Conclusions The Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 headphone are a major upgrade over the original. They're smaller, sleeker, and sound better, with improved noise cancellation technology.

Affordable for wireless, noise-canceling headphones; Full, balanced audio; Solid noise cancellation

Noise cancellation isn't quite on par with Bose

The sequel to one of my favorite wireless headphones has finally arrived from Plantronics in the form of the BackBeat PRO 2. Its been over two years since the PRO made their debut with follow ups such as the SENSE which was on-ear and the revised PRO+ which added PC support.

In the realm of headphones , noise-canceling models -- those battery-powered ones that filter out unwanted external sounds like traffic din or jet-engine noise -- represent the cream of the crop.

The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 sounds very good for a Bluetooth headphone, is comfortable to wear and offers decent noise cancellation and strong battery life; It performs very well as headset for making cell phone calls, includes a carrying pouch, and is an overall excellent value

While the design has been improved, the headphone is still a little heavy and its aesthetics may not appeal to everyone; noise-canceling isn't quite as effective as Bose's

We never doubted that Plantronics would deliver a high-quality product at a great price, but were skeptical about whether or not the original BackBeat Pro could be improved enough to warrant a Special Edition.

Plantronics cut the BackBeat Pro 2 down to a size and weight that makes them much easier to take along on longer trips. That makes a noticeable difference when it comes to comfort, too, allowing you to wear the Pro 2 longer than their predecessor.

Smaller and lighter; Good noise cancellation; Slightly improved audio quality; Excellent call quality; Solid battery life

Bass not particularly full; Only special edition gets hard-shell case

If you're in the market for a pair of over-ear headphones, our recommendation is definitely a pair of BackBeat Pros. The sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and convenience features are second to none. They're all pretty similar with slight modifications.

Sound incredible; Noise cancellation is lightweight but terrific; Open-listening mode is convenient; Sensors pause and play music when headphones are applied or removed; Fantastic range with Class 1 Bluetooth; 24 Hour battery that seems to last forever; Micro-USB charging; Easy to access controls,...

Very basic audio cable included - no controls/mic built-in; No app; Not collapsable

Better in plenty of ways.

Battery Life; Plenty of controls; Decent sound

A little confusing to use those controls; Design might not be for everyone

The market for wireless noise canceling headphones has been booming over the past couple of years. One day, we were struggling to find one pair of headphones that offered both Bluetooth connectivity and noise cancelation, the next there were more choices than we could fit in one Amazon result page.

Weight, comfort, ergonomics The BackBeat Pro 2 is lighter, less bulky, and fits better around the head; It's more comfortable to wear for extended periods than the BackBeat Pro, Premium feel The design and materials all look more premium than the first-gen Pro, less plasticky, with softer leather...

No NFC Unless you buy the more expensive $250 Special Edition; you don't get NFC to facilitate pairing; Controls The playback controls don't have a lot of tactile feedback and the volume wheel takes a little getting used to; Noise cancelation It's good; but still not on par with other brands on the...

I tested wearing the BackBeat PRO 2 daily while I walked to work and so far I'm loving it. The audio quality is pretty good, it's comfortable to wear, and the noise cancelling helps in shutting down noises so I can be fully immersed in my music or podcasts.

Plantronics has made the new BackBeat PRO 2 more attractive to own thanks to reduced size and price of S$319 (the SE version is S$379). Its audio balance may not be the most accurate for audio purists but is easily likable by consumers with bright forward treble and seismic bass.