Much of the sound systems that we acquire today tend to have a trade-off of some sort. Better sound at the cost of size, better comfort at the cost of performance. It’s all the same, as it has always been in the world of consumer electronics.

But now, we have the PLANTRONICS BackBeat 505. Made to be the stuff of balance, this Bluetooth headset can be, in every way, your dream come true in the world of sound systems.

First of all, even without a Bluetooth system, the PLANTRONICS BackBeat 505 can also be used as a wired headset. In many ways, it becomes more versatile this way. Also, it does perform well whether wired or not.

The product sample that was delivered to our office was given a green finish. As advertised, it really was lightweight. More lightweight than headsets of its size, in fact. Tried and tested and proven by us, it can be paired to multiple sound sources and had the ability to achieve 18 hours of playtime in a single complete charge, as advertised. This makes it better than most Bluetooth devices, from speakers, and even phones.

Unlike other similar Bluetooth sound systems, this one was made with built-in advanced acoustic technology. It isn’t exactly your perfect size, but the sound tries its best to be so. It can deliver deep bass tones, and in fact, deeper than most of its size.

It has a cushion that is softer, and wider, than its BackBeat FIT 505 counterpart, mainly because of its specialization as a long-term use headset, unlike the BackBeat FIT, which is made for speed, lightweight use, and improved flexibility. It’s sturdy, too. Its stem is coned with an alloy of plastic and foam, making it both flexible and tough at the same time.

Upon use, the user will hear voice alerts for matters such as battery life and volume, making it easier, and in some ways, faster and more ergonomic that the simple headset. Ease of control is obviously the focus on the BackBeat 505.

We played Lany’s Thick and Thin on the headset. Trying it out in different volumes proved to be a treat to the ears. Other choices, such as putting it under greater bass, was very loyal to the marketed info, and proved that the device was one of the best among the best.

We also played Ariana Grande’s Thank You Next, and upon further use we found that using it in different equalizer profiles makes it more diverse because of its varying bass system. It seems to have a wide range of frequencies available for editing, making it a very adaptive and fun headset to use.

As for charging, the headset requires a micro USB connection. It also has a 6-month Deep Sleep system for long-term storage. The headset also features an Android and iOS app known as Plantronics Hub. This allows a user to see the battery life of the unit. This feature makes it more manageable when being used for longer period, and in busier environments.

Verdict:
We give this product 5 stars for its effectiveness in every regard. Its improved ergonomic use, lightweight frame, and maximized comfort make it better than most. In other respects, such as sound, it still stands out as one of the best headsets out there.