Update 8/24/15: I've been using these for a month and could not be happier with their performance. I did think they were disconnecting a few times but realized it was my song had an error downloading... it was not the fault of the headphones. In regards to the stiction on the back of my neck, I just wear them in the front of my neck and there are no issues. When I sweat profusely, they sometimes get a little slippery in the ears (and by profusely, I mean I sweat buckets and it all runs down my head because I shave my head), so I'm looking for some foam tips to remedy that problem.
I've purchased dozens (if not hundreds... but don't tell my wife) of headphones over the years looking for the perfect headphone. Even with buying the Powerbeats 2 wireless earbuds, I haven't found them, but they work great for the reason I bought them... the gym. I had tried a few sets of other wireless headphones made for the gym, but none of them seemed to stay put or hold up. You start bouncing around (that's what you do at a gym, right?) and they'd bounce right out of your ears - always at the most inopportune time - when you're on the treadmill running or in the middle of a heavy lift and your earbud falling out distracts you from what started as a great set.
First, opening up the box is pretty easy, presumably because Apple now owns Beats by Dre. I charged the headphones, which is easy with the included cord... although for some inexplicable reason, they only include the cord not the AC adapter. I'm sure Apple has a warehouse the size of Nebraska overflowing with AC adapters... why don't they include one?
Pairing them to your phone is really easy. Because I'm a guy, I'm not sure if the instructions outline the process; I just did it in the locker room of the gym by Googling "pairing Powerbeats2 wireless headphones" and there was an outline. I use an Android phone, Samsung Galaxy GS5, and these are made to work with iPhones, but I had no issues. Very simple.
The real test is the performance and comfort. I am not a guy who blares his music. I like good quality music, but I already suffer from tinnitus from stupid choices (I mentioned that I'm a guy, right?) so I avoid loud music. That being said, these can crank up the volume if needed. The sound is clear and crisp and the only time there's any static or the music skips a beat is when I use the side button to turn off the screen of my phone; when I do that, the music skips a half beat sometimes. If I let the screen go black by itself, it does not create the same interruption.
I struggle with getting earbuds to fit right, but for some reason the standard size tips that came with these worked in my ears. I'm a big guy at 6'3" with an 18" neck, so while other "behind the neck" headphones have not fit, the Powerbeats2 fits with a few inches to spare. If you're not in the giant category, there's a slider on the cord to make it smaller. The over the ear thingees are comfortable and prevent the earbuds from falling out, even when I'm moving into positions on my belly or back.. The cord is rubberized, so while it doesn't tangle it does cause an issue with me... and probably only me. In addition to being big, I also shave my head, so the rubberized cord sometimes creates a sort of stiction on the back of my head that really doesn't affect anything, but it makes me want to adjust them. Again, unless you shave your head, this won't be an issue for you.
The best things about using these in the gym is you don't have to worry about your arms or the weights getting tangled in the cord. I keep my phone in my pocket or on the floor and the headphones never work free.
Battery life seems as advertised at about 6 hours. I saw other reviews that said there was not an off button, but there is. I turn that off after using these and the battery does not die before the next workout.
I doubt many people will use this for voice, but the first day I was using these at the gym, I got a call and everything was crystal clear on both ends.
Android notes: As I said, these are built for iPhones so you can skip tracks and I think some other things. I've used other "designed for iPhone" headphones that pretty much make the buttons on the cord useless; you can't adjust volume or mute the music. The Powerbeats2 allows you to adjust the volume of the music, mute the music, and take calls by using the buttons on the cord. So, while the iPhone does allow some additional functionality, us Android users also get to enjoy these awesome headphones.
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GREAT PRODUCT! BUY THEM!
Review from Harvey for Beats Powerbeats 2 Wireless.I believe these earbuds definitely fit the solution for gym earbuds.They are very helpful when it comes to listening to music while working out.They provide a clear bass sound, with a good amount of noise isolation and not too much music leakage is done.They are great for working out, or running.(PROS) 1. They are very good for running and working out, definitely one of the best hands down. 2. Music from these is very nice, with a good amount of bass, no matter what anyone says. If you do want to alter something, just add on a equalizer, makes tremendous difference, but already without one, they sound great. 3. They have a good build quality, (fingers crossed), so far. 4. They are the #1 best looking earbuds in my opinion and that too, wireless. 5. They should be able to fit anyone's ears perfectly. 6. Extra ear tips are added, a total of 4 pairs if you include the ones that you get too. 7. Instructions are very clear on how to use them. 8. Good battery(CONS) 1. After a hour or two, they will start hurting. These are not meant to be for just strolling around, they are meant to be for working out. That's one of the reasons people give these earbuds a rating of 3.7. They do not understand that these are workout earbuds, you cannot expect a abnormal amount of comfort while sitting down for multiple hours watching a movie of some sort. Comfort is good for working out, or a max of a hour at a time wearing them. 2. Price, many people also have this issue. I bought these when they were for around 119 US dollars. I got a very good deal. Could they be cheaper, yes. But you are getting a top notch company grade pair of earbuds that are wireless. If you see these on sale, get them, but don't expect to be astonished. They sound great of course, but I feel like they could be slightly cheaper. Then again, Beats are always expensive. :) Bottom line, if you have the money, don't be concerned.(RECAP)BUY THEM! They are great. Everything is going just fine with mine, (fingers crossed). They were a great purchase I made, and they sound and look pleasantly nice.*THINGS TO KEEP IN CHECK BEFORE YOU PURCHASE(1) BUY OFF AMAZON.LLC! They are the most trusted, and nothing can go wrong with buying it directly from them. Don't go to any third party, because fakes are out there.(2) GET A WARRANTY JUST INCASE. (SQUADE TRADE) This is a expensive product, and it is highly advised to get a warranty just incase. I got the Square Trade 2 Year Accidental Plan, which includes drops, spills, and mechanical failures on their side. The total cost of the warranty was 10-15 US dollars. Please get a warranty just incase, and get it from Square Trade, they are the best.BOTTOM LINE - BUY THEM!
Top reviews from other countries
Leobardo Verdugo
Buena autonomia y calidad de audio.
Reviewed in Mexico on November 19, 2016
Leobardo Verdugo
Reviewed in Mexico on November 19, 2016
La autonomía es de 6 horas y los cargas de nuevo en 1 hora y media. Llevo utilizándolos 3 semanas y hasta ahora no tengo ningún problema.
Uno de los detalles que no perjudican nada al producto sino que incomoda un poco, es que el cable que tiene es plástico "gomoso" lo cual hace que se "pegue" a tu cuello y por lo tanto al girar el cuello de izquierda a derecha (o viceversa) el cable queda "pegado" a tu cuello y hace tension en las conexiones de los audífonos y siento que esto a la larga se hará un problema.
Recomendado a cualquier persona que quiera calidad de audio y una autonomía muy buena.
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OtmPlus
The quality is definitely there and strong bluetooth range
Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2016
