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ApplePersonFreak

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2016
1,062
520
I'm in the market for wireless headphones but keep going back between these three but am unsure of which one to get. And because they are in the same price range between $150-160 it makes it even harder.

I wouldn't mind AirPods because I have no issue with them fitting in my ear, but the thing is using Siri to control music, volume, etc is why I haven't jumped at them yet. The W1 chip on these & beats X is very appealing though, especially since I do use a few different apple products on a day to day basis sometimes.

Beats X - I've been seeing good reviews on, and the fast charge is very appealing, however that long neck cable is what I'm questioning. Is it too long and does it get cumbersome after awhile?

Bose SoundSport - I currently have the wired version now and if they made the ear piece of the wireless ones the same shape as the wired ones, I'd be sold. I love the sound quality of them and at first these were the only ones I've been eyeing, but since the Airpods and Beats X came along, I've been back and forth between these three. I like the look of the wireless version, however, the ear piece is big and looks like it sticks out a ton. I do have small ears so that probably won't look the best.

Which one do you guys feel has been the best headphones out of these three so far?
 

chriscrowlee

macrumors 65816
Aug 10, 2015
1,333
1,468
San Diego, CA
I'm in the market for wireless headphones but keep going back between these three but am unsure of which one to get. And because they are in the same price range between $150-160 it makes it even harder.

I wouldn't mind AirPods because I have no issue with them fitting in my ear, but the thing is using Siri to control music, volume, etc is why I haven't jumped at them yet. The W1 chip on these & beats X is very appealing though, especially since I do use a few different apple products on a day to day basis sometimes.

Beats X - I've been seeing good reviews on, and the fast charge is very appealing, however that long neck cable is what I'm questioning. Is it too long and does it get cumbersome after awhile?

Bose SoundSport - I currently have the wired version now and if they made the ear piece of the wireless ones the same shape as the wired ones, I'd be sold. I love the sound quality of them and at first these were the only ones I've been eyeing, but since the Airpods and Beats X came along, I've been back and forth between these three. I like the look of the wireless version, however, the ear piece is big and looks like it sticks out a ton. I do have small ears so that probably won't look the best.

Which one do you guys feel has been the best headphones out of these three so far?

Buy a combo of AirPods + Beats X. There is no perfect solution right now. I have both, but if I had to chose only one for all purposes I'd chose the Beats X. With headphones, the #1 driver for me is sound quality. The Beats X blow the AirPods out of the water. Battery life is better as well, but being able to throw the AirPods into the case for a few mins to charge is nice.

If you need to chose between the two, my single piece of advice is this. If you ever want to use them on an airplane, the only choice is Beats X. If you care about audio fidelity, the only choice is Beats X. However, if you just use them for listening to quiet music in a quiet environment like an office, and want a headset that you use for primarily talking on the phone, the AirPods are hands-down the best option for bluetooth phone earbud.

Now you see why I have both? They're both great products. I love music, and I insist on quality music. Many here defend the AirPods because they're coming from years of using EarPods. Nobody who cares about even remotely quality audio would EVER recommend AirPods.

Go buy them both, and return one or the other, or neither, or both. LOL ... I ended up keeping both for their individual strengths. But honestly my Beats X stay in my travel bag for planes and outside the house. My AirPods sit on my desk for making\receiving phone calls.
 

ApplePersonFreak

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2016
1,062
520
Buy a combo of AirPods + Beats X. There is no perfect solution right now. I have both, but if I had to chose only one for all purposes I'd chose the Beats X. With headphones, the #1 driver for me is sound quality. The Beats X blow the AirPods out of the water. Battery life is better as well, but being able to throw the AirPods into the case for a few mins to charge is nice.

If you need to chose between the two, my single piece of advice is this. If you ever want to use them on an airplane, the only choice is Beats X. If you care about audio fidelity, the only choice is Beats X. However, if you just use them for listening to quiet music in a quiet environment like an office, and want a headset that you use for primarily talking on the phone, the AirPods are hands-down the best option for bluetooth phone earbud.

Now you see why I have both? They're both great products. I love music, and I insist on quality music. Many here defend the AirPods because they're coming from years of using EarPods. Nobody who cares about even remotely quality audio would EVER recommend AirPods.

Go buy them both, and return one or the other, or neither, or both. LOL ... I ended up keeping both for their individual strengths. But honestly my Beats X stay in my travel bag for planes and outside the house. My AirPods sit on my desk for making\receiving phone calls.

Wouldn't it be awesome if they made a headphone that had the quality of Airpods but beats X sound and noise isolation?

Thanks for the post, I would buy both but I think after reading this I'll probably get the beats X.
 

chriscrowlee

macrumors 65816
Aug 10, 2015
1,333
1,468
San Diego, CA
Wouldn't it be awesome if they made a headphone that had the quality of Airpods but beats X sound and noise isolation?

Thanks for the post, I would buy both but I think after reading this I'll probably get the beats X.

Yep, basically these $79 premium Apple In Ear Buds in AirPod case\wireless design.

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/M...=aos-us-kwgo-pla-btb--slid--product-ME186LL/A

Yes, that would be the ultimate combination. Until then, AirPods for calls, Beats X for music\movies\airplane use.
 

eclipse01

macrumors 68030
May 16, 2011
2,844
404
Eau Claire, WI

chriscrowlee

macrumors 65816
Aug 10, 2015
1,333
1,468
San Diego, CA
Haha, 2 stars? not very good according to reviews.

Instead of reading the "not very good" reviews you go by star rating? if we call 1-5 HORRID, MEDIOCRE, AVERAGE, GOOD, AMAZING, that means that 67 people rated them "horrid" ... and most of them are complaining about wanting to superglue the earbuds on, or them getting dirty, or blah blah blah. Typical nonsense people who shouldn't be reviewing products. Not saying they're amazing, but gosh, idiots love to rage against products.
 

cmanbrazil

macrumors regular
Feb 3, 2010
189
34
I bought the beatx after I lost my Plantronics Voyager Edge Wireless Bluetooth Headset. I am not in love with how long the cords are, but the magnetic function really helps me make sure I don't lose it. I like the distance I can be from my phone and still talk clearly and they do sound better than my plantronics one ear device. With that said, the price is high for the sound quality. The quality is not better than many wired earbuds under $50. They also take up more space and aren't great with business attire. Lastly, while they do sound better than a standard one ear device, they also plug the ear so well that talking to a person in front of me, with even just one in my ear is weird. Apple's "courageous" move has till left many of us wanting for a better option.
 

chriscrowlee

macrumors 65816
Aug 10, 2015
1,333
1,468
San Diego, CA
I bought the beatx after I lost my Plantronics Voyager Edge Wireless Bluetooth Headset. I am not in love with how long the cords are, but the magnetic function really helps me make sure I don't lose it. I like the distance I can be from my phone and still talk clearly and they do sound better than my plantronics one ear device. With that said, the price is high for the sound quality. The quality is not better than many wired earbuds under $50. They also take up more space and aren't great with business attire. Lastly, while they do sound better than a standard one ear device, they also plug the ear so well that talking to a person in front of me, with even just one in my ear is weird.

Yeah... but on the flip-side, too long is better than too short. I have a big head, big neck, and often wear collared shirts. The JayBirds X3 cord is annoyingly short, and gets caught on my collar, especially if I turn my head, and thus breaks the seal rendering the sound quality poor, or the earbud falling out altogether.

Apple's "courageous" move has till left many of us wanting for a better option.

That's about the most spot-on statement anyone's made on here in a long time.
 

eclipse01

macrumors 68030
May 16, 2011
2,844
404
Eau Claire, WI
Instead of reading the "not very good" reviews you go by star rating? if we call 1-5 HORRID, MEDIOCRE, AVERAGE, GOOD, AMAZING, that means that 67 people rated them "horrid" ... and most of them are complaining about wanting to superglue the earbuds on, or them getting dirty, or blah blah blah. Typical nonsense people who shouldn't be reviewing products. Not saying they're amazing, but gosh, idiots love to rage against products.

If I thought about actually getting them I would, but at a glance...yes I just looked at the stars and the 67 or so 1 star ratings and got a minor chuckle.

I'm not saying they are good or bad, just merely pointing out the stars.
 

Ipadlover29

macrumors 6502a
May 28, 2011
977
320
After trying the AirPods, beats x, jaybird x3 and Bose soundsport wireless, I would say the Bose are best for sound and comfort. I do wish the Bose had more than 6 hour battery life and would be nice they came with a charging case. Bose makes you pay extra for the charging case. The Bose also had good build quality and were easy to use not to mention being water and sweat resistance.
 

ApplePersonFreak

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2016
1,062
520
After trying the AirPods, beats x, jaybird x3 and Bose soundsport wireless, I would say the Bose are best for sound and comfort. I do wish the Bose had more than 6 hour battery life and would be nice they came with a charging case. Bose makes you pay extra for the charging case. The Bose also had good build quality and were easy to use not to mention being water and sweat resistance.

Oh wow, that's good to know. Do you ever find the earpiece a bit too big or no? Does it stick out at all?
 

lars666

macrumors 65816
Jul 13, 2008
1,202
1,327
Yep, basically these $79 premium Apple In Ear Buds in AirPod case\wireless design.

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/ME186LL/A/apple-in-ear-headphones-with-remote-and-mic?afid=p238|sZ9TiNYUy-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_52243317250_&cid=aos-us-kwgo-pla-btb--slid--product-ME186LL/A

Yes, that would be the ultimate combination. Until then, AirPods for calls, Beats X for music\movies\airplane use.

This SO much. Would buy the In-Ears (for better fit, isolation and sound, although last one still quite a big step away from REALLY good) as AirPod version in a heartbeat.

As to the "normal" AirPod version: Tried them and would have kept them, too, but unfortunately had EXTREME hissing while doing telephone calls resp. every time the microphone kicks in. Still not sure if I maybe had a defective pair as others don't seem to have the same problem, but I gave them back.
 
Last edited:

Ipadlover29

macrumors 6502a
May 28, 2011
977
320
Oh wow, that's good to know. Do you ever find the earpiece a bit too big or no? Does it stick out at all?

Yes, the earpiece does look kind of weird because of how big it is especially when you look at yourself in the mirror. I think all the Bluetooth earbuds I mentioned look weird in their own way. It's just how they look right now. I'm sure over time with technology they will get smaller and the batteries will take up less space.
 

ApplePersonFreak

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2016
1,062
520
Yes, the earpiece does look kind of weird because of how big it is especially when you look at yourself in the mirror. I think all the Bluetooth earbuds I mentioned look weird in their own way. It's just how they look right now. I'm sure over time with technology they will get smaller and the batteries will take up less space.

Good to know, thanks! I love how short the cable is on the soundsport but love the form of the earpiece on the Beats X. It's why it's so tough for me to decide on one and it's why I haven't gotten one yet.
 

Ipadlover29

macrumors 6502a
May 28, 2011
977
320
Good to know, thanks! I love how short the cable is on the soundsport but love the form of the earpiece on the Beats X. It's why it's so tough for me to decide on one and it's why I haven't gotten one yet.

I definitely didn't like how long the cable was with the beats x. They didn't feel like wireless earbuds because of that. The only thing I can suggest is narrow it down to the two you like the best, then buy both and compare them.
 

ApplePersonFreak

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2016
1,062
520
I definitely didn't like how long the cable was with the beats x. They didn't feel like wireless earbuds because of that. The only thing I can suggest is narrow it down to the two you like the best, then buy both and compare them.

Do you think the cable is going to be too long for someone who's 4'11?
 

ApplePersonFreak

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 23, 2016
1,062
520
I found it long and I'm 5"6. If you can go into an Apple Store. Some of them have demos to try out.

Oh wow. I wish there was one to go to but it's too far away. :( Wish Target or other retailers had a demo to pick up and try but no luck.
 

AppleRobert

macrumors 603
Nov 12, 2012
5,729
1,133
How is the cable too long? I see so many people in my travels with the earpods and the cable dangling. It is MUCH worse than the BeatsX.
 

bruinsrme

macrumors 604
Oct 26, 2008
7,197
3,063
Buy a combo of AirPods + Beats X. There is no perfect solution right now. I have both, but if I had to chose only one for all purposes I'd chose the Beats X. With headphones, the #1 driver for me is sound quality. The Beats X blow the AirPods out of the water. Battery life is better as well, but being able to throw the AirPods into the case for a few mins to charge is nice.

If you need to chose between the two, my single piece of advice is this. If you ever want to use them on an airplane, the only choice is Beats X. If you care about audio fidelity, the only choice is Beats X. However, if you just use them for listening to quiet music in a quiet environment like an office, and want a headset that you use for primarily talking on the phone, the AirPods are hands-down the best option for bluetooth phone earbud.

Now you see why I have both? They're both great products. I love music, and I insist on quality music. Many here defend the AirPods because they're coming from years of using EarPods. Nobody who cares about even remotely quality audio would EVER recommend AirPods.

Go buy them both, and return one or the other, or neither, or both. LOL ... I ended up keeping both for their individual strengths. But honestly my Beats X stay in my travel bag for planes and outside the house. My AirPods sit on my desk for making\receiving phone calls.

The first sentence hits the nail squarely on the head.
I just picked up AirPods. I thought they were a gimmic. Actually I am quite impressed.
However, they will not completely replace my Bose QC35.

Airpod Sound quality is adequate. then again has apple ever been know for their audio quality? Hell $5 skull candy head phones sound better than EarPods that come with devices.
 

Nikhil72

macrumors 68000
Oct 21, 2005
1,620
1,462
I'm crazy and have AirPods, the soundsport wireless, and the BeatsX and love them all. All have different uses. The soundsport is for the gym and runs and stay most stably in my ears for that use. Love audio but the volume is capped fairly low. I find the Frankenstein look odd and they can get heavy after some time. AirPods are mainly for home so I can hear if someone is trying to get my attention. Magical and adequate audio quality. BeatsX are my favorite, awesome isolation, great audio, super comfortable, and lightning charge is a plus.
 
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macdragonfl

macrumors 6502a
Jan 11, 2006
581
305
Ft. Lauderdale,Fl
I just went through this process then found the post. I love the concept of AirPods. Not the execution, I do not like the way they look or sound. I love the charging case and easy setup. The Beats X the best looking, better sound, hate the neck band. The Bose SoundSport is one of the best sounding bluetooth sets I've heard. Battery life is average, looks in the average range. Charging case is great even though you have to buy separately, you at least have that option. The setup app is simple though not as simple as Apple's. Very happy with my SoundSports.
 

Nikhil72

macrumors 68000
Oct 21, 2005
1,620
1,462
After a few weeks, definitely think the BeatsX win for my manhattan living. AirPods hurt on occasion, but are great around the house so I can hear if someone is trying to get my attention. BeatsX for airplanes and subways, and for prolonged listening at a coffee shop or library.
 
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macdragonfl

macrumors 6502a
Jan 11, 2006
581
305
Ft. Lauderdale,Fl
After a few weeks, definitely think the BeatsX win for my manhattan living. AirPods hurt on occasion, but are great around the house so I can hear if someone is trying to get my attention. BeatsX for airplanes and subways, and for prolonged listening at a coffee shop or library.
I can definitely see why the Beats X would be best in your lifestyle as they do block out extraneous noise. That is where they shine!
 
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