| Product Dimensions | 7.1 x 2.5 x 200.79 inches; 10.58 Ounces |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 10.6 ounces |
| Manufacturer | 1 |
| ASIN | B01LZUH820 |
| Item model number | MLYE2LL/A |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | January 30, 2017 |
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BeatsX Wireless in-Ear Headphones - Black
Black
| Special Feature | Bluetooth |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Brand | Beats |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Color | Black |
About this item
- Up to 8 hours of battery life for when you’re on the go
- With Fast Fuel, a 5-minute charge gives you 2 hours of playback when battery is low
- Flex-Form cable provides all-day comfort with easy purse and pocket portability
- Take calls, control your music, and activate Siri with RemoteTalk
- What’s in the Box: BeatsX earphones, eartips with four size options, Lightning to USB-A charging cable, quick start guide, warranty card
There is a newer version of this item:
Product information
Color:BlackTechnical Details
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here [PDF ]
Customer reviews
3.9 out of 5 stars
3.9 out of 5
3,949 global ratings
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2017
Color: Black
I love these earbuds...i workout, run, bike with these...for everyone having issues with these while working out (flat bench press) falling out, I've found that wearing them reverse and crossing them eliminates this issue. See photo below. They are excellent at noise reduction, 5 minutes charge is amazing, super comfortable, only down fall is I don't think they get loud enough to blow my ear drums but I can live with that
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wear reverse while working out
By Amazon Customer on August 3, 2017
I love these earbuds...i workout, run, bike with these...for everyone having issues with these while working out (flat bench press) falling out, I've found that wearing them reverse and crossing them eliminates this issue. See photo below. They are excellent at noise reduction, 5 minutes charge is amazing, super comfortable, only down fall is I don't think they get loud enough to blow my ear drums but I can live with that
By Amazon Customer on August 3, 2017
Images in this review
366 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2017
I was never particularly a fan of Beats or Bose. I didn't really care for their tuning and much preferred Klipsch, Audio Technica, or Sennheiser. I listen to most genres of music from classical to hip hop and everything in between and beyond. I do like a bit of a forward and punchy bass when the music calls for it but otherwise I prefer my audio experience to be somewhat neutral. While I am kind of a headphone junkie I wouldn't call myself and audiophile.
I've been looking for a good wireless solution for work for a while now. I've been using my V-Moda Crossfade Wireless and I like them a lot but I don't like having something big and bulky on my head and sometimes it messes up my hair. I'll switch to my Klipsch S4i but I hate being tethered to my phone. I was considering the Apple AirPods because they seemed easy and convenient but after further research I found the battery life to be somewhat unacceptable at around 4 hours and I heard too many reports of people losing one side. Also they are kind of silly looking. I just wanted something with at least 8 hours of battery life, good noise isolation, good audio quality, and good comfort. I believe The BeatsX meets all of those requirements.
The battery life has been good at around 8 hours. I'd love to get 12+ hours like on the Powerbeats but I preferred the smaller and more compact design of the BeatsX.
The noise isolation is actually great. I have an open office so I can usually hear a lot of other people which can be annoying and distracting, these block out most of the noise
The audio quality is good. It is not great. These won't be an audio revelation for anyone. They are fairly balanced with decent to good mids, decent highs, and pretty good bass. The clarity is ever so slightly lacking when compared to other better wired earphones but nothing too bad. It is good enough for me to enjoy classical music and hip hop or for listening to podcasts. It is important to keep in mind that these are closed back in ear monitors with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. All of those things combined dont typically translate to great audio but in this case I can say it's actually good.
So far these have been very comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Wearing them while walking around or sitting at my desk has been great. I am using the earpieces that came installed and they fit great. I did attach the ear fin/hook pieces but found them unnecessary for a good hold. I have not found any discomfort in wearing these for extended listening of 3 hours plus. Mileage will vary on comfort because of the unique nature of everyone's ear sizes and shapes but fortunately they do provide 3 other ear pieces ranging in size and style as well as 2 pairs of fin/hooks. My only issue with fit is that they are kind of long and there is no adjustment on the length. They hang a bit low when you don't have them in and sometimes they loop out far from your face because the excess length. This has so far been a minor issue at best. Also I should point out that I have not tried to work out with these yet and I haven't had a lot of cable noise like others have complained about.
The build quality seems good. The cable is flexible but rigid and the earpieces seem to be durable and sturdy for their size and weight. I also do appreciate that the backs of earphones do magnetically attach to each other so they won't as easily come off of your neck.
Operation and functionality is great. They easily pair with your iOS devices and every time after is fast and simple. It has a 3 button remote on the left side as well as a mic. The buttons are appropriately clicky and tactile. I also really like that you can charge these with the iPhone lightning cable and that it comes with a short one. I can confirm that they do charge up fast and will get a 2 hour playtime from just 5 minutes of charge. Charging fully usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour depending on how drained they are.
The only reason these get 4 stars is the price point. Yes it is Apple and it is Beats so you're paying a premium for just the badging but all things considered this is a great set of wireless headphones, it just would have been excellent in the $100-$125 range. While the audio quality and battery life are good they won't amaze anyone like they might had they been cheaper. If you're willing to spend the money and have your expectations in check then I can recommend these happily. They work well and provide everything I needed and then some. If I lost them I'd probably buy another set.
Verified Purchase
I bought these directly from Apple and I actually own the Black pair.
I was never particularly a fan of Beats or Bose. I didn't really care for their tuning and much preferred Klipsch, Audio Technica, or Sennheiser. I listen to most genres of music from classical to hip hop and everything in between and beyond. I do like a bit of a forward and punchy bass when the music calls for it but otherwise I prefer my audio experience to be somewhat neutral. While I am kind of a headphone junkie I wouldn't call myself and audiophile.
I've been looking for a good wireless solution for work for a while now. I've been using my V-Moda Crossfade Wireless and I like them a lot but I don't like having something big and bulky on my head and sometimes it messes up my hair. I'll switch to my Klipsch S4i but I hate being tethered to my phone. I was considering the Apple AirPods because they seemed easy and convenient but after further research I found the battery life to be somewhat unacceptable at around 4 hours and I heard too many reports of people losing one side. Also they are kind of silly looking. I just wanted something with at least 8 hours of battery life, good noise isolation, good audio quality, and good comfort. I believe The BeatsX meets all of those requirements.
The battery life has been good at around 8 hours. I'd love to get 12+ hours like on the Powerbeats but I preferred the smaller and more compact design of the BeatsX.
The noise isolation is actually great. I have an open office so I can usually hear a lot of other people which can be annoying and distracting, these block out most of the noise
The audio quality is good. It is not great. These won't be an audio revelation for anyone. They are fairly balanced with decent to good mids, decent highs, and pretty good bass. The clarity is ever so slightly lacking when compared to other better wired earphones but nothing too bad. It is good enough for me to enjoy classical music and hip hop or for listening to podcasts. It is important to keep in mind that these are closed back in ear monitors with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. All of those things combined dont typically translate to great audio but in this case I can say it's actually good.
So far these have been very comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Wearing them while walking around or sitting at my desk has been great. I am using the earpieces that came installed and they fit great. I did attach the ear fin/hook pieces but found them unnecessary for a good hold. I have not found any discomfort in wearing these for extended listening of 3 hours plus. Mileage will vary on comfort because of the unique nature of everyone's ear sizes and shapes but fortunately they do provide 3 other ear pieces ranging in size and style as well as 2 pairs of fin/hooks. My only issue with fit is that they are kind of long and there is no adjustment on the length. They hang a bit low when you don't have them in and sometimes they loop out far from your face because the excess length. This has so far been a minor issue at best. Also I should point out that I have not tried to work out with these yet and I haven't had a lot of cable noise like others have complained about.
The build quality seems good. The cable is flexible but rigid and the earpieces seem to be durable and sturdy for their size and weight. I also do appreciate that the backs of earphones do magnetically attach to each other so they won't as easily come off of your neck.
Operation and functionality is great. They easily pair with your iOS devices and every time after is fast and simple. It has a 3 button remote on the left side as well as a mic. The buttons are appropriately clicky and tactile. I also really like that you can charge these with the iPhone lightning cable and that it comes with a short one. I can confirm that they do charge up fast and will get a 2 hour playtime from just 5 minutes of charge. Charging fully usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour depending on how drained they are.
The only reason these get 4 stars is the price point. Yes it is Apple and it is Beats so you're paying a premium for just the badging but all things considered this is a great set of wireless headphones, it just would have been excellent in the $100-$125 range. While the audio quality and battery life are good they won't amaze anyone like they might had they been cheaper. If you're willing to spend the money and have your expectations in check then I can recommend these happily. They work well and provide everything I needed and then some. If I lost them I'd probably buy another set.
I was never particularly a fan of Beats or Bose. I didn't really care for their tuning and much preferred Klipsch, Audio Technica, or Sennheiser. I listen to most genres of music from classical to hip hop and everything in between and beyond. I do like a bit of a forward and punchy bass when the music calls for it but otherwise I prefer my audio experience to be somewhat neutral. While I am kind of a headphone junkie I wouldn't call myself and audiophile.
I've been looking for a good wireless solution for work for a while now. I've been using my V-Moda Crossfade Wireless and I like them a lot but I don't like having something big and bulky on my head and sometimes it messes up my hair. I'll switch to my Klipsch S4i but I hate being tethered to my phone. I was considering the Apple AirPods because they seemed easy and convenient but after further research I found the battery life to be somewhat unacceptable at around 4 hours and I heard too many reports of people losing one side. Also they are kind of silly looking. I just wanted something with at least 8 hours of battery life, good noise isolation, good audio quality, and good comfort. I believe The BeatsX meets all of those requirements.
The battery life has been good at around 8 hours. I'd love to get 12+ hours like on the Powerbeats but I preferred the smaller and more compact design of the BeatsX.
The noise isolation is actually great. I have an open office so I can usually hear a lot of other people which can be annoying and distracting, these block out most of the noise
The audio quality is good. It is not great. These won't be an audio revelation for anyone. They are fairly balanced with decent to good mids, decent highs, and pretty good bass. The clarity is ever so slightly lacking when compared to other better wired earphones but nothing too bad. It is good enough for me to enjoy classical music and hip hop or for listening to podcasts. It is important to keep in mind that these are closed back in ear monitors with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. All of those things combined dont typically translate to great audio but in this case I can say it's actually good.
So far these have been very comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Wearing them while walking around or sitting at my desk has been great. I am using the earpieces that came installed and they fit great. I did attach the ear fin/hook pieces but found them unnecessary for a good hold. I have not found any discomfort in wearing these for extended listening of 3 hours plus. Mileage will vary on comfort because of the unique nature of everyone's ear sizes and shapes but fortunately they do provide 3 other ear pieces ranging in size and style as well as 2 pairs of fin/hooks. My only issue with fit is that they are kind of long and there is no adjustment on the length. They hang a bit low when you don't have them in and sometimes they loop out far from your face because the excess length. This has so far been a minor issue at best. Also I should point out that I have not tried to work out with these yet and I haven't had a lot of cable noise like others have complained about.
The build quality seems good. The cable is flexible but rigid and the earpieces seem to be durable and sturdy for their size and weight. I also do appreciate that the backs of earphones do magnetically attach to each other so they won't as easily come off of your neck.
Operation and functionality is great. They easily pair with your iOS devices and every time after is fast and simple. It has a 3 button remote on the left side as well as a mic. The buttons are appropriately clicky and tactile. I also really like that you can charge these with the iPhone lightning cable and that it comes with a short one. I can confirm that they do charge up fast and will get a 2 hour playtime from just 5 minutes of charge. Charging fully usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour depending on how drained they are.
The only reason these get 4 stars is the price point. Yes it is Apple and it is Beats so you're paying a premium for just the badging but all things considered this is a great set of wireless headphones, it just would have been excellent in the $100-$125 range. While the audio quality and battery life are good they won't amaze anyone like they might had they been cheaper. If you're willing to spend the money and have your expectations in check then I can recommend these happily. They work well and provide everything I needed and then some. If I lost them I'd probably buy another set.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Price of Admission is High but Quality is Good
By I Like Stuff on February 26, 2017
I bought these directly from Apple and I actually own the Black pair.By I Like Stuff on February 26, 2017
I was never particularly a fan of Beats or Bose. I didn't really care for their tuning and much preferred Klipsch, Audio Technica, or Sennheiser. I listen to most genres of music from classical to hip hop and everything in between and beyond. I do like a bit of a forward and punchy bass when the music calls for it but otherwise I prefer my audio experience to be somewhat neutral. While I am kind of a headphone junkie I wouldn't call myself and audiophile.
I've been looking for a good wireless solution for work for a while now. I've been using my V-Moda Crossfade Wireless and I like them a lot but I don't like having something big and bulky on my head and sometimes it messes up my hair. I'll switch to my Klipsch S4i but I hate being tethered to my phone. I was considering the Apple AirPods because they seemed easy and convenient but after further research I found the battery life to be somewhat unacceptable at around 4 hours and I heard too many reports of people losing one side. Also they are kind of silly looking. I just wanted something with at least 8 hours of battery life, good noise isolation, good audio quality, and good comfort. I believe The BeatsX meets all of those requirements.
The battery life has been good at around 8 hours. I'd love to get 12+ hours like on the Powerbeats but I preferred the smaller and more compact design of the BeatsX.
The noise isolation is actually great. I have an open office so I can usually hear a lot of other people which can be annoying and distracting, these block out most of the noise
The audio quality is good. It is not great. These won't be an audio revelation for anyone. They are fairly balanced with decent to good mids, decent highs, and pretty good bass. The clarity is ever so slightly lacking when compared to other better wired earphones but nothing too bad. It is good enough for me to enjoy classical music and hip hop or for listening to podcasts. It is important to keep in mind that these are closed back in ear monitors with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. All of those things combined dont typically translate to great audio but in this case I can say it's actually good.
So far these have been very comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Wearing them while walking around or sitting at my desk has been great. I am using the earpieces that came installed and they fit great. I did attach the ear fin/hook pieces but found them unnecessary for a good hold. I have not found any discomfort in wearing these for extended listening of 3 hours plus. Mileage will vary on comfort because of the unique nature of everyone's ear sizes and shapes but fortunately they do provide 3 other ear pieces ranging in size and style as well as 2 pairs of fin/hooks. My only issue with fit is that they are kind of long and there is no adjustment on the length. They hang a bit low when you don't have them in and sometimes they loop out far from your face because the excess length. This has so far been a minor issue at best. Also I should point out that I have not tried to work out with these yet and I haven't had a lot of cable noise like others have complained about.
The build quality seems good. The cable is flexible but rigid and the earpieces seem to be durable and sturdy for their size and weight. I also do appreciate that the backs of earphones do magnetically attach to each other so they won't as easily come off of your neck.
Operation and functionality is great. They easily pair with your iOS devices and every time after is fast and simple. It has a 3 button remote on the left side as well as a mic. The buttons are appropriately clicky and tactile. I also really like that you can charge these with the iPhone lightning cable and that it comes with a short one. I can confirm that they do charge up fast and will get a 2 hour playtime from just 5 minutes of charge. Charging fully usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour depending on how drained they are.
The only reason these get 4 stars is the price point. Yes it is Apple and it is Beats so you're paying a premium for just the badging but all things considered this is a great set of wireless headphones, it just would have been excellent in the $100-$125 range. While the audio quality and battery life are good they won't amaze anyone like they might had they been cheaper. If you're willing to spend the money and have your expectations in check then I can recommend these happily. They work well and provide everything I needed and then some. If I lost them I'd probably buy another set.
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858 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018
Verified Purchase
Update: Apple wanted me to pay $80 to repair a know issue. Safe to say, I’m not buying a pair of beats again.
I was enjoying these at first. I really loved these things,I wore them everyday and all the time. They're compact and sound great. However after only having the pair for about 8 months, they died out of nowhere.They don't charge anymore I guess. I get a weird series of red and white lights. I tried using the online diagnostic tool but my computer(a MacBook pro) wouldn't recognize that the headphones were plugged in. I'm stuck because I bought these on amazon and it's past the return period. I was looking online and many people were saying their pairs were also failing.
I was enjoying these at first. I really loved these things,I wore them everyday and all the time. They're compact and sound great. However after only having the pair for about 8 months, they died out of nowhere.They don't charge anymore I guess. I get a weird series of red and white lights. I tried using the online diagnostic tool but my computer(a MacBook pro) wouldn't recognize that the headphones were plugged in. I'm stuck because I bought these on amazon and it's past the return period. I was looking online and many people were saying their pairs were also failing.
107 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 stars
BeatsX vs. Jaybird X3 vs. Advanced Sound -- which Bluetooth earbuds are the best?
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2017Color: BlackVerified Purchase
After researching the best Bluetooth earbuds on the market in 2017, I decided to test the top three performers to see how they stack up. I ordered and paid for these independently -- no samples were provided by the manufacturers -- so what follows are my unvarnished and uninfluenced opinions about the products.
SOUND QUALITY--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
The top end is detailed but a bit soft and rolled-off. The midrange is similarly clear but recessed; vocals are un-hyped but don't cut through as well compared to the other units tested. The bass is very full and tight but can overpower the overall balance. Listening for long periods of time is a joy -- not at all fatiguing -- but they don't exhibit that exaggerated EQ that some listeners expect to hear from pop music. The soundstage (i.e. the ability of the ear to locate an instrument in three-dimensional space) is very good for earbuds, presenting a wider stereo image than I expected. Maximum gain overall is more than adequate to drown out loud external noises, so these will work well if you wear them while mowing the lawn, for example.
Just a side-note that these Model 3 earbuds feature detachable cables so you can swap out the bluetooth "necklace" for a wired connection directly to your phone (included with the earbuds). When connected directly, the audio quality is noticeably different -- clearer and better balanced (although it's not too shabby via Bluetooth either). Advanced Sound also claims the Model 3's support AptX to allow CD-quality wireless streaming using Apple's AAC codec or other lossless compression formats; I had no opportunity to test this.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Expecting the infamous "Beats" bass-heavy muddled mix, I was surprised at how much I liked the sound signature of these earbuds, as exaggerated as it is. The top end is sweet, clear, and present without being harsh. The midrange is punchy but obviously over-present; vocals take center-stage but with a hyped and sometimes nasal quality to them. The bass is big but puffy, adding a fullness to the music but not very tight or accurate. They are not fatiguing to listen to for long periods of time, and though exaggerated, they sound pleasing on a wide variety of genres. The soundstage is average at best. Maximum gain overall is the highest among all three earbuds, easily drowning out loud external noises (great for a contractor like myself).
Jaybird X3:
The Jaybird's have the most neutral sound profile of the three earbuds tested. The top end is detailed but a bit bright, sounding overly sibilant on some material. The midrange is definitely the best of the bunch, accurate without adding unnatural hype. The bass is tight and pleasant but understated and underwhelming; hip hop listeners might be disappointed, but it's well-suited for a wide variety of genres. The bright treble, however, makes them fatiguing to listen to after several hours. The soundstage is average. Maximum gain was about average; some music can be overpowered by the noise of power tools.
Not one of these earbuds gets the audio quality just right, in my opinion. Ideally, I'd like the sweet highs and fullness of the Beats, the accurate midrange of the Jaybirds, and the tight bass and soundstage of the Advanced Sounds, with the bass dialed back just a tad. Of course, it's all subjective, so you may like any one of these out of the box, so-to-speak.
FORM FACTOR--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
I have to admit, I hated the form factor of these earbuds at first. It requires you to wear a kind of necklace, with the play controls in front and a small battery bulge in back, then another set of thin wires that connect the earbuds to the battery bulge. After trying it out, however, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and weightless the design feels in use; it's so well balanced, you completely forget it's there, and it doesn't move around on your neck at all under normal use (although the play control bounces up and down a bit when you're running or jumping around). The wire ends attached to the earbuds are memory wires, so they wrap over and conform to your ears, never falling off; I wish all earbud manufacturers would design them this way. The battery bulge separates into two pieces via a magnetic clasp, both to make it easier to put on and take off, as well as to hide the charging port so dust and moisture stays out. Although it takes a few extra seconds to put it on, overall the form factor works very well, is wonderfully comfortable, and the earbuds never fall off your ears -- it was by far the most comfortable set of earbuds I tested. The cables are not microphonic either, meaning you won't hear distracting noises when the cable bumps against your body or rubs on your clothing.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Compared to the Advanced Sound's form factor, the Beats Audio design is more conventional, yet far more awkward to wear and use. The Beats Audio design uses a stiff, thick wire about fourteen inches long with a weighty battery bulge on each end, with a thinner ribbon wire connecting the earbuds. The left battery bulge contains the power button; the right bulge contains the charging port; and there is a separate inline play control a few inches below the right earbud. When not using the earbuds, they attach magnetically to one another so they won't fall off your neck. The stiff wire and battery bulges sit on the back of your neck, and are heavy enough that you're always aware they're there. Try jumping up and down and the wires will bounce on your neck or bump the sides of your face. Of all three earbuds tested, the microphonics on the Beats cable is definitely the worst -- you hear every bump and scrape of the cable while you're listening. Reviewers who say the Beats are the most comfortable earbuds have clearly not tried other brands in this price range. Yes, the eartips themselves are comfortable, but the ribbon wire frequently falls off the top of the ear and the awkward form factor is something you are constantly aware of. The BeatsX rates as my least favorite to wear.
Jaybird X3:
Ah, nirvana! The Jaybirds are the only one to get the form factor just right. Though the overall cable length is about twenty inches long, once you use the supplied plastic clips to "tie up" the extra cable to suit the size of your head, you will never again have to deal with cables spilling from your ears and shoulders like spaghetti -- just pop the earbuds in your ears and the cable will run over each ear and around the back of your head. It's the perfect setup, quick and easy to put on and take off. Cable microphonics are a non-issue, since there are no loose cables to bounce around or rub against you.
FIT/COMFORT:
Advanced Sound Model 3:
These are by far the most comfortable eartips I have ever used. It ships with three sizes of foam and three sizes of silicone tips. I found the foam ones to be a perfect fit, and they don't need to be compressed before you stuff them in your ear canal like other ones I've tried in the past. They provide almost total isolation from outside noises. Thanks to the memory wire, they can easily stay in your ear canal all day long and even stay in place during active exercise. Eartips slip over a plastic flange on the earbuds so they stay put until you decide to change them; the downside is that the foam tips are rather fragile and easy to tear trying to pull them off the earbud.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
These tips also fit pretty well for me. It ships with four sizes of silicone tips, but no foam tips at all. Similar to the Advanced Sound, the eartips stretch over a plastic flange to keep them secure on the earbuds. Sound isolation is very good. The Beats provides "wings" to lock the earbuds into your ears during active exercise; however, I have never found these to be very comfortable and they look goofy to wear.
Jaybird X3:
Like Advanced Sound's, the X3's ship with three sizes of foam and silicone tips. However, the Jaybird eartips simply slip over the earbud without a flange to keep them secure. The result of this design omission is that the silicone tips in particular come off the earbuds with very little effort, often remaining in your ear canal when you take the earbuds off. This is an unfortunate and exasperating design failure for a product at this price point. I have lost many eartips simply by pulling them out of my pocket and not noticing when the tip has fallen off. The foam eartips for some reason seem to have a little more friction to stay on better. The Jaybirds also provide "wings" to lock the earbuds into your ears during active exercise. Isolation is very good.
CONTROLS--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
The Advanced Sound has a pendant-style play control that hangs at your chest from the Bluetooth "necklace." It's super-easy to find. The center button turns the unit on/off, plays/pauses music, and redials the last phone number. The bottom button lowers the volume with a short tap or skips back to the last track with a long press; similarly, the top bottom raises volume or skips to the next track. It's logical and works without fumbling for it. The Advanced Sound's volume controls will only adjust the phone's volume setting for media; especially at lower volume levels, you may find that the controls are too coarse to dial in the right loudness without tweaking it from your phone. The earbuds turn on or off with a quick one-second press of the power button.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
The Beats Audio play control is wonderfully tactile but disappointingly difficult to use. There is a center play/pause button flanked by volume buttons. The volume buttons depress easily with a pleasing click, but the tiny play/pause button in the center is difficult to locate by touch. Unlike the Advanced Sound, you have to double click the center button to skip to the next track, or triple-click it to skip backward. Why on earth wouldn't Beats have used the larger volume buttons to skip tracks? Another problem with the design is that in addition to the inline play controls, you have two battery bulges that can be easily mistaken for the play controls. (The power button is on the left side battery bulge.) Like the Advanced Sound, the Beats' volume controls will only adjust the phone's volume setting; you may find the controls too coarse to dial in the perfect loudness without using your phone. Occasionally I had trouble getting the BeatsX to turn on and connect to my Android phone.
Jaybird X3:
The Jaybird has an inline play control just below the left earbud. It functions the same as the Advanced Sound, with a center pause/play/power/voice button, and volume buttons that also skip tracks with a long press. There is a raised bump on the center button so it can be distinguished from the volume buttons by touch, although I would have preferred if it had been made a little larger than the other buttons. Again, it's logical and works without fumbling. Unlike the Advanced Sound or the Beats, the Jaybird has a volume setting that is separate from the phone's volume setting; this gives you a finer degree of control over loudness, although if you're not OCD like me, you might not notice the difference. It takes approximately a four-second press of the power button to turn the earbuds on or off, which can feel annoyingly long to wait. The Jaybirds also feature a unique "ShareMe" feature, which allows two Jaybird users to hear sound from the same device via Bluetooth.
Note: I don't use my earbuds to take phone calls, so call quality and functionality has not been considered at all in this review.
PERFORMANCE-- Bluetooth reception
All three earbuds connected to Bluetooth quickly at roughly the same speed. The only difference is that the Advanced Sound earbuds will turn off automatically if there is no signal, requiring you to press the power/play button on the unit while connecting -- it's a minor quibble that has the advantage of eking out a little more battery life, which the other two do not.
Advanced Sound Model 3:
To test Bluetooth reception, I placed my Android phone in my second floor bedroom and roamed the house until I began to notice drop-outs. The Advanced Sound earbuds could stream audio through the walls from two rooms away on the same floor without any drop-outs but began to break up completely when I descended the stairs to the floor below.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Bluetooth reception on the Beats earbuds is, in a word, Amazing. With my phone on the second floor, I descended all the way to the basement, and the audio was still streaming with only occassional drop-outs. No other Bluetooth earbuds comes close. Of course, in reality most people keep their phones in their pockets or close by while listening, so none of the three units tested had any trouble streaming without drop-outs.
Jaybird X3:
Bluetooth reception on the Jaybirds was only slightly better than the Advanced Sound earbuds, which all in all, was still not half-bad. I descended one floor down and one room away before the signal began to break up completely.
PERFORMANCE-- Battery life
The Model 3's charge via micro-USB; the port is hidden inside the two-piece magnetic clasp, which protects it from dust and moisture. The battery lasts about five hours, charges completely in 90 minutes, and shuts off automatically without a signal to eke out as much battery life as possible.
The BeatsX charge via Apple Lightning cable, which plugs into a port on the right-side battery bulge. Besides the obvious iPhone bias of the Beats earbuds, I am very suspect of the Beats having an open charging port exposed to dust, weather, or sweat and will report back about its longevity (they are not waterproof or sweatproof). The battery lasts 8 hours, fast-charges in five minutes to gain about two hours of additional playtime, and charges completely in 45 minutes.
The Jaybird X3's dock into a special USB charging cable/clip. I am not a fan of proprietary charging cables like this, since it will render your expensive earbuds useless if it becomes damaged or dirty -- I prefer the more universal micro-USB connection that Jaybird's previous model X2 used. The battery lasts 8 hours, fast-charges in twenty minutes to gain an hour of playtime, and charges completely in 2-1/2 hours. Be careful of chargers that supply more than 5.5 volts; these will quickly damage the internal battery. To hear the charge percentage, press either of the volume buttons while no music is being played; you can also view remaining battery life using Jaybird's "MySound" app, which also allows you to apply EQ settings to the earbuds and save them.
PACKAGING/ACCESSORIES--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
Comes with three silicone tips, three foam tips, a wired cable, a flexible micro-USB charging cable, and a roomy vinyl zippered soft-sided case. They come with a 3-year warranty.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Comes with four silicone tips, silicone wings, a short stiff Apple Lightning charging cable, and an odd though functional silicone storage sleeve. They come with a one-year warranty but are not included in AppleCare from my understanding; users have complained that repairs/replacements cannot be handled through Apple stores but must instead be shipped back to a repair facility.
Jaybird X3:
Comes with three silicone tips, three Comply foam tips, three silicone wings, two cord clips (tethers to shorten the cable length), a shirt-clip, a short stiff micro-USB charging cable, and a fabric storage pouch. They come with a one-year warranty.
PRICE/OVERALL IMPRESSIONS--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
For 79 bucks you really can't go wrong with the Model 3 earbuds. Though the form factor is a bit unusual, they are undeniably the most comfortable of the three units tested. Five hours of playtime isn't too shabby, plus it includes the swappable wired cables for when the battery needs to be charged. The sound quality is very musical and non-fatiguing even after long listening sessions, and the location of the playback controls is perfect. A great performer that won't break the bank, the Model 3 is the one I found myself coming back to again and again.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
At 149 bucks, the most expensive earbuds of the bunch have a lot to offer but also a lot of disappointments. Sound quality, though hyped, is rich and well-suited for a variety of genres; eight-hour battery life will keep you going through the whole workday, with quick charging capability too; and the Bluetooth reception range is beyond compare. However, it's hard to get past the awkward form factor, not-so-user-friendly player controls, plus very microphonic cables and a fit that's not well-suited for active pursuits. And did I mention, it's the most expensive? Every time I wear the BeatsX, I find myself fiddling with cables that won't stay on my ears or battery bulges constantly brushing against my neck; this does not make for an enjoyable listening experience.
Jaybird X3:
At 125 bucks, the Jaybird tries to hit the sweet spot. It offers the most convenient form factor, super-easy to put on and take off, with an eight-hour battery life and a neutral sound that's not overly hyped like the Beats, although it can be fatiguing after several hours of listening. Can you get past the fact that it's easy to lose the eartips? Probably, with a dab of superglue maybe. In my opinion, the Jaybirds are the most versatile performer, though they command a high price.
In the end, I returned the BeatsX and kept the other two. I like them all for different reasons, but feel the Advanced Sound Model 3 and Jaybird X3 offer a better overall user experience. Now when the battery on one pair gets drained, I just switch to the other, and it's like putting on a whole new set of ears, like enjoying a different glass of wine.
SOUND QUALITY--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
The top end is detailed but a bit soft and rolled-off. The midrange is similarly clear but recessed; vocals are un-hyped but don't cut through as well compared to the other units tested. The bass is very full and tight but can overpower the overall balance. Listening for long periods of time is a joy -- not at all fatiguing -- but they don't exhibit that exaggerated EQ that some listeners expect to hear from pop music. The soundstage (i.e. the ability of the ear to locate an instrument in three-dimensional space) is very good for earbuds, presenting a wider stereo image than I expected. Maximum gain overall is more than adequate to drown out loud external noises, so these will work well if you wear them while mowing the lawn, for example.
Just a side-note that these Model 3 earbuds feature detachable cables so you can swap out the bluetooth "necklace" for a wired connection directly to your phone (included with the earbuds). When connected directly, the audio quality is noticeably different -- clearer and better balanced (although it's not too shabby via Bluetooth either). Advanced Sound also claims the Model 3's support AptX to allow CD-quality wireless streaming using Apple's AAC codec or other lossless compression formats; I had no opportunity to test this.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Expecting the infamous "Beats" bass-heavy muddled mix, I was surprised at how much I liked the sound signature of these earbuds, as exaggerated as it is. The top end is sweet, clear, and present without being harsh. The midrange is punchy but obviously over-present; vocals take center-stage but with a hyped and sometimes nasal quality to them. The bass is big but puffy, adding a fullness to the music but not very tight or accurate. They are not fatiguing to listen to for long periods of time, and though exaggerated, they sound pleasing on a wide variety of genres. The soundstage is average at best. Maximum gain overall is the highest among all three earbuds, easily drowning out loud external noises (great for a contractor like myself).
Jaybird X3:
The Jaybird's have the most neutral sound profile of the three earbuds tested. The top end is detailed but a bit bright, sounding overly sibilant on some material. The midrange is definitely the best of the bunch, accurate without adding unnatural hype. The bass is tight and pleasant but understated and underwhelming; hip hop listeners might be disappointed, but it's well-suited for a wide variety of genres. The bright treble, however, makes them fatiguing to listen to after several hours. The soundstage is average. Maximum gain was about average; some music can be overpowered by the noise of power tools.
Not one of these earbuds gets the audio quality just right, in my opinion. Ideally, I'd like the sweet highs and fullness of the Beats, the accurate midrange of the Jaybirds, and the tight bass and soundstage of the Advanced Sounds, with the bass dialed back just a tad. Of course, it's all subjective, so you may like any one of these out of the box, so-to-speak.
FORM FACTOR--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
I have to admit, I hated the form factor of these earbuds at first. It requires you to wear a kind of necklace, with the play controls in front and a small battery bulge in back, then another set of thin wires that connect the earbuds to the battery bulge. After trying it out, however, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and weightless the design feels in use; it's so well balanced, you completely forget it's there, and it doesn't move around on your neck at all under normal use (although the play control bounces up and down a bit when you're running or jumping around). The wire ends attached to the earbuds are memory wires, so they wrap over and conform to your ears, never falling off; I wish all earbud manufacturers would design them this way. The battery bulge separates into two pieces via a magnetic clasp, both to make it easier to put on and take off, as well as to hide the charging port so dust and moisture stays out. Although it takes a few extra seconds to put it on, overall the form factor works very well, is wonderfully comfortable, and the earbuds never fall off your ears -- it was by far the most comfortable set of earbuds I tested. The cables are not microphonic either, meaning you won't hear distracting noises when the cable bumps against your body or rubs on your clothing.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Compared to the Advanced Sound's form factor, the Beats Audio design is more conventional, yet far more awkward to wear and use. The Beats Audio design uses a stiff, thick wire about fourteen inches long with a weighty battery bulge on each end, with a thinner ribbon wire connecting the earbuds. The left battery bulge contains the power button; the right bulge contains the charging port; and there is a separate inline play control a few inches below the right earbud. When not using the earbuds, they attach magnetically to one another so they won't fall off your neck. The stiff wire and battery bulges sit on the back of your neck, and are heavy enough that you're always aware they're there. Try jumping up and down and the wires will bounce on your neck or bump the sides of your face. Of all three earbuds tested, the microphonics on the Beats cable is definitely the worst -- you hear every bump and scrape of the cable while you're listening. Reviewers who say the Beats are the most comfortable earbuds have clearly not tried other brands in this price range. Yes, the eartips themselves are comfortable, but the ribbon wire frequently falls off the top of the ear and the awkward form factor is something you are constantly aware of. The BeatsX rates as my least favorite to wear.
Jaybird X3:
Ah, nirvana! The Jaybirds are the only one to get the form factor just right. Though the overall cable length is about twenty inches long, once you use the supplied plastic clips to "tie up" the extra cable to suit the size of your head, you will never again have to deal with cables spilling from your ears and shoulders like spaghetti -- just pop the earbuds in your ears and the cable will run over each ear and around the back of your head. It's the perfect setup, quick and easy to put on and take off. Cable microphonics are a non-issue, since there are no loose cables to bounce around or rub against you.
FIT/COMFORT:
Advanced Sound Model 3:
These are by far the most comfortable eartips I have ever used. It ships with three sizes of foam and three sizes of silicone tips. I found the foam ones to be a perfect fit, and they don't need to be compressed before you stuff them in your ear canal like other ones I've tried in the past. They provide almost total isolation from outside noises. Thanks to the memory wire, they can easily stay in your ear canal all day long and even stay in place during active exercise. Eartips slip over a plastic flange on the earbuds so they stay put until you decide to change them; the downside is that the foam tips are rather fragile and easy to tear trying to pull them off the earbud.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
These tips also fit pretty well for me. It ships with four sizes of silicone tips, but no foam tips at all. Similar to the Advanced Sound, the eartips stretch over a plastic flange to keep them secure on the earbuds. Sound isolation is very good. The Beats provides "wings" to lock the earbuds into your ears during active exercise; however, I have never found these to be very comfortable and they look goofy to wear.
Jaybird X3:
Like Advanced Sound's, the X3's ship with three sizes of foam and silicone tips. However, the Jaybird eartips simply slip over the earbud without a flange to keep them secure. The result of this design omission is that the silicone tips in particular come off the earbuds with very little effort, often remaining in your ear canal when you take the earbuds off. This is an unfortunate and exasperating design failure for a product at this price point. I have lost many eartips simply by pulling them out of my pocket and not noticing when the tip has fallen off. The foam eartips for some reason seem to have a little more friction to stay on better. The Jaybirds also provide "wings" to lock the earbuds into your ears during active exercise. Isolation is very good.
CONTROLS--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
The Advanced Sound has a pendant-style play control that hangs at your chest from the Bluetooth "necklace." It's super-easy to find. The center button turns the unit on/off, plays/pauses music, and redials the last phone number. The bottom button lowers the volume with a short tap or skips back to the last track with a long press; similarly, the top bottom raises volume or skips to the next track. It's logical and works without fumbling for it. The Advanced Sound's volume controls will only adjust the phone's volume setting for media; especially at lower volume levels, you may find that the controls are too coarse to dial in the right loudness without tweaking it from your phone. The earbuds turn on or off with a quick one-second press of the power button.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
The Beats Audio play control is wonderfully tactile but disappointingly difficult to use. There is a center play/pause button flanked by volume buttons. The volume buttons depress easily with a pleasing click, but the tiny play/pause button in the center is difficult to locate by touch. Unlike the Advanced Sound, you have to double click the center button to skip to the next track, or triple-click it to skip backward. Why on earth wouldn't Beats have used the larger volume buttons to skip tracks? Another problem with the design is that in addition to the inline play controls, you have two battery bulges that can be easily mistaken for the play controls. (The power button is on the left side battery bulge.) Like the Advanced Sound, the Beats' volume controls will only adjust the phone's volume setting; you may find the controls too coarse to dial in the perfect loudness without using your phone. Occasionally I had trouble getting the BeatsX to turn on and connect to my Android phone.
Jaybird X3:
The Jaybird has an inline play control just below the left earbud. It functions the same as the Advanced Sound, with a center pause/play/power/voice button, and volume buttons that also skip tracks with a long press. There is a raised bump on the center button so it can be distinguished from the volume buttons by touch, although I would have preferred if it had been made a little larger than the other buttons. Again, it's logical and works without fumbling. Unlike the Advanced Sound or the Beats, the Jaybird has a volume setting that is separate from the phone's volume setting; this gives you a finer degree of control over loudness, although if you're not OCD like me, you might not notice the difference. It takes approximately a four-second press of the power button to turn the earbuds on or off, which can feel annoyingly long to wait. The Jaybirds also feature a unique "ShareMe" feature, which allows two Jaybird users to hear sound from the same device via Bluetooth.
Note: I don't use my earbuds to take phone calls, so call quality and functionality has not been considered at all in this review.
PERFORMANCE-- Bluetooth reception
All three earbuds connected to Bluetooth quickly at roughly the same speed. The only difference is that the Advanced Sound earbuds will turn off automatically if there is no signal, requiring you to press the power/play button on the unit while connecting -- it's a minor quibble that has the advantage of eking out a little more battery life, which the other two do not.
Advanced Sound Model 3:
To test Bluetooth reception, I placed my Android phone in my second floor bedroom and roamed the house until I began to notice drop-outs. The Advanced Sound earbuds could stream audio through the walls from two rooms away on the same floor without any drop-outs but began to break up completely when I descended the stairs to the floor below.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Bluetooth reception on the Beats earbuds is, in a word, Amazing. With my phone on the second floor, I descended all the way to the basement, and the audio was still streaming with only occassional drop-outs. No other Bluetooth earbuds comes close. Of course, in reality most people keep their phones in their pockets or close by while listening, so none of the three units tested had any trouble streaming without drop-outs.
Jaybird X3:
Bluetooth reception on the Jaybirds was only slightly better than the Advanced Sound earbuds, which all in all, was still not half-bad. I descended one floor down and one room away before the signal began to break up completely.
PERFORMANCE-- Battery life
The Model 3's charge via micro-USB; the port is hidden inside the two-piece magnetic clasp, which protects it from dust and moisture. The battery lasts about five hours, charges completely in 90 minutes, and shuts off automatically without a signal to eke out as much battery life as possible.
The BeatsX charge via Apple Lightning cable, which plugs into a port on the right-side battery bulge. Besides the obvious iPhone bias of the Beats earbuds, I am very suspect of the Beats having an open charging port exposed to dust, weather, or sweat and will report back about its longevity (they are not waterproof or sweatproof). The battery lasts 8 hours, fast-charges in five minutes to gain about two hours of additional playtime, and charges completely in 45 minutes.
The Jaybird X3's dock into a special USB charging cable/clip. I am not a fan of proprietary charging cables like this, since it will render your expensive earbuds useless if it becomes damaged or dirty -- I prefer the more universal micro-USB connection that Jaybird's previous model X2 used. The battery lasts 8 hours, fast-charges in twenty minutes to gain an hour of playtime, and charges completely in 2-1/2 hours. Be careful of chargers that supply more than 5.5 volts; these will quickly damage the internal battery. To hear the charge percentage, press either of the volume buttons while no music is being played; you can also view remaining battery life using Jaybird's "MySound" app, which also allows you to apply EQ settings to the earbuds and save them.
PACKAGING/ACCESSORIES--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
Comes with three silicone tips, three foam tips, a wired cable, a flexible micro-USB charging cable, and a roomy vinyl zippered soft-sided case. They come with a 3-year warranty.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
Comes with four silicone tips, silicone wings, a short stiff Apple Lightning charging cable, and an odd though functional silicone storage sleeve. They come with a one-year warranty but are not included in AppleCare from my understanding; users have complained that repairs/replacements cannot be handled through Apple stores but must instead be shipped back to a repair facility.
Jaybird X3:
Comes with three silicone tips, three Comply foam tips, three silicone wings, two cord clips (tethers to shorten the cable length), a shirt-clip, a short stiff micro-USB charging cable, and a fabric storage pouch. They come with a one-year warranty.
PRICE/OVERALL IMPRESSIONS--
Advanced Sound Model 3:
For 79 bucks you really can't go wrong with the Model 3 earbuds. Though the form factor is a bit unusual, they are undeniably the most comfortable of the three units tested. Five hours of playtime isn't too shabby, plus it includes the swappable wired cables for when the battery needs to be charged. The sound quality is very musical and non-fatiguing even after long listening sessions, and the location of the playback controls is perfect. A great performer that won't break the bank, the Model 3 is the one I found myself coming back to again and again.
Beats Audio BeatsX:
At 149 bucks, the most expensive earbuds of the bunch have a lot to offer but also a lot of disappointments. Sound quality, though hyped, is rich and well-suited for a variety of genres; eight-hour battery life will keep you going through the whole workday, with quick charging capability too; and the Bluetooth reception range is beyond compare. However, it's hard to get past the awkward form factor, not-so-user-friendly player controls, plus very microphonic cables and a fit that's not well-suited for active pursuits. And did I mention, it's the most expensive? Every time I wear the BeatsX, I find myself fiddling with cables that won't stay on my ears or battery bulges constantly brushing against my neck; this does not make for an enjoyable listening experience.
Jaybird X3:
At 125 bucks, the Jaybird tries to hit the sweet spot. It offers the most convenient form factor, super-easy to put on and take off, with an eight-hour battery life and a neutral sound that's not overly hyped like the Beats, although it can be fatiguing after several hours of listening. Can you get past the fact that it's easy to lose the eartips? Probably, with a dab of superglue maybe. In my opinion, the Jaybirds are the most versatile performer, though they command a high price.
In the end, I returned the BeatsX and kept the other two. I like them all for different reasons, but feel the Advanced Sound Model 3 and Jaybird X3 offer a better overall user experience. Now when the battery on one pair gets drained, I just switch to the other, and it's like putting on a whole new set of ears, like enjoying a different glass of wine.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2017
Verified Purchase
Be ready to spend 100+ dollars on these great headphones that will last approximately 30 uses. Highly disappointed in the durability of these headphones. I only used these headphones twice a week.
-Great working headphones when they are working.
-Avoid the headache of sending out for repairs and buy something else, wish i did...
-There are 200+ posts on apple's forum with the same issue (several people claiming to replace 2-3x already). You've been warned...
-My first Amazon review, I just want to help someone else avoid a headache.
-Great working headphones when they are working.
-Avoid the headache of sending out for repairs and buy something else, wish i did...
-There are 200+ posts on apple's forum with the same issue (several people claiming to replace 2-3x already). You've been warned...
-My first Amazon review, I just want to help someone else avoid a headache.
99 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Larry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for work outside
Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2018Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Paid 180 CAD and pretty satisfied with my purchase. I work in landscaping, so I use these for 6-8 hours and brand new they are left with ~40% battery at the end of my day.
I can vouch for the noise isolation too. I’m working around leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and lawn mowers. The BeatsX lower the noise to a safe volume about as good as ear plugs. I use the standard ear tips that are preinstalled on the earphones, although there’s 3 more pairs of various size. The first day I noticed them getting lightly tugged out of my ears as I moved around at work. If you’re doing physical labour I recommend putting the wings on. There’s a small and a medium pair included.
The sound quality is good. I mostly use them for listening to podcasts. You’re not going to get the same quality as a good pair of full headphones but they’re great for what they are.
I’ve not had a single connectivity issue in my time using these, which is what I was afraid of most. Using with my iPhone 8 Plus, these pair very easily and stay that way.
[UPDATE]
I continue to use these at work after a year. I don't tend to be listening to things for my entire day though so I cannot attest to them lasting 8 hours anymore. They really do function great as just earplugs though. The noise isolation is great for when I'm using very loud eqiupment.
I have had a significant issue though. The right-side earpiece occasionally gets quieter than the left side. The only way I've found that fixes this is by popping off the rubber cap and removing the tiny mesh screen that sits on top of the front cavity. I then blow it out or use a toothpick to gently wipe away any debris buildup. This is a tricky issue because that tiny mesh screen is held on with a sticky adhesive, so I have to be very careful in both removing it an putting it back on. This problem may be because the BeatsX are not sufficiently protected from dust or sweat, or it could just be that I just have a faulty part.
That left side earbud has never had any issue so clearly that one is holding up very well to dust and water. And that's really saying something because in my job I regularly encounter a whole lot of both dust and water, as well as sweating a lot.
I would still recommend these. Maybe the most amazing thing is that I would highly recommend these over ISOtunes PRO earbuds. They are less expensive, but those are literally marketed to professionals with all kinds of qualifications like being ANSI-certified, OSHA-compliant, IP55 and rated for 85 dB. One of my team leads owns those and uses them everyday, and they're in really rough shape! The wire wears down and tears apart to the point he had to wrap electrical tape around it. The eartips wear down and fall off all the time for him, which sucks because the eartips for the ISOtunes PRO are not cheap to replace. He had to have the entire unit replaced by warranty due to how much they were falling apart. On top of that he doesn't find them very comfortable to wear. The BeatsX are vastly superior for professional use over the earbuds that are specifically made for professional use. Gotta love that.
[UPDATE 2]
So it’s April now. 1 year and 1 month of use, that one bud that was giving me problems has now completely stopped working. Apple will not honour a warranty claim because it expired a month ago.
I can vouch for the noise isolation too. I’m working around leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and lawn mowers. The BeatsX lower the noise to a safe volume about as good as ear plugs. I use the standard ear tips that are preinstalled on the earphones, although there’s 3 more pairs of various size. The first day I noticed them getting lightly tugged out of my ears as I moved around at work. If you’re doing physical labour I recommend putting the wings on. There’s a small and a medium pair included.
The sound quality is good. I mostly use them for listening to podcasts. You’re not going to get the same quality as a good pair of full headphones but they’re great for what they are.
I’ve not had a single connectivity issue in my time using these, which is what I was afraid of most. Using with my iPhone 8 Plus, these pair very easily and stay that way.
[UPDATE]
I continue to use these at work after a year. I don't tend to be listening to things for my entire day though so I cannot attest to them lasting 8 hours anymore. They really do function great as just earplugs though. The noise isolation is great for when I'm using very loud eqiupment.
I have had a significant issue though. The right-side earpiece occasionally gets quieter than the left side. The only way I've found that fixes this is by popping off the rubber cap and removing the tiny mesh screen that sits on top of the front cavity. I then blow it out or use a toothpick to gently wipe away any debris buildup. This is a tricky issue because that tiny mesh screen is held on with a sticky adhesive, so I have to be very careful in both removing it an putting it back on. This problem may be because the BeatsX are not sufficiently protected from dust or sweat, or it could just be that I just have a faulty part.
That left side earbud has never had any issue so clearly that one is holding up very well to dust and water. And that's really saying something because in my job I regularly encounter a whole lot of both dust and water, as well as sweating a lot.
I would still recommend these. Maybe the most amazing thing is that I would highly recommend these over ISOtunes PRO earbuds. They are less expensive, but those are literally marketed to professionals with all kinds of qualifications like being ANSI-certified, OSHA-compliant, IP55 and rated for 85 dB. One of my team leads owns those and uses them everyday, and they're in really rough shape! The wire wears down and tears apart to the point he had to wrap electrical tape around it. The eartips wear down and fall off all the time for him, which sucks because the eartips for the ISOtunes PRO are not cheap to replace. He had to have the entire unit replaced by warranty due to how much they were falling apart. On top of that he doesn't find them very comfortable to wear. The BeatsX are vastly superior for professional use over the earbuds that are specifically made for professional use. Gotta love that.
[UPDATE 2]
So it’s April now. 1 year and 1 month of use, that one bud that was giving me problems has now completely stopped working. Apple will not honour a warranty claim because it expired a month ago.
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Jared
1.0 out of 5 stars
Read a bit before you give yourself a headache with this poor product
Reviewed in Canada on May 23, 2019Color: BlackVerified Purchase
My set new out of box was defective (as is with many accounts on this product). You are required to download a firmware updater for them which is weird as they're headphones but w/e, in my case this did nothing. The volume down/power button for 10 seconds reset did nothing. I have now scoured threads that people have replaced over 4 in a years time until the warranty didn't cover them anymore. Hope someone reads this and avoids having the joy of a new gizmo shot down by people after money rather than making a decent product. Go with Bose.
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Mitch Service
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Headphones!
Reviewed in Canada on August 21, 2018Color: BlackVerified Purchase
I have a pair of Beats Solo that I primarily use, but they are not good when I'm active. I was worried I would lose completely wireless ear buds so this was an excellent alternative that I won't lose. Sounds quality is excellent. Could use a bit more bass, but that could be because I'm used to me Solos. Very convenient and stay in my ears well (which is hard to do).
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Dhruva
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent earphones
Reviewed in India on September 2, 2018Verified Purchase
The Beats x is an excellent pair of earphones under 12k mark. The W1 chip in these make the paring with any apple device Child's play. With android this paring takes 3-5 secs. The sound from these will be an absolute joy for most of the people except for the ....AUDIOPHILES;). The sound clarity from these are amazing and lows and highs are also pretty great. However these headphones are not for the baseheads. The lighting cable provided lets you use the headphones for 2 hours with 15 minutes of charge. With full charge (which takes about 45-50 mins) you can you these for 7-8 hrs depending on your volume. Also the buds have magnet at the end which helps them cling together and not slide down from your neck.
We also get ear fins in the box which helps in a further secure fit of these headphones. The bluetooth range is about 30-40 feet. Also we get a small pouch in the box for carrying them but according to me they are a bit too small and it takes some time to fit in these earphones. This is my only concern. And yes these are a better purchase that the apple AirPods in sound department but in portability and charging department apple AirPods is hands down the winner.
We also get ear fins in the box which helps in a further secure fit of these headphones. The bluetooth range is about 30-40 feet. Also we get a small pouch in the box for carrying them but according to me they are a bit too small and it takes some time to fit in these earphones. This is my only concern. And yes these are a better purchase that the apple AirPods in sound department but in portability and charging department apple AirPods is hands down the winner.
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Tullstoy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic with only one complaint
Reviewed in Canada on August 23, 2018Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Saw generally good reviews and the quick charge function was the final part that tipped the scale, frequently finding myself leaving for a train in 5min with dead earbuds. Tried the provided tips and "wingtips" but as usual with earbuds, tossed the wings & tips, and went with Comply Isolation Plus Tx-400 for better fit and noise cancelling.
The only negative I find is the lack of battery status. The indicator light doesn't do anything for you when you are wearing them, the popup screen on the phone when initially connecting doesn't display all the time (I think I have seen it twice, ever), and there is no indication in the top bar of the phone display to know if you are at 2% or 50%. I am likely charging them more than required simply because there is no way to see what the battery level is at (iPhone 7).
The only negative I find is the lack of battery status. The indicator light doesn't do anything for you when you are wearing them, the popup screen on the phone when initially connecting doesn't display all the time (I think I have seen it twice, ever), and there is no indication in the top bar of the phone display to know if you are at 2% or 50%. I am likely charging them more than required simply because there is no way to see what the battery level is at (iPhone 7).
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