Well that would depend on your listening style. The Jaybirds appear to give you more detail in the smaller sounds like cymbals, and bells without being overly loud unless you fit them in your ear completely. The beats give you a louder sound, and deeper bass, while also allowing you to hear more of your surrounding sounds at least the way I wear them. If I need to be alert to my surroundings, and still want substantial sound I use the beats. When I'm listening to music that has more of a sound like an orchestra with more instruments then it's the Jaybirds. Sometimes I just wear whichever ones match what I'm wearing the closest. (Disclaimer) I'm not an audiophile so you mileage may vary.