Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds, Black Review


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The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds are designed to enhance your music and podcast experience, making them a great choice for those who love to exercise. With an IP54 sweat and water-resistance rating, these earbuds are designed to withstand the toughest workouts, ensuring they stay protected no matter how intense your exercise regimen is.

One of the standout features of the Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds is their four noise-canceling mics and WindSmart technology. These features work together to deliver crystal clear hands-free calls, even in windy environments. By utilizing an adaptive, proprietary algorithm, these earbuds effectively reduce wind noise for better call quality.

The in-ear design of the Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds ensures a secure and comfortable fit, enabling you to focus on your workout without any distractions. Whether you’re hitting the gym or going for a run, these earbuds stay securely in place, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts without worrying about them falling out.

When it comes to battery life, the Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds provide up to 6.5 hours of power on a single charge. Additionally, the sleek and pocketable charging case not only stores your earbuds but also offers an impressive 13 additional hours of listening time between charges. This makes it convenient for on-the-go users who want to enjoy their music without worrying about constantly recharging.

While the Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds have many impressive features, it’s worth noting that they also have their limitations. Users should be aware that these earbuds do not offer active noise cancellation, which may be a drawback for those seeking a completely immersive audio experience. Additionally, the quick charge feature offers only up to 1 hour of listening time with a 10-minute charge, which may not be sufficient for some users.

In summary, the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds offer a range of features that cater to the needs of active individuals who enjoy music and podcasts during their workouts. With their sweat and water-resistance, clear call quality, and secure fit, these earbuds provide a convenient and enjoyable audio experience. However, users should consider the lack of active noise cancellation and limited quick charge capabilities when making their purchase decision.

Technical Specifications

  • Sweat and Water Resistance Rating: IP54
  • Noise Cancelling: 4 microphones
  • Hands-Free Calling: WindSmart technology
  • Fit: In-ear design
  • Wind Noise Protection: Adaptive, proprietary algorithm
  • Battery Life: Up to 6.5 hours on a single charge
  • Charging Case: Sleek, pocketable case with up to 13 additional hours of listen time
  • Quick Charge: Up to 1 hour of listening with a 10-minute charge

Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100: A Solid Contender in The True Wireless Earbud Market

For fitness enthusiasts and frequent gym-goers in Australia, the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds boast a blend of durability, advanced audio tech, and practical features that aim to enhance both music listening and hands-free communication. These earbuds come equipped with an IP54 sweat and water-resistance rating, making them a reliable companion for workouts. The incorporation of four noise-cancelling microphones, bolstered by WindSmart technology, positions them as a solid option for clear call quality, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

However, when stacked against competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4, there are noticeable gaps. While the Backbeat Pro 5100 offers a respectable 6.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, this falls short when compared to the Sony WF-1000XM4’s impressive 8-hour runtime. Additionally, the Apple AirPods Pro, despite their slightly lower battery life, offer a more seamless experience for iOS users, thanks to deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem. The Backbeat Pro 5100 does benefit from its quick charge capability, providing up to 1 hour of listening time from just a 10-minute charge; however, this is not entirely unique as competitors also offer similar fast-charging solutions.

In terms of comfort and design, the in-ear fit of the Backbeat Pro 5100 is versatile and secure, appealing to those who need a dependable fit during vigorous activities. Yet, users with a preference for an open-fit design might find the Apple AirPods Pro’s ergonomic approach preferable. From an auditory perspective, the proprietary WindSmart algorithm and four-microphone setup do ensure clear call quality, which is a notable advantage over some budget-oriented models, but still, they do not significantly outshine the industry leaders like the Sony WF-1000XM4’s superior active noise-cancellation (ANC) technology.

Potential deficiencies of the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100 also lie in its urban-centric appeal, which might not align well with audiophiles seeking immersive sound quality. The trebles and bass may not resonate as powerfully as the orchestral depth found in the Sony WF-1000XM4 or the balanced sound profile of the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2. Also, while the inclusion of WindSmart technology is a selling point, it doesn’t necessarily position the earbuds ahead of the competition for music fidelity.

Ultimately, the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 5100 True Wireless Earbuds cater to a niche audience—primarily those who value robust call quality and stable, water-resistant performance during physical activity. If your top priority is a reliable, exercise-friendly earbud that won’t falter under sweat and intermittent water exposure, these earbuds are worth consideration. However, for those prioritizing cutting-edge noise cancellation or unparalleled sound quality for an immersive listening experience, alternatives from Sony or Sennheiser might be more compelling.

Price: 112.45

Posted by Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is a Brisbane-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest covering breaking Australia tech news.