On the left side, the three-button remote is gone, replaced by a single, round multi-function button for pause/skip/back and a separate volume rocker on the side. There’s a pill-shaped grille covering the integrated microphone, and on this side you’ll also find the USB-C connector. The Flex-Form cable that conforms to your neck feels a little thinner than what was on the Beats X, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly concerned about long-term durability. Beats assured me that the Flex earbuds have passed the company’s usual set of reliability tests. The Beats Flex are simple, colorful in-ears with a neck cable design. They have 11 hours of continuous playback time and can be seamlessly paired with any Apple product, thanks to their W1 chip.
This might pose some issues if you’re on an Android device, our testing shows AAC has its issues with the OS, but this depends on your hardware. The lack of aptX support is frustrating, but AAC is perfectly acceptable at this price point. It is worth noting that when snapping or unsnapping, there is a little lag before the iPhone responds — around 1–1.5 seconds after you’ve done it. Perhaps reasonably the audio routing feature is disabled if you’re using Audio Sharing.
In fact, so far, the biggest fault of the Beats Flex’s design is that they don’t come with wing tips to secure them in your ear – without them, getting that perfect seal can be finicky and can come undone easily. The Beats Flex are a cheap pair of earbuds that are a solid choice for many people, but not everyone. The integrated microphone has a mediocre recording quality.
Andrew WilliamsThe mids are the weak point, as they are in most cheaper earphones. A soft mid-range that lacks detail and texture means naturally recorded vocals lack the timbre and cut through of the best-in-class pairs. The SoundMagic E11BT and Beyerdynamic Blue Byrd perform better in this area. They have no official water resistance at all, but there is a degree of water-sealing to the USB-C charge port and buttons. Just don’t give them a full rinse at the faucet when you are done.
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.
The simple black cardboard box isn’t much bigger than a deck of cards, there’s virtually no plastic inside or out, and it can all be easily recycled. Our Halloween Tidal playlist continues to Danny Elfman’s orchestral original score, Tales From The Crypt, and the brass section comes through musically strong and full-bodied. The cymbal crashes, darting strings and woodwinds feel slightly recessed, but it’s a competent performance nevertheless. So, while Android users get a basic Bluetooth experience, Apple’s W1 chip here elevates things to the next level for iOS users. Audio Sharing, which lets you connect two pairs of compatible AirPods and Beats to a single device, to simultaneously listen to the same content, is another bonus. The earbuds can magnetically link together when you’re not using them.
Beats’ upgraded mic array does provide improved voice calling, though the Beats Flex’s call quality remains a level below any of the Powerbeats models and the BeatsX. When taking my wife’s calls outside, she could hear my voice clearly, but also heard the external noises around me; the construction taking place next door and wind were unavoidable. She did praise the volume levels and liked that even with such distractions, I was still audible. Being on Zoom calls inside the house was more rewarding, with a few clients complimenting how loud and clear I sounded.
It’s intuitive and serviceable for when you want to stop songs to engage in brief chats. Bundled with the earbuds are a USB-C charge connector, quick start guide, warranty card, and four sets of ear tips, in various sizes. The necks of the buds are nicely mounted at a slight angle from the driver housings with the aim of offering a fit that doesn’t tug on the cable when worn. Their integrated mic beats solo pro wireless has a mediocre recording quality, so your voice sounds muffled and thin over the phone. It struggles to separate your voice from background noise, even in moderately loud environments. They also don’t do a very good job isolating you from bass-range noise like rumbling bus and plane engines, although they can passively isolate you from a good amount of mid-range noise like ambient conversation.
As of March 23, 2022, nearly 43% of respondents have rated the above sample as just “Okay,” which is fair for a standard wireless headset. So what has changed between the outgoing X and the new Flex? As it happens, quite a bit, and yet almost nothing — they certainly stay true to the roots of what the Beats X are and that is a damn good thing. WarrantyThis product is covered by the Sam’s Club Member Satisfaction Guarantee. Needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.
The Beats Flex have a flexible but formed neckband that grips the back of your neck ever so slightly. Pair that with low weight and you beats flex review have the perfect mix for a runner’s fit. I still wish that Apple would offer at least some basic EQ adjustments for bass and treble.