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thadoggfather

macrumors P6
Original poster
Oct 1, 2007
16,124
17,041
just curious :D

to clarify subject, is there a use case for owning both ya think?
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,494
I mentioned in another thread, I use the Airpods for weightlifting and the Beats-X for running due to the strap. It just suits my fitness style better.
 

Fattytail

macrumors 6502a
Apr 11, 2012
902
242
just curious :D

to clarify subject, is there a use case for owning both ya think?

No, my BeatsX went back real quick. Powerbeats and AirPods maybe, but my AirPods work great for pretty much anything. My only complaint is sound isolation when on a plane, but I'll just use my QC35s for that.
 

daijholt

macrumors 65816
Jun 14, 2013
1,113
343
Wales, UK
If I tallied up my use case;

Use around the home; AirPods (much easier to drop in/take off and can be used with just one ear)
Use on the train; BeatX (far better sound isolation)
Use walking from station to work; AirPods (its a city, so spatial awareness is important)
Use in work; AirPods (again, can be used with just 1 ear on conference calls and such whilst still able to talk to people around you)
Use when working out; BeatsX (more secure fit when lifting, running, etc, I find I need to adjust the AirPods every so often to maintain the sound quality)

Big picture, the AirPods are a better option for the majority of tasks, and as long as you're not bothered about the sound (AirPods still sound great, especially when you turn on the EQ, but Beats will always have the edge here) then AirPods make more sense overall.

HOWEVER, if all you'll use them for is commuting, travelling and working out, then BeatsX 100%. My uses could justify owning both, but it would be purely for convenience rather than any other tangible benefit.
 
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Nikhil72

macrumors 68000
Oct 21, 2005
1,620
1,462
Have both. Airpods are mainly for at home use so I can hear others in the house. BeatsX on the go on NYC streets, subways, coffee shops, etc.
 
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edlex

macrumors 68020
Apr 14, 2010
2,295
1,474
Miami
I carry both now. Airpods for regular daily use and BeatsX for when I want complete isolation.
 

Fattytail

macrumors 6502a
Apr 11, 2012
902
242
I carry both now. Airpods for regular daily use and BeatsX for when I want complete isolation.

I considered this but the problem to me is that while the BeatsX are more sound isolating, they're not leagues ahead of the AirPods the same way a pair of actual noise cancelling headphones would be. If I were to go on a commute, I'd rather get the Bose options with true noise cancelling. For a little bit more money.
 

Nikhil72

macrumors 68000
Oct 21, 2005
1,620
1,462
hm, are you getting a solid seal? With the BeatsX, 98% of the sound of an approaching subway train in manhattan is completely gone with music playing at 50%, and the bass is fantastic (which is lost once I'm outside a quiet environment with the AirPods since they lack a seal)
 

AppleRobert

macrumors 603
Nov 12, 2012
5,729
1,133
The ONLY advantage in my use for the Airpods is the case so faster charging instead of having to plug in the Beats X to lightning charger which I cannot do when I am out and about. For everything use for me the Beats X wins. And the Beats have enough battery life so ....

Nope, cannot justify both.
 

wittyphrase

macrumors regular
Jan 6, 2017
164
188
New York
hm, are you getting a solid seal? With the BeatsX, 98% of the sound of an approaching subway train in manhattan is completely gone with music playing at 50%, and the bass is fantastic (which is lost once I'm outside a quiet environment with the AirPods since they lack a seal)

FWIW I found the isolation on the AirPods to be fine for the 25 minutes on the subway and the 35 minutes on the LIRR. Had volume at around 75% and didn't hear anything on the railroad. I think something like the Beats would have to be better since they're much more IN the ear, but I was pleasantly surprised after reading people's concerns/complaints about the AirPods lack of sound isolation. I suppose if I were looking for more isolation at lower volumes it might be a problem.
 
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