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Poly BackBeat Fit 3100 review: Take it to the pool or the streets
August 14, 2025
Plantronics Poly BackBeat Fit 3100
What we like
What we don’t like
There are a few salient categories of true wireless earbuds: theAirPods wannabes, thecheapbut good stuff, and thesporty variants. The Poly BackBeat Fit 3100 falls into the third division and includesIP57-certifiedearbuds with a 740mAh charging case. If you can overlook the bulky design and high price, it’s the ideal union of durable and functional.
Full reviewavailable at our sister site, SoundGuys.com
What is Poly BackBeat Fit 3100 like?
Like the belovedPoly BackBeat Fit, the 3100 model is built to endure. The IP57 rating denotesdust- and water-resistance, while the malleable ear hooks promote a secure, comfortable fit. Each earbud houses a holographic panel but they differ in functionality: the left one is touch-capacitive and permits volume adjustments. The right one, on the other hand, lacks touch capabilities but allows for playback and call control.
Since the carrying case houses a substantial battery, its frame, too, is large. Quick charging is afforded whereby 15 minutes of charging provides one hour of playback, and the case provides two extra charge cycles to the to the 3.72 standalone battery life. Be aware, though, of how the earbuds are returned to the case: the exact, textured cutouts look nice but make it too easy to place the ‘buds in without initiating charging.
Working outwith the Poly BackBeat Fit 3100 takes some getting used to, but I found it to be a pleasure. The Ambient Awareear tipspromote safety by keeping the listenerawareof her surroundings. They don’t create asealthough. Unfortunately, connectivity stutters sporadically occur when outdoors but are bearable.
Related:Why true wireless connectivity is so bad
How do the earbuds sound?
They sound fine. As is the case withworkout earbuds, sound qualitytakes a backseatto durability and functionality. Bass frequencies receive a hefty amount of emphasis, but much of it goes unheard due to theingress of external noisefrom the non-existent seal. Pushing the earbuds against my ear canal results in an audible exaggerated low-end, but doing so during a workout is just impractical.
Vocals and treblefrequenciesmaintain an audible presence, but it’s nothing emphatic. Highs are especially difficult to differentiate during a song occupied by more than two instruments. Generally speaking, detail and clarity are lacking too. At first read, it may seem I’m knocking the audio quality, but that’s not the case. Given the context of how the Poly BackBeat Fit 3100 will be used, the sub-par audio quality is forgivable and can be understood as a repercussion of the Ambient Aware benefit: continual awareness of one’s surroundings.
Should you buy the Poly BackBeat Fit 3100?
If you’re an athlete in the market for true wireless earbuds, the Poly BackBeat Fit 3100 stands as a smart and safe choice. The controls are easy to command and the ‘buds stay in place, even if it doesn’t always feel like they will. Connection reliability is disappointing, but only because the company usually outshines the competition when it comes toBluetoothstability. Unfortunately, this is the main plague oftrue wireless earbudsand something competitors and Poly alike will improve upon as the technology advances.
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