/or keyboard.
Pro Wireless connection is fast and stable
The range and stability of the wireless connection is very good. The signal remains stable with clear audio even if the headset is more than 30 feet away from the base. There is also no noticeable delay between what is happening on screen and when you hear the audio.
Pro Bluetooth connectivity
You can connect this headset to your smartphone/tablet and other Bluetooth capable audio devices, which is a major upgrade over the old 800 model. This allows you to take calls from your phone and improves device compatibility, and are perks that you may find to be very useful.
Pro Rich and lively sound
This headset has a fun sound signature. The highs are slightly boosted, which helps make the audio sound very airy. The enhanced bass makes explosions quite powerful and immersive. The mids, while not forward, are present and give body to the audio.
Pro Unique charging system
The Siberia 840 comes with a spare battery pack in addition to the one already provided. The spare battery can be charged independently in the base station, so you can use the headset while the other battery pack charges. Swapping from one battery to another is also quick and easy to do.
Pro Great sounding wireless headset with a lot of connectivity options and a unique charging system
This headset's wireless connection (both RF and Bluetooth) is stable and the sound is detailed and powerful. The base station also accepts a variety of analog and digital inputs, making this a very versatile headset. It also has a long battery life complemented by a charging system that allows you to charge one battery pack while using the other.
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 Charging system can be inconvenient for some
While the charging system and the inclusion of two batteries is a unique and innovative feature, it can also be an inconvenience. You can’t charge the battery while the headset is in use, which can be an issue if you forget to charge your spare battery while the other one is in use. This can also be a problem when you lose headset power mid-game and you need to swap out batteries.
Con Subpar mic volume
While the voice quality from the mic is great, the volume is rather weak. This can make it a little more difficult for teammates to hear your voice.
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.