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Plantronics BackBeat Fit 350 Bluetooth sports headphone gets earloops

The update to the BackBeat Fit 300 sounds and looks similar but adds earloops for increased stability.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
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David Carnoy
2 min read
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The BackBeat Fit 350 is similar to the BackBeat Fit 300 -- plus a new earloop.

 Sarah Tew/CNET

Last year Plantronics released a lightweight sports headphone called the BackBeat Fit 300 that I thought was pretty good albeit with one flaw: its inline remote was a little clunky.

Now the company has a new model -- the BackBeat Fit 350 -- that has the same sound and design, but adds earloops for increased support and stability. Like the previous model, it sells for $80.

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Comfort or sound weren't the issues with the BackBeat Fit 300. But the awkwardly large inline remote added some weight to the cord and I was too aware of it at times, especially while running. Now with the earloop, the remote ends up at the back of your head just above your neck. I'm still not sure the design is ideal for me, but I'm going to spend a little more time with them -- and take a few runs -- before I post my full rated review.

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A carrying pouch and three different sized tips are included.

 Sarah Tew/CNET

In the meantime, here are the BackBeat Fit 350's key specs, per Plantronics:

  • Ultralightweight design (15 grams)
  • 6mm drivers
  • Passive noise-canceling eartips create a tight seal for optimal sound
  • Secure-fit earloops, patent-pending eartips and stabilizers
  • IPX5-rated water-resistant and sweatproof design withstands moisture from sweat, rain and spills
  • Up to 6 hours of battery life
  • HD Voice certified
  • Bluetooth 4.1, with 2H2S multipoint so it can connect to more than one device
  • 2-in-1 stability clip that you can fasten to your shirt or use as a cinch for maximum stability
  • Inline controls: Take calls, skip tracks, adjust volume and activate smartphone voice assistants
  • Reflective sport-weave cable provides visibility at night and minimizes friction by sliding smoothly over sweat
  • Carrying pouch included
  • Price: $80 (no word yet on international pricing, but we'll add it as soon as we get it)