Jaybird X4 vs BeatsX Wireless Headphones Review

Jaybird and Beats are among the most popular audio brands on the planet. Both companies are known for making high-quality headphones that are ideal for a variety of activities.

In today’s post, we’re going to focus on the major differences between the popular Jaybird X4 and BeatsX. Both of these headphones are considered “wireless” although technically both have a wire than connects the two earbuds.

A closer look at the cord on the Jaybird X4

If you’re interested in true wireless earbuds, we’d recommend checking out our Bose SoundSport Free, Jaybird Run and Apple AirPods reviews.

Now before we jump into how the X4s and BeatsX differ, let’s first quickly run through what they have in common. Below is quick list of what can you expect from both pairs of headphones.

– Battery life (around 8-9 hours)
– Secure fit
– Solid sound isolation
– Stellar quick charge features
– Various size ear tips for different fit options
– Similar track management and volume controls (in-line remote)
– Crisp, clear built-in microphones

With that said, let’s get into what advantages the Jaybird X4 have over the BeatsX.

Better Audio Quality

Audio quality is obviously somewhat subjective but we think the Jaybird X4 provide the higher-quality audio.

The X4s have solid lows, mids and highs as well as pretty good bass. Jeff, who is the audiophile on the RIZKNOWS team, prefers the sound on the X4s. Overall, the audio profile is just very crisp and clear.

That’s not say the audio quality on the BeatsX is bad by any means. It’s solid as well. All in all, the two are very close, we just give the X4s the slight edge.

What’s also neat about the X4s is that Jaybird gives you more control over the audio via the Jaybird MySound app. Within the app, Jaybird allows you to change the EQ settings to match your specific sound preferences. Pretty cool, right? So say you’re a big rap fan, you can just go into the app and increase the bass for a little extra bump if you know want I’m talking about.

Jaybird allows you to customize how you listen to your music

Further, when you change the EQ settings within the app, you’re actually changing the firmware of the earbuds. That way, when you go to switch devices, your personalized settings carry over.

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like creating your own custom sound profile, Jaybird allows you to browse the profiles of popular musicians and athletes to see how they listen to their music. If you want, you can just take their settings and apply them to your headphones.

All in all, it’s tough to argue against Jaybird when it comes to audio quality. Not only do they sound great but you also have a lot of flexibility within the MySound app.

SEE ALSO: Jaybird X4 vs Beats PowerBeats3 Comparison

Better For Working Out

If you plan on using your new headphones in the gym or for running, the Jaybird X4s are the way to go.

First, they have a much shorter and less evasive cord than the BeatsX. The cord on the BeatsX is long and meant to be worn around your neck for all-day use. Plus, the cord on the X4s come with a cable cinch so that way the cord isn’t bouncing around your neck during strenuous activity.

Jeff working out with the X4s

Next, the Jaybird X4 are IPX7 rated, meaning they can be submerged in water up to one meter for three minutes. The BeatsX, on the other hand, are not waterproof, they’re just water and sweat resistant. As such, the X4s will be more durable over the long-haul if you plan on working out a lot with your new headphones.

Lastly, although both pairs of headphones have solid sound isolation, if pressed, we’d give the edge to the X4s. This is great for people that want to zone out and not be bothered when they’re lifting or running.

SEE ALSO: Jaybird X4 vs Bose SoundSport Free Comparison

The X4s Are More Affordable

This is pretty simple – the X4s are just more affordable than the BeatsX.

The X4s have a MSRP of $130, while the BeatsX come in at $150.

However, the BeatsX have been out longer than the X4s. As such, we see them discounted pretty regularly. You might even be able to find them for around $100. It might be a good idea to check the current price on Amazon.

Jaybird will also discount the X4s eventually. They were released in August 2018 but it wouldn’t shock us to see them discounted 6-8 months down the road. Depending on when you’re reading this, it might be a good idea to check the current price on Amazon.

As you read above, the Jaybird X4s have a couple big advantages. However, don’t count out the BeatsX just yet. They offer a couple advantages as well that might interest you.

Better for Everyday Use

If you’re simply looking for a new pair of headphones just for casual use, the BeatsX are a great option. After all, that’s what they’re really designed for. The PowerBeats3 from Beats are designed more for working out.

The BeatsX, as we sort of eluded to above, have a longer flex-form cable that is designed to be worn around your neck. As such, even when you’re not listening to music or talking on the phone, they’re designed to just sort of rest on your shoulders.

BeatsX are ideal for casual, everyday use

Plus, the other nice thing is that the earbuds have tiny magnets built-in so they snap together when they’re not being used.

Additionally, let’s not forget that the BeatsX are just plain comfortable. The earbuds really won’t fatigue your ears like a lot of other wireless headphones out there. You can literally wear these all day.

Convenient For iOS Users

The BeatsX are also very convenient for iOS users given Apple owns Beats. First, the pairing process is very simple. From there once you have them paired with one of your devices (assuming your logged into your iCloud account) you can seamlessly switch between devices in which your logged into your iCloud account.

Plus, the BeatsX charge via a lightning cable so that means all you have to do is bring one cable with you to charge both your headphones and your iPhone.

Better Bluetooth Stability And Range

Thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, the BeatsX also offer superior Bluetooth stability and range. In fact, we were able to go around 150 feet before we encountered any sort of disruption. For comparison purposes, we were only able to go around 50 feet with the Jaybird X4.

SEE ALSO: Today’s Top Audio Deals

Jaybird vs Beats Review Verdict

Really, in our eyes, the decision between the X4s and BeatsX comes down to how you’re going to use the headphones.

If you’re going to use the headphones for a variety of activities, including working out, then we’d recommend the Jaybird X4s.

If you’re just looking for a new pair of headphones to wear around the office or at home, then the BeatsX might just be what you’re looking for.