Beats Flex Review - $50 for AirPods Tech?!
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
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Sure, AirPods are everywhere. They’re become memes. Literal memes. But Beats are still around as well… Like… Apple’s… alt account or something. The one where they can get a little wild, like with Mickey Mouse, or go down market, like with these new Beats Flex, which replace the Beats X first introduced back in 2016 alongside the original AirPods. But at just 50 bucks. Something way below any AirPods.
And to help me review them, I’ve got Lory Gil on the line, iMore’s managing editor, punk rock star, and resident audio expert.
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It may be an unpopular opinion, but I actually like the fact they have a wire. I spend my days listening to music on and off in between talking to people and the fact these earphones are always accessible is a huge thing for me. I know you can still chat with people with AirPods in your ears, but it always seemed a bit disrespectful to me.
Beat Flex and the call quality with them?
I had the BeatsX and they were great, until they stopped working one day
@@arrowlogproductions2509 how long did you use then until they stopped working?
@@jedwardoo for now, the mic appears to be upgraded. It was a bit of a bummer to see Rory not using the beats in her video chat to give us an impression.
@@jedwardoo I don't know about the person above, but mine died out of nowhere after about a year and 2-3 months of use.
This is a great compromise. As iPhones 12 lack earphones, the “Flex” can cover this gap and offer some wireless features for only USD 50
Very smart.
You hit it spot on. This is a way for Apple to make money on the headphones they aren’t including anymore. They also require a USB-C brick for charging. More cha-ching!
Pretty amusing that both parties are reviewing the beats while wearing iPod pros! 😂🤣😂🤣
iPod...
Gotta love me iPod Pros
Sad news for u but ipod pros dont exist, what does exist is airpods pro
Those are some small ipod pros
Hehehe, so true I got it wrong. ...but I did get the point across or did I not? If you did not understand, what I was addressing, sorry. In the context of the comment made, I’ll say ‘Nomina sunt fumus et specula’
I think these are perfect for students. My son has lost two pairs of AirPods over the years and he's banned from getting more. These are functionally similar to AirPods and so much easier to keep track of.
... your child isn’t that smart I see
@@matiesclaesen8930 Or, you know, he’s a child. Children lose things. That doesn’t reflect on their cognitive abilities.
@@Splackavellie85 Yeah, I think these are more kid-appropriate than AirPods
@@matiesclaesen8930 don't talk about others or their child. Worry about yourself
Hi am I your child?
‘Beats fleeeeex’ she shouts - whilst wearing AirPod Pro’s. 🙄
Also is her audio coming from her AirPods (compressed and eq’d for voice with background noise) when shes ‘talking’ into a condenser Microphone?!?!
Yeah, okay - audio expert.
I think managing editor first. Idk just friends of friends
This is gonna be an essay, but I loved my Beats X when I had them, and Lori’s experience of having it ready 24 hours a day when wearing them totally resonates.
But the X had infamously poor quality control - it had an issue where the rubber at the thick part would disconnect from the plastic body. I had to replace them three times, and the final one eventually had an issue where one side would stop working entirely, like the internal wire was split. I’d recommend against getting the Flex, until we can confirm it doesn’t happen.
I have a Powerbeats Pro now, but that has issues too. The rubber part near the metal contacts is coming loose from the plastic, and it prevents it from charging.
Sometimes I’ll get an issue where one side wouldn’t pair while emitting a high pitched whine until I force reset the entire thing, which is a hurdle because it requires both sides’ metal contacts to be connected to the case.
Still using my BeatsX after 5 years (not intensely) and they don’t have any issue.
“Resident audio expert”
Also Lori: “Beats sound phenomenal”
Yea ok
But they do, dumbo.
This isn't the beats of yore. Sure it isn't as good as my B&O's but it's phenomenal getting decent audio, in combination with the W1 chip for such a cheap price.
Is maters most what type of music you like
I thought that. She clearly has no idea what she’s talking about. I own these headphones and they do sound pretty good. They have the beats v in the frequency response but it’s not destroying the audio so sound fine if that’s what your into. But they are significantly better for certain kinds of music than a podcast. Not that they are bad for anything. Let’s be honest though your not buying these for audio quality your buying because you lost an AirPod and can’t afford to replace them right now so £50 pair of beats with the magic chip, and putting up with looking really stupid with that wire on your neck
W1 chip in beats flex does not support auto switch in iOS 14 when you click play on other iOS devices this feature works only on newer H1 chip . You need to click on arrow icon and manually select the earphones . So there is no auto switch like she says in the video .
She talks about how good they are for phone calls and simple audio but then IS NOT wearing them for the call..... How interesting🤔
Bruh, she’s saying for a comparison. When you have air pods pro that cost 5 times as much, it SHOULD be better. And if you have it, why not use it
I thought so too.
Because if you want to show something specific they would have to take them on and off throughout the video, missing out what the other person is saying at the other end
@@anshulshah1703 So we can get a literal demo of the audio quality.
questions like this is why conspiracy theorist have gained traction.
Audio Expert: Beats headphones PHENOMENAL!
Me: 👀 🤦
You are just triggered you probably buy your headphones from wish or aliexpress
I would love to see a 1 year review. I bought (third party) foam tips for $5 and with the better seal they sound great. Best bluetooth earbuds for the price.
could you give a link to where you bought them?
It's important to note that the W1 chip in Beats Flex is the same one that was in the previous BeatsX, and it's not the more advanced H1 chip found in the second-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro, Beats Solo Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and the latest Powerbeats. That means Beats Flex don't support the new feature in iOS 14 that will automatically switch your earphones over to another device if you start playing audio on it. Macrumors
I was curious when she said they did this for her, because I just got some second hand and they don’t do the automatic switching like she claimed. I thought mine were broke, so glad to hear they just don’t support that feature lol.
The buttons look different from Beats X, it seems like there's no volume control anymore. And yet such an important aspect hasn't been mentioned at all in a 15 mins review! Nothing about the autopause feature which is also new compared to X 🙁🙁🙁
Yes. WTF?
@@alliejr Volume control and the pause with the magnets locking them together is still there. I ordered mine!
@@ajl2147 how do you mean STILL there? Pause on on magnets connecting is brand new. Like OP said, very weird these things weren’t mentioned in a 15m review.
Auto pause feature I’m not a fan of tbh find it annoying could go without it
@@SkyeDaMan Ive got these headphones and I can confirm it does have volume control and a multi functional button on one of the remotes.
$50? What a flex 😆
Have been waiting for this review. Big thanks!
I have AirPods Pro and Beatsfitpro which are both outstanding but I still love my Flex. Not for music which is just ok but I love the Flex for going shopping or being out for the day because I can easily take them off and not lose them… I have come home and not remembered they were around my neck.
Talking about these new headphones while both of you are wearing AirPods pro....
Well obviously $50 headphones aren’t going to be better
@@TradingFeline that wasn't my point
Were you guys really expecting them to be better, though?
I loved the BeatsX but they stopped working in one ear after a while. Happened with my first pair and my replacement pair.
I'm looking forward to see you beating the old channel in sub count
2:34 perfect timing to say ‘big cans’ 😂
lmaooo
Nice review. I’m digging the Nintendo attire.
My MagSafe charger just arrived!!
Good stuff dude
Cool
Whoa! Sentient Apple Juice!
Username checks out
I love it however the MagSafe duo is my favorite!
Good to see that commitment to reducing wasteful packaging ...
Beats X was my favourite audio product before I had my AirPods Pro, the facts this is a 5th of the price, I don’t need it but that’s a good deal
I loved the beats x (mine are kind of starting to fall apart now) and if these are equally as good as them I’ll be happy
Why is that wire SO long, compared to other wired wireless headphones
It hangs around the back of your neck and shoulders and up to each ear. On my BeatsX, the length is perfect.
@@alliejr wouldn't say perfect. My jaybirds are half the length of that
@@rehatbir.
They are very long on purpose. They rest on your collarbone so they don’t tug as much as shorter earbuds. Give them a try before you judge their length.
@@gonzalezm244 lmao bro. I am not judging anything. Don't need to get so defensive over headphones
@@rehatbir. I’m answering your question, no ill intent
I like it when Rene has a guest.
I can’t use AirPods, they fall off so at least these will not get lost.
I used to love the airpods, but im afraid that it might lost. I purchased one right now, go for a jog, it was awesome. It works like airpods and its seamless. The audio quality is just okey, but for a 50$ wireless device?its worth it. I love it
This completely contradicts the cnet review on these earbuds
0:16
Literal Flex.
Also, obligatory “Weird flex, but okay.”
cállate facho ql
My Gam-Gam always said to never underestimate the “Neck Hang”
Interesting you both you your AirPods rather than the Beats Flex for the interview!
Both Lory and Rene have Air Pods on while reviewing the Beats Flex. 😁
Still using beats X and happy with them
Mine broke down literally out of nowhere a little over a year after using them. Loved them, but didn't want to spend more money for something that could break again.
I'm the same but I'm also with Ilya, I've had multiple pairs break and Apple tells me each time it's a problem with the wiring in the neckband. I don't think I will be switching to the new style as it looks like it's lacking the volume controls as well?
Very happy for you! I have owned two pair, and each of them lasted for six months. Apple warranty replaced one of them for me, but the replacement didn’t last any longer.
@@Pressbutan Do you mash yours up in the carrying case they provided or otherwise tightly roll them up? When I'm not wearing mind they usually hang unrolled on the wall where I charge them and it's rare they aren't fully unrolled. I wonder if that's why mine have lasted so long while so many other people seem to have frequent failures?
@@DocNo27 No I either wear them or put them aside, I didn't like the silicon case at all. Found it very frustrating and just never used it after the first try.
Good Point, Rene! Just got some Beats Studio 3 Wireless one Prime Day instead waiting for much more expansive AirPods Studios. Also working like AirPods AND got a 3.5mm headphone jack. I‘m fine with them 👍🏻
I like the low price, but wished it had a Lightning connector for charging.
It charges by USBC. And a USBC to USBC cable ships in the box.
It’s kinda wired to think about that Beats haven’t finish its lightning transition(Yeah, I’m talking about you, Beats Studio!) and already started to adopt USBC.
@@gwvaio I think Beats went with a USB Type C connector to accommodate Android users, whose phones have pretty much adopted Type C connectors back in 2017.
“Beats Flex won’t deliver sophisticated features like Spatial Audio, Announce Messages, or instant switching between Apple devices that require the H1 chip, but the fast pairing and reliability of the W1 chip is still a step above generic Bluetooth.”
these do the auto device switching? I thought it was just the ones with the H1 chip...maybe I misunderstood
The review over at The Verge says they don’t auto switch. So it looks like somebody is getting their wires crossed. Hopefully a few more reviews clear this up
@@sweetblue44 Do you own a pair of flex?
As someone who owned the beatsx for years until upgrading to the AirPods Pro, they are incredibly comfortable earbuds the only downside is the wire wears out overtime and starts to get incredibly curly from the stress of being rolled up over a long period of time
Beats Flex actually does not have the same “auto switching” like the AirPods and AirPods Pro because it doesn’t have the W2 chip that it requires to get that feature.
Does automatic audio switching work on W1 devices?? I heard that's possible with H1 only.
How is phone call quality?
Any idea how it fares if you use them for running? Are they waterproof or sweat proof?
Do you think they can be a decent pair of mobile gaming headphones?
These are super important for those doing what some called "extreme sports" I just turned 47 and I don't feel so extreme but when the single parts fall out they just disappear, or fall down a cliff (I can send a picture of where I've lost them). I love this kind of product! Please release the best quality version asap!!! Why can't we have this with the best technology anyway?????????
Well, you have a version with "the best technologies". They're called Powerbeats 4. Its basically Powerbeats Pro with a cable between the buds. And they cost around 100$.
Uh ok
amazing review
My AirPods have a huge volume imbalance between the two buds to the point where they're almost unusable so when I saw Apple was making a beats x V2 I got so excited
It's probably a clogged air intake. Its a common issue
It could also be a codec issue, i have a pair of ofusho’s and the left bud is louder then the right, i thought they were broken but i synced them to other devices and the volume is loud and balanced, so check that and try syncing to other devices to check.
Headphones that aren’t good for music would be expensive at any price. Skip ‘em.
I dunno - I find these days I listen to far more podcasts than music these days. Especially when I'm on the go; so for quite a few people they make a lot of sense.
I only listen to audiobooks, podcasts and sometimes yt videos like this. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Agree, I never listen to podcasts, only music.
For the price, this pair of earphones are great.
Keep in mind that they're being compared to $300 earphones .
Hey! I would have liked to see comparisons with cheaper over-the-neck wireless earphones or even true wireless ones, not just with apple's and beats' highest-end audio products because this way it's not really clear what to expect from the sound quality. I'm planning to replace my JBL TUNE110 to this Beats Flex because of the W1 chip (I'm also switching from Samsung to the new iPhone 12 mini, that's why I feel like I would be better off with a headphone like this). So if you do consider conparing it with other headphones that would be really informative! Thanks
I love the sound of AirPods and I really like EarPods for when I’m in front of my iPad for a long time. I wonder if these would be a nice upgrade over EarPods...
they could be best backup headphones for gym, in case your main earbuds battery dies or something
Sorry but I’ve never liked this “neck” design. Good value though. I prefer trad wired or totally wireless
I'm prone to losing things and I listen to music when I'm out jogging so the style does work really well for me in that scenario, at least the BeatsX that I have.
I vastly prefer this design. I despise having to have things in my pockets and with the wire I can leave them around my neck, and when not in use the magnets in the earbuds keeps it closed and secured.
I'm glad Apple provides choice.
Was that a “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” reference with the albatross around 2:40? 😂
Are they water proof
I absolutely love your videos. You’re the only one making written quality content with in a video form, however, some videos are longer than necessary, especially with guests. She could have talked for 2-3 min and would have been enough, rest was just ruminating.
Anyone going to tell him he wore them upside down the whole video!? Lol you can see the usb c plug in at the top...
Lol, I did the same thing my first day of having them. I wore them upside down all day 😂😂
Rene doesn’t give a shit, ‘cause he already has AirPods, lol…
Is the bass on the Beats Flex superior to that of the Airpods and Airpods Pro?
Beats X were my perfect airplane headphone. But not traveling these days. They made it coast to coast without going dead. No worries of being jostled on airplane and having my AirPods fly out. The one thing I wish is when you take them out and attach ends with magnets that they’d turn off - will check if flex now do that.
Bought my Beats X back in 2018 and it broke after a year for unknown reason. Upgraded to the Powerbeats Pro and are earbuds. Can’t wait for the Flume Blue colour to get released
I just ordered today one of the over the head Beats, waiting them to arrive tomorrow.
Mainly cuz I don’t like ear pieces , especially those that go inside the year, so decided to try with earphones that go over the ear. And what I liked a lot is the verity in colors, I wish iPhones and iPads were coming out in so many cool color combinations too.
Same but I’m waiting for the Flume Blue colour to come out
@@Gingy_the_cookie they have that color on the apple store
So do they sound similar to the wired EarPods?
For people on this comment who’s asking on the flame blue color on the beats flex, they have it on the apple store.
These look really good!! For just 50$ they will serve a lot of features, especially having a wire would make these much better choice than the AirPods for workout for me.
"Yes I don't have big cans on my head"... as he shows a picture of a busty women ;)
I have both the AirPods Pro, the Powerbeats Pro and the Jabra Elite 65t, so I have no personal interest in these, but at fifty bucks, these seem like a great gift for friends and family.
Have you ever dropped an AirPod on an airplane? You can’t drop these. I wish they made wired earbuds like these, with active noise cancellation. AirPods Pro tech, but connected around my neck.
I had beats X first and then AirPods Pro. The X has a clear advantage to me doing things outside like riding the mower or when I was working in an office and talking to people frequently.
Beats Flex don't have auto switching. Only the headphones/AirPods with H1 chips get the feature.
yes all the reviews about flex are saying they auto switch but they don’t....
Honestly the cable isn't that bad. It's actually quite awesome you just have to have em like a necklace. OnePlus has done this last year already. And they're the most comfortable pair to wear. I'm not sure about the quality of the sound. But I do know they cost the same as these and this not something new. The neck band I think gets a bad wrap when it's not really that bad. And the OnePlus buds that wrap around your neck, had a larger battery life and have magnets on the buds themselves so they do stay together when connected around your neck.
Wait that "FLEX" is actually the cover of the box?! That looks dope!
lesser than the beats x. :( I'm getting mine on Wednesday and I loved the Beats X
Ps, their magnets appear to be a good as the Beats X , and they are amazing.
I wish the beats X were reliable that’s it that’s why ima need to get some of these
I use my Beats X headphones in bed to block out my wife’s snoring. They are very comfortable! If the new Flex blocks external noise the way the Beats X do, then I’m interested. I’ve found the Beats X to provide a superior experience when measured against my PowerBeats³ which I attribute to the way each seals (or doesn’t quite seal in the case of the Powerbeats³) into my ears.
And, as RR & Lory Gil mentioned them, the PowerBeats Pro are terrible for me; they simply do NOT seal well into my ears. And yes, I have tried all the buds that came with the device. Very disappointed with PowerBeats Pro. So, I’m looking forward to trying the Flex to see if they provide me with enough sealing capability to drown out my wife’s nightly buzz-saw imitation!
SAME!!!
Does these support the new iOS 14 feature that makes you switch between Apple products without pairing everytime? Can’t find anything :(
I’m sorry, but this is not much of a review Rene... Too much talk about nothing really, and the only comparison made (briefly without any depth) is to earbuds from the same brand which costs 4-5 times as much. Of course they are gonna sound bad when compared to AirPods Pro! That would be similar to comparing a specced out 16inch MBP to the base MBA, which is nonsense obviously.
I would’ve liked to see how these compared to similar priced earbuds? Or heck, how do they compare to the traditional wired earphones the iphone used to shipped with since now people will need to buy something separately, and for 30 dollars more people can go wireless, is it worth that price?
after drop 2 pairs of tws earbuds, I started to use neckband instead, and I'm quite happy about it, I may consider this beats flex if the sound quality is good
I like this. Headphone is sound quality. It's perfect. Everything is great from this headphone
How is the noise isolation?
Is the sound of the Flex better than or comparable to the OG AirPods??
More affordable Apple gift for Christmas. I am intrigued 👍
You can't compare this pair of earphones with the airpods pro, Obviously they're not going to sound the same as a $300 headset.
I actually just send a colleague a link to the Beats Flex, in case his kids need headphones and do not want to pay the AirPods‘ „premium“, if they want to have the software benefits of them.
I‘d actually be curious trying them out if I had the money to spend but ... iPhone 12 is around the corner ... as well as HomePod mini ... and ... *sigh* ... where is my money, Tim?
Somehow, I must have gotten out of sequence because I cannot get my new Beats Flex to switch among my Apple devices or do I see any setup. I can power up Beats Flex and hold it near my iPhone X (software updated when I first tried to pair Flex) and I get a panel that says it's connected. But it's not. I go into Bluetooth settings and have to hit 'Connect'. I want to switch between my iPhone and my iMacPro. It's a process where I have to close my iPhone and choose Beats Flex on my iMacPro audio drop-down. My phone and my computer are on the same network. Out of the many UA-cam videos about Flex, NONE that I've found address the feature of how to make the earbuds work where it's easy to switch between devices.
Dear Mr.Rene,after Apple has removed their charger from the box and depending on the wireless charger technology,Do you think now the companies moving towards the U-Beam technology or charging Via Wifi ?
I prefer this style of Bluetooth. Although I’m partial to the LG style of neckband where it’s more rigid and retracts into the frame but at this price range it’s going to be a top seller for sure
Great review guys!
Lori, how does the sound quality compare to the previous model Beats-X?
She noted it was worse for music but didn't elaborate - I wish she would have since as a BeatsX owner it would be nice to hear a comparison from someone who has used both.
Another reviewer who use to be a Beats X owner said they were about the same...Pretty much don’t expect them to be as good as a $200-$300 pair of beats but they’re better than regular AirPods but not quite as good as AirPods Pros.
For $50 though they’re really nothing to complain about...Yeah, the lady was kind of a crappy reviewer for being an “audio expert”.
Why don't you compare them with bets x. It is not Faire to compare with 3 times the price?
The W1 chip has one benefit for me: it wouldn’t have a noticeable latency on iPod touch 7. H1 chip headphones will run into compatibility issues with the iPod touch 7, there will be 1 second of audio latency, which W1 doesn’t.
Is it working with android or ipod?
I have the airpods pro and they sound great for music, but the microphone is doing something wrong, when you use it for calls the people you are talking to hear your background sound / noice much higher than what they should, and when you are outside they hear cars and other things very loud. I seen others complain about this issue but so far apple havent been able to fix it. Im actually considering switching to the normal airpods but they just dont sound as good as the pro and they falls out more easily. The pro's are sitting much more tight and secure in my ears so they dont fall out, plus they sound better.
How do they compare to the LG TONE series?
I definitely think these will be worth it for a lot of people, especially those who still don’t have a set of AirPods yet. Needless to say it’s obvious why they’ve been released now. I’m excited anyways!
Another interesting video - thanks! ¿Do the Beats Flex also respond to Find My?
These are the perfect companion to the now earphone-less iPhone 12
The automatic device switching doesn't work actually, Beats Flex is not supported with that. I bought these, and that feature doesn't work.
I just wish they lasted more in battery. 12 hours is not bad, but Huawei could offer 24 hours. So I would expect at least 18 hours
So Beats is Apple’s burner account
Does Beats Flex really have the autoswitching between Apple devices?
These may be a good alternative for me because I’m not responsible enough to not lose AirPods.