Slowly but surely, every major personal audio brand is releasing true wireless earphones, given its technological maturity. Plantronics joins in with the BackBeat Fit 3100. It has a IP57-rated sweatproof and waterproof durability, and connects to many devices via the new Bluetooth 5.0 standard.
The BackBeat Fit 3100 is one of the more unique zero-cable earphones, because of its Always Aware eartip design that allows the wearer to hear surroundings naturally without digital ambient sound mode. Without any eartip pressing into the ear canals, the earbuds are supported by hooks behind the ears that do not fall off, achieving excellent comfort. This open-canal earbuds have a weakness: without earbud seal, audio quality will not have as much impact. But thanks to this openness, I was able to wear them at lengths without listening fatigue or feeling isolated. I can still interact with people around me while keeping the music volume at reasonable levels. The bass is natural and open, the midrange is warm and full, the treble remains amazingly clear without harshness.
Operating the earbuds is an interesting hybrid: the earbuds support either by touch or by clicking, depends on how you customise it from the smartphone BackBeat app, which is quite useful. One of the earbuds that controls playback with a click while the other adjuststhe volume or other shortcut actions by touch.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the BackBeat Fit 3100 is quite stable in normal environments. Since these earbuds are for urban running, it is unlikely to get much radio interference. When there are occasional disruptions, the recovery is very fast. The 5-hour battery life is sufficient for extended use, and the case offers additional 10 hours of charge.
Verdict
Rating: 4/5
S$249
https://www.plantronics.com/sg/
The Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 is a pair of true wireless earbuds that intentionally do not isolate your ears from noises. Putting safety first, these earbuds ensure you stay connected to the world around you without compromising audio quality, convenience and durability.
