Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review
I just can’t help it. When I put the Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 wireless stereo headset on, I have to dance. (Notice, I didn’t say “I have to dance well.”) The sound from this review unit sent by the Altec Lansing is quite good — better than I expected, actually. I can wirelessly control music playback, volume, and even use these to take phone calls. Yesterday, I used these with my Palm Pre to participate in a 2.5-hour conference call, and they worked out very well. The only issue I had was the tiny mute button, which I think needs a little improvement. Bass isn’t the deepest, but holding the Play/Pause button for two seconds gives a bit of a boost to assist in that area.
For $99, I think these offer an excellent value. The sound won’t be quite as good as a high-end wired headset that costs far more, but unless you’re a true audiophile, these should work out nicely. Plus, you gain the convenience of wireless connectivity. As in all things mobile tech, it’s a trade-off.
Got questions I didn’t cover in the video review or here? Just post ‘em in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer ‘em.
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Hello Kevin,
great dance! Did you try those headphones with the iPhone (3.0 FW)? Just wondering about controlling playback on the phone via the headphones (I have a SE HHBH-DS980 and playback control doesn’t seem to work…
Thanks!
Tariq (@ Paris)
Tariq, I still have the first-gen iPhone, so even though it has the 3.0 software, it doesn’t support Bluetooth for anything other than phone calls. Tomorrow I should have my iPhone 3G S and can test. I’ll post the results here for you.
Thanks Kevin.
Two more things…actually three (!)
- Now I am expecting James K to dance as well
- …and I want YOU to post the video online ;)
- Whenever you come to Paris, you HAVE to perform that dance in person!
:)
Tariq
I’ve tried the Motorola S9 Motorokr stereo bluetooth, and I had a couple of problems: The music playback would frequently cut off for 1-2 seconds. Also, when taking calls, the caller on the other end complained of hearing his own voice echoing back (like feedback). Did you encounter either of these problems with the A.L. 903? (BTW, is this the same device as the Samsung 903 that Sprint offers?)
I’m looking for a decent Bluetooth headset for use under a motorcycle helmet. Noise cancellation is a big factor. If not for the above issues, the S9 would have worked well.
GO DAD!
Now you saw me dance at the wedding bud, so no funny comments. You know that even though I can’t breakdance like you can, I can still bust a move! ;)
Can you replace the battery?
Nope.
I had a very similar reaction with my Sony XB700 cans a few weeks ago as you Kevin. No video camera around to document it though…
Way to bust a move!
Pics or it didn’t happen! :)
I wonder how it compares with the Plantronics Voyager 855 Stereo Bluetooth Headset. What I like about the Plantronics is that you can switch from mono to stereo by plugging in the other piece.
I am tempted by the Plantronics 855 for the reason rodfather points out and also as Amazon are selling them for $31.
I would love to get by paws on the Sony is800 though.
Very sweet looking, but $135.
…indeed I am looking at the Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 as well…
:)
Tariq
Loved the dancing. If you can’t have fun at work (and home, as it were), you’re screwed. :)
You mention the convenience of wireless connectivity, but one thing you neglect to mention is the inconvenience of another device to have to charge at all times.
To me, the two cancel each other out, so I go for the better sound quality of a wired headset, like my Etymotic hf2 headset, which is working perfectly with my Pre.
The band seems nice and wobbly enough to put in a front pocket. Is it possible?
Also, are these lie-in-bed friendly?
They actually look really comfortable and functional, especially if you are going to go running, or some other form of exercise.
If you run … JayBird Bluetooth headphones …. jaybirdgear.com
Any news about iPhone 3G compatibilty? I heard that A2DP works, but not AVRCP, which is for remote control. Can you confirm? Thanks for the review, love the site!
Yup, A2DP only. You can pause and resume play but no FF/REW and next/previous track.
Excellent review – I’ve just ordered them through Newegg for less than the price you had shown (59.00). I’ll be using them for my iPhone 3G – until I give it to my wife and upgrade to the 3GS ;)
Thanks!
hey, nice review. im thinkin of gettin some bluetooth headphones and was pleasentl surprised when i saw this review. before i discovered these i had my eye on the motorola S9 headphones…
any feedback on the S9′s and which do you think would be a better purchase (regardless of price)
and by the way i will be using the headphones with my LG arena mobile and ipod touch 2G (with 3.0 software update)
i may not have access to the internet for a while as i will be away for a while on a trip to dubai, so i would appresiate if someone could let me know via email…? (hansolo170@hotmail.com)
thanks
I actually returned mine after 1 week. I paired them with the iPhone 3G (firmware 3.0) and they seemed to work in the house pretty well. The problem is the fit and connection when the iPhone was not in view. They always felt like they were not snug enough even with the multiple adjustments. Also when I would walk or go for a bike ride, the music would cut in and out from the iPhone just being in my pocket. Oh well…Can anyone suggest a better pair?
I just recieved my headset and am looking forward to using them with my itouch. I did not recieve a manual with them? Is there one available online?
They should have come with a manual, but you can download one here: http://www.alteclansing.com/index.php?file=north_product_detail&iproduct_id=backbeat_903
Perfect! Thanks Kevin!
Has anyone else had any issues with these headphones and the iphone?
i just got a pair, and they sound really nice for bluetooth headset. mine came with a problem though the right channel i think is starting to blow, at loud volumes the right side starts to fart and thats with the bass boost off, with it on its worse. other wise with lower volumes they sound excellent…. im looking to get a replacement for them from the manufacturer…i also brought a pair of moto s9 hd for comparisons…will see…ps they are comfortable and very light…
I returned these after a few days because they kept cutting out while I walked or rode my bike by just having my iphone in my pocket. I just got the Motorola S9 and they work perfectly and are cheaper. I might give them to my wife and get the S9HD which just came out.
Hello,
Did anybody try Sony bluetooth headsets (bt50 or bt160as) and if so, how would you compare the sound quality to Altec.
I tried both Sony headsets mentioned above and sound is amazing, unlike jaybird and motorola (both S805 and s9-HD models) which didnt sound anywhere as good as Sony.
Let me know what you think about Altec as compared to Sony DR-BTxxxx.
Thank you,
D
HEY KEVIN WAS WONDERING DOES THIS HEADSET WORK WITH BOTH EARS ON A CALL???
Yes – it does work with both ears on a call.
Thanks Kevin for the nice review.
I love my BackBeat 903s. Great fit for me. The semi in-ear tips feel good and stay put. Sound quality is quite good. I use them with my iPhone 3GS (but tried a 3G too with the same results) but have just one issue and would like to see if anyone else is experiencing this with either the 3G or 3GS.
When in a very quiet setting, I am unable to lower the volume of the BackBeats to a point that fairly low. They are still quite loud at the very lowest setting. When connecting ANY BT headset to an iPhone, the onboard iPhone volume control is disabled (I also tried this with a BlueTrek BT headset & Lubix Bt headset) so I can’t compensate for the loudness of the BackBeats. The other BT headsets I’ve tried can be lowered down to even no sound. Anyone else experience this? I’d like to find out if this is a problem common to iPhones or just my BackBeats before I return them to Altec Lansing. Thanks!
I heard that the next (bigger) iPhone OS update (3.1 not the 3.01 that just came out) is supposed to have AVRCP so looking forward to that!
I just had the backbeat yesterday, tested it this morning, worked fine but as Kevin pointed out, the lowest volume setting is way too loud that I cannot hear anyone around me. I tried lowering the volume on the iphone but looks to be disabled. Not sure if there is a way to make it to a point where the music is just whispering.
3.1.2 and still no FF/RW/Skip FWD/Skip Back.
Loved the intro. Funny. Great that you show how it works sitting on your ear. So many reviews just show the headset alone. Thanks!
I just bought one yesterday and it’s going back to the store. I have been using it with my 8830 blackberry. If the phone is more than 3-4 feet from the headset the sound cuts out. I called the company and there was nothing they could do to help other than to tell me to bring it back for a refund.
I had the exact same issue with the iphone. I have the Motorola S9′s now and they work perfectly and fit better.
I bought these from newegg, synced fine, sounded fine…for a day. Then I wasn’t able to turn them on or off. Sent them in for a return (because I love them) and promptly got a new pair. Turned new pair on, synced fine, sounded fine….for a day. Yup, once again, will not turn on or off. Can NOT figure out what I’m doing wrong. I follow the directions to a “T”, but nothing.
If they ever work, they are a great device. I love them and don’t want to play ping pong with newegg, I just want a decent pair that works!
As above previous writer noted, these are also my 2nd set of 906 Backbeats, and this time it worked ONE full battery cycle, and then following a full recharge, the headset simply wouldn’t turn on. I can’t tell if the bluetooth ‘dongle’ works, with that teeny LED. I would love it if someone could tell me why these things are such poor quality…is it b/c most people want to use them with their phones? Anyways, I say stay away from Altec/Plantronics and Logitec on these items…shamelessly poor qual. control. I’m going to check out the Sony bluetooth for ipod next!!
I called tech support, and they solved this problem. Press and Hold the power button as you reconnect to the live charger. That fixed mine.
That worked fine for a while, but now they won’t turn on at all. Very dissapointing!
I just press and hold the power button while pluggin it in, and then what? Should I wait for it to fully charge?
My pair does not work with the iPhone 3GS at all! They just aren’t recognised! They worked fine with the 3G, but from the start with the 3GS they were never identified when scanning for devices. I tried a friends 3GS and got the same results.
Other people seem to have them working with the 3GS, so perhaps the headphones are faulty?!
I purchased the Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 wireless stereo headset today. I synced with my Iphone 3GS with no problem. Then when I was listening to my music on the phone it was fine. I turned the music off and wanted to make a call but no sound thru the headset. I can hear the tone when I dial the number in the headset, but no ringing or hearing the person on the other end thru the headset. So now I am at a loss as to what to do.
Lindsey – if you use Twitter, send http://twitter.com/altec_bernice a message with your problem. She is the VP of marketing and product management at Altec Lansing and has been helping me with my problem.
Nick
I have had two pairs of these headphones. The first set locked up as described above, won’t power on. I swapped them at the store for a new set. The new set ended up with the same problem. Called tech support, and they solved the problem. Press and Hold the power button as you reconnect to the live charger. That fixed it. Also, my power charger prongs pull off the wall wart when unplugged, so I had to make sure I had the charger seated on the prongs.
WOW, this was my second pair also, and your advice just fixed my problem, what a pain!!! I will never ever buy or recommend this brand again!!
Thanks! worked for me too!!
Hi Kevin, have you used them for skype?
I got Altec’s Backbeat 903 to pair up with my macbook pro and listen to music, but I have not been able to get them to work with skype calls.
I can hear people but it seems like there were no built-in mic because
people can not hear me… any ideas? has anyone been able to use it? thanks!!
Hi Liz!
i use them for skype all the time. you just have to go into the skype settings and set the microphone to be the bluetooth mic.
Thanks also to all who recommended pressing the power button when plugging them in to resolve the “don’t want to turn on” problem. i was ready to send mine back until i tried that 30 seconds ago. happily listening to coeur de pirate again ;)
couf-
Hi Couf-
For some reason my mic doesn’t work.. any ideas?
I change the skype preferences and everything to:
Audio Output- Backbeat
Audio Imput – Backbeat
Ringing – Backbeat
I can hear people but they can not hear me…
Please help!
By the way, I have skype for mac… would that
have anything to do with my problem?
Thanks,
hey thanks alot for your advices i read alot to help me get buy on this site from difrrent shit but after i got my backbeat 903 to take a charge,(thanks to the reset method) i was able to connect it or at least have the phone recognize it but it DOSE NOT WANT TO CONNECT it says “failed ” all big what can i do i have a lg – neon GT365 ………..i have the phone not but a foot away from the head set amnd its failed to connect but it recognizes what cn i do?
Hi Kevin
I am using the Backbeat with iphone (1st generation) on the Software 3.0 version.
Although this pairs with my phone – i cant get the music nor call on it.
Anything i am missing ?
Great info in the video. I’m very interested in BT headphone w/mic. I listen to audiobooks 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. I’m sorta anal. . .can’t find the manual anywhere online. I want to know what battery(ies) this headset uses. Since the battery only lasts 7 hours and I work 8 hours, I’ll prolly have a spare or two. Also, interested in how long it takes to charge a battery. 110vac, and using an USB cord from a desktop puter. If you could steer me to a manual, (best case), or just post the battery number I’d be just thrilled. Wish the headset was available in white, but what the hey.
Cheers,
otrpu
never mind, I posted affore I read the other posts. I found the link to the manual. It’s a bummer if I can’t replace the battery with a spare to extend time. Next best thing is to UBS charge while sitting at desk. Wonder if I can charge and listen at the same time.
Cheers,
otrpu
What a duffus, like turning BT wireless head set into a wired headset. I’ll quit now.
Cheers,
otrpu
WEll, I gottum, charged um up for 20 hours or so, went to work and paired um to my BB Curve 8330, (full-o-books, 10.6gb worth). Did my rounds, didn’t snag the (no)cord on anything for 7 hours. Then they dropped dead. Acutally started a chirping at me about 5 minutes earlier. I’m an old duff, I ain’ta gonna run nowhere. So, ain’t a lotta sweat involved. Honestly, with my phone in it’s belt holster. . .I didn’t loose my signal even once the whole 7 hours. Made a phone call, received a phone call. Switched back and forth seamlessly. Can’t say about the track stuff, listenin to books I won’t use it much. I love um. Tell you a secret. . .I got two pair from eGlobalWireless.com for $98.69 free shippin, no tx.
Cheers,
otrpu
If you’re a wonderin why I need stereo headset for alistenin to book. . .mark my words. . .I listened to alota loud stereo music when I was younger. Now, I can almost hear my books ifun I use both ears. Might be better iffun you youngins turn ur down a notch. But. . .it’s up to you.
Cheers,
Steve
I got a pair of these and I think they don’t work… I use pandora to listen to internet radio on my Samsung Moment. Pandora works 75% of the time (it just freezes sometimes) but with these headsets it is in and out in EVERY song…
Any advice? I love the concept but I am gonna return them tomorrow and get something else.
ok went to Sprint today and they replaced the ones I got aparently they were defective… the new pair works fine BUT I have not tried Pandora yet
Well, I’ve been using a couple of AL BackBeat 903′s for better than a month now. I love um. Have one reservation though, I think they have a design flaw. The stems are too thin. 3 out of 3 pairs, (4 out of 4), if I count the one I returned for this problem, the left stem tube has cracked. I had one replaced and the new one did the same thing. I’m not very rough on these things, but I do use them 8 hours a night, 5 days a week. My solution has been to cut an inch length of black electrical tape in half lengthwise and wrap tightly around both stem tubes. Appearantly the tube wall is just too thin to take any stress at all. I’m informing AL of this problem and hopefully they’ll address it with a manufacturing design change. Either increase the tube thinkness, or more likely cheaper, add a small web at the stress point. Seems to me they could possible be replacing nearly 100% of these units. In my case anyway.
Cheers,
otrpu
Just got these from N 1 WIRELESS INC for $34 and I already love them!. It was the something called and “OPEN BOX” deal and they arrived in a box with all the goodies. I figured they would be DOA and was shocked when everything worked like a charm!. I had a little trouble getting them adjusted but one they found the spot, “I Cant take em off”. I also have a Palm Pre and they linked right away. I was up and running in less than 1 minute. Nice Headphones all around.
how to turn it on?
Bought these when I had a BB Curve. All of functions worked fine for that phone. Now I have iPhone 3Gs and notice the ‘call answer’ button (button on the left ear) doesn’t work with this phone. The only way I can answer a call is by hitting the screen on my phone.
Anyone else have this problem? Like others have noted, I also have trouble when plugging in the adapter as the power prongs often stay in the outlet. Plus I miss the track forward, track back feature – it worked great on the BlackBerry, so I’m guessing this is an Apple issue. Maybe the phone answer button is also Apple’s issue since it worked fine with BB.
work fine with my iphone 3gs but after 15 min is out of order :( go to sav
I recently bought a Sprint hero, paired it,with my backbeat and it worked fine for one day. Now it is like it is dead. Cannot charge, no light or response of any kind. Bought a new backbeat and the same thing happened after only a couple of hours! What’s. Happening!? Lile
If your thinking about getting the 903′s, I say go for it, I was a little scepticle at first since they are not truely in-ear phones, but I was shocked with the quality and performance that I found in them. Charging for a lil over 3 hours, I used these pretty much non-stop for about 5-6 hours and they still had juice when I powered them down, so Joe stop whining about the charging, its not so bad, if you want wireless then you obviously have to charge at some point. Sound quality is great and because they have special earbuds you can still hear outside sounds especially high frequency sounds like sirens and such. Everyone says they hear me clearly and its definately clear on my end.
One con that I have noticed to these besides the difficult muteing as Kevin mentioned, (btw, I’ve got that down to a science now.) is that when my cell goes to the lock screen, it auto disables the track selection option on the 903s, if I unlock it, it works again, no problem. They are very comfortable and easy to manage.
I am using them with the Samsung Moment, I can lower the volume extremely low in a quiet setting and hear everyone talking around me, ofcourse the volume on the Moment doesnt disable itself as the iPhart, (I mean iPhone)does. Cant wait for the htc EVO to come out!!
Over all I give these lil guys a 10/10, not sure I could do w/out them, now that I have experienced them. Well worth the money.
ps: Great moves Kevin!
ps: Stuart – Quit wasting your time with Pandora and get Xiialive, equipped with Tagging, Favorites and even a sleep timer, and uses less resources too, best shoutcast player hands down, even add sites to it!
Hi Kevin,
I got a new pair of Backbeat 903 and connected with Sony Ericsson W810i. However, when I am trying to get it discovered by my MacBook Pro, it does not get detected. I could not understand why that happens.
Can you suggest what I should do?
I would be very greatful if you could send a response to my email ID.
bhamidi.gopal@gmail.com
Thanks,
Gopal
Hi,
Did you solve your problem? Could you pair the Blackbeat 903 headset with your MacBook Pro, because I have the same problem. The Mac just does not find the headset.
thx
Hi Kevin, i have the Iphone 3G, 8GB, 2.1 version. just bought the altec lansing backbeat 903. i can get calls, but will not get music, on that bluetooth headphones.Any advise?
Thank you
The problem is that you’re running an old version of iPhone OS. Stereo Bluetooth support for music and video arrived with iPhone OS 3.0. Once you upgrade the phone’s OS, you will get music on the headphones.
one question! When using it with your cell phone, could the person on the other end of the call hear you well without a lot of noise and such!
sorry for the repeat question, but I forgot to click the notify me via email box! when using with your cell phone, does the person on the other end of the call hear you well?