In Plantronics wireless headphones reviews, owners say the products often fail because of an alleged defect affecting battery life.

Plantronics is an electronics company founded in 1961. They market Bluetooth headsets to businesses and consumers who want the ease of hands-free, cord-free listening. The company’s reputation has taken a hit recently because of allegations that certain wireless headphones fail at the time the warranty ends.

The Plantronics Backbeat Fit wireless sport headphones plus mic are marketed as waterproof, durable wireless sport headphones. The headphones also are advertised as working for eight hours of listening or six hours of talking time per battery charge. The advertised maximum charge time is two hours, and the batteries are non-replaceable lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries allegedly are designed to keep recharging hundreds of times before they will no longer accept a charge. The average life expectancy of a lithium-ion battery is two or three years, or anywhere between 300 and 500 charging cycles.

Plantronics Wireless Headphones Reviews Cite Power Failure

Some Plantronics wireless headphones reviews indicate that even though the battery appears to charge, the headphones won’t come on anymore.

One customer said he bought a set of Backbeat Fit headphones in December 2017 and used them approximately 25 times. A light now indicates the battery has fully and properly charged, he says, but upon unplugging the headphones, the light turns to red as if a charge is needed.

Another customer said he only wore them while mowing his lawn. But in less than seven months of use, he reports the headphones appear to charge but do not power on.

One woman said she bought her Plantronics headphones in early 2017, and after using them fewer than 20 times, they will not turn on. Plantronics sent her a new charger, but she said the headphones still would not charge. She estimates the Backbeat Fit batteries have about 1/16 the life of other batteries. In her words, “Now that I think of it, most Plantronics devices have this same issue.”

More than one customer expressed dismay that the Backbeat Fit headphones, which retail for $129.99 on the Plantronics website, appear to be a disposable product with an electronic life that is used up within months of purchase. In the past, Plantronics has been considered a top brand in the audio industry.

Among the Plantronics wireless headphones reviews is one that accuses the company of having a manufacturing problem because his Backbeat Fit headphones would not turn on from the very first charge. He says he tried using a different cable and switched out the USB charger to no avail.

At least two other reviewers wrote that the headphones worked once, and never charged properly or worked again. Other reviews indicate the promise of eight hours of battery life has not been fulfilled, and that the product only lasts two to four hours at most.

If you have purchased Plantronics headphones that prematurely fail to turn on or to hold a charge, you could be eligible to participate in this investigation.