The earphones look like they’d be good for the gym, but there’s actually no IP rating, so we can’t recommend wearing them in the rain, getting them sweaty, or rinsing them off. That said, Beats reps inform us that the USB-C connector is waterproof, and the buttons are sealed to prevent potential liquid ingress. So there is a degree of water resistance here, but without a rating to give us a concrete idea of just how water resistant the earphones are, you’d be wise to avoid getting them wet. The Beats Flex earphones offers a bass-forward sound signature and the easy connectivity of Apple’s W1 chip for just $50. More so, earbuds offer active noise cancellation and ambient sound mode.
They pair easily with iPhone and iPad, but also with Android devices thanks to a very practical app. Externally, the Beats Flex are very similar to the BeatsX with a cable that beats studio3 connects the two headphones and has two small housings. The first contains the control keys and microphone, while the second has an on / off button and a charging port.
If you want a true wireless pair of headphones, I highly recommend AirPods Pro for comfort and reliability or Powerbeats Pro for astounding audio quality. From the $250 AirPods Pro to the $150 Powerbeats, where do the Beats Flex fit into Apple’s headphone lineup? These are the headphones you get your kids for Christmas alongside their new Apple Watch or iPhone SE.
The volume rocker on the top of the left pod is handy for quick adjustments. The earbuds can magnetically link together when you’re not using them. Apple says none of this data could be used to personally identify you. You can use these headphones wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled PCs, but can’t connect any other way. These are the settings used to test these headphones, and our results are only valid when using them with this configuration.
10-Minute charge testing conducted with drained Beats Flex that were charged for 10 minutes, then audio playback was started until Beats Flex stopped playback. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage, and many other factors. The Flex headphones aren’t ‘true wireless stereo’ as the two little earbuds are still connected by a lightweight neckband that drapes over the back of your neck. However, many people prefer a neckband design – rather than the completely wireless design of Apple’s AirPods – as it’s easier to avoid losing them. And, although I’m never a big fan of the in-line controls you find on neckband-style earphones, I don’t mind those on the Beats Flex.
Beats has a reputation for doubling-down on the low end, but the Beats Flex are actually a lot more balanced. You don’t get the heavy punch that more expensive earbuds can deliver, but the bass is measured and precise, without getting flabby. At the other extreme, the high-end delivers clean vocals, though again some of the sparkle that pricier beats solo pro wireless headphones serve up wasn’t quite there. The most welcome surprise was to the midrange, where Beats’ earbuds deliver an unexpected level of detail. The Apple W1 chip seamlessly integrates Beats Flex to your Apple devices as well if you are using an iPhone or iPad. It’s the most seamless setup possible and you can also use AudioSharing.
To find your perfect fit, they come with four sizes of silicone ear tips. That’s one more than the majority of in-ear headphones so that’s a big plus point. I found they stayed well in my ears, even when I was running around. The one problem with using them for exercise, especially outside, is that they don’t have an official IPX water-resistance rating so they may not cope well with sweat or rain.
Considering the brand and the price, Beats Flex are made quite well. The plastic feels hard and of good quality, with all the pieces tightly glued together. You shouldn’t experience any problems during regular use, where the neck band doesn’t move much. You can hear instruments beats studio3 and effects slightly out of your head. While the MiniDSP H.E.A.R.S measured a considerable boost in the bass, it isn’t so bad. The Bluetooth connectivity was actually very strong – I wander away from my phone a lot and they stayed connected even when I was in a different room.