The Beats Flex have very good peaks and dips performance. There aren’t too many peaks and dips overall, but a peak in the high-mid adds harshness to vocals and lead instruments, and a bigger dip in the low-treble veils the upper harmonics of these sounds. It’s underemphasized across the range, so vocals and lead instruments are veiled while sibilants like S and T sounds are dull and lispy. The range is fairly flat, which keeps vocals and lead instruments present in your mixes.
Digging out a set of EarPods from the bottom of an old iPhone box – where, I’d wager, most end up staying – I was struck by just how much better the Beats Flex sound. They’re the cheapest point of entry into Beats ownership, the $49.99 price tag half what the old BeatsX would’ve cost you. The Beats Flex are surprisingly light, and their wire helps the two in-line controllers to rest easily within beats solo pro wireless reach near your clavicles. 1Compatible with iOS and iPadOS 14 or later, MacOS 11 or later, WatchOS 7 or later, and tvOS 14 or later; compatibility will vary on Android devices. Low-intensity exercise such as walking certainly won’t cause any problems, but anything that generates a significant amount of prolonged perspiration is probably best avoided, along with listening in the rain.
Again, the best sound is experienced outside of music, with Beats’ drivers emphasizing vocals to hear dialogue better. I loved using these buds to take in my daily dose of political news via CNN clips, along with other YouTube content I normally binge during downtimes. Even poorly recorded podcasts like The Game Informer Show received a boost in clarity. Beats keeps the full plastic construction intact, along with the tangle-free wire and magnetized earbud housing, all of which still feel premium. You’ll notice the inline mic and multifunctional button on the left module have been modified for enhanced usability; no more pulling the mic close to your mouth on phone calls. We’re testing with an older iPhone 8 running on the most recent iOS update and find the promised auto-pause functionality when the buds’ magnets click together a little hit and miss.
The signal was strong, despite some typical Bluetooth distortion fuzzing up the edges of words. Before that, I was PCMag’s lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I’m a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writing about audio gear. We gathered all the best Beats headphones currently available in one place so that you don’t have to. Our detailed summaries should help you narrow down your research on finding the best Beats headphones.
The last thing I want to say is that always try to focus on your primary concern before purchasing a headphone. So, if you are looking for a new pair of earbuds for running errands, you may go for it. They will be worthy as long as you keep your expectations realistic. The volume controls on the Urbeats3 only work on iOS devices like the iPhone, iPod, and iPad.
If you’re hoping to use these wireless earbuds for running or for other workouts, but you’re worried about them getting wet, then you should consider the JAM Audio TWS Athlete instead. Not only are they water-resistant but they also have ear hooks that keep them firmly in place – so they are actually more secure than the Beats Flex. No matter how much or how little you spend on a pair of headphones, losing one of them is a complete hassle and potentially a waste of money. Not everyone likes worrying about always keeping track of those tic-tack sized earbuds that can get lost just about anywhere because they’re so dang small and not connected to anything else. The W1 chip also means you can use Audio Sharing, the feature that makes it possible for two people to listen to the same device with their own pair of Apple headphones.
Certainly if you’ve never owned the Beats X and especially if you’ve only had unbelievably poor earphones until now, you’ll be more than happy with the Flex. The experience of using Flex with an iPhone is similar to using AirPods, with seamless pairing and iOS-specific audio features. Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved.
Plenty of far more expensive neckband earphones fail at this basic test. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. If you need longer battery life, Sony makes several behind-the-neck models with 15 to 20 hours of battery life, like the bulkier C400 and the WI-C310. At 0.66 ounces, the Beats Flex is lightweight and isn’t cumbersome to wear around the neck when not in use. Your ears won’t feel weighed down when sporting them during exercises.
I get it, wires aren’t sexy, but if this is a product that you’re considering owning, then the concept of wires isn’t going to sway your decision. The Beats Flex shares a similar silhouette to the BeatsX, though there are some noticeable changes. Sign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we’ve tested sent to your inbox daily. The Beats app for Android lets you check battery level and adjust settings.
These are minor foibles when you consider what an otherwise excellent product the Beats Flex are. With excellent sound quality and battery life, plus a very reasonable asking price, they emphatically deliver in all the areas that matter the most. If you’re an iPhone user, in particular, they offer an experience you simply won’t find anywhere beats studio3 else at this price. Besides their great sound quality, I also found it quick and easy to achieve a secure fit with the Beats Flex thanks to the relatively small driver housing surrounding the silicone tips. If you’ve struggled to achieve a good seal with other models of earphones that have larger housings, these are well worth a try.