Jordan Novet, VentureBeat:
When I picked up a pair of Apple’s wireless AirPods a few weeks ago, I thought the included charging case was a clever touch.
But the case wound up being so useful that it spoiled me for Apple’s other wireless earbuds, the BeatsX. After two weeks of testing a pair of BeatsX headphones, I’ve found they also fall short of the AirPods in one make-or-break area: battery life.
And there are other drawbacks, too, The AirPods case, with its satisfying clasp, is an instant Apple design classic, whereas the included BeatsX silicone case doesn’t always completely protect your headphones — sometimes parts of the cable end up sticking out. And it gathers lint. Just look at it.
If you are trying to decide between BeatsX and AirPods, this take is worth reading. The difference between the two carrying cases is just one small piece of a larger puzzle, just a taste of each respective product’s approach to design, but in my opinion, a telling taste.
If nothing else, take a look at the image of the BeatsX case in the linked post, then imagine wrestling a rubbery, springy, coiled BeatsX headset into that case. Compare to the plop, plop of dropping your AirPods into their case. Then add in the take on battery life.
If that matters to you, you’re likely an AirPods customer.
The thing people need to remember is many won’t need to put the Beats X away. I never have the Beats X case on me because they just stay around my neck, like they’re supposed to. Plus the added benefits of noise isolation compared to AirPods sealed the deal for me.
Without a doubt and even without owning them I’d say the AirPods are magical and innovative. However they don’t work for everyone and in my experience these are the two areas that are real factors for many people. Airpods (EarPods) just don’t stay in my ears, there is a section of people for whom this just is a reality. Unlike the BeatsX they don’t perform well in loud environments like public transit, noise isolation is a feature as correctly noted by @Tutorial_Review_Moderator:disqus
I really want to love the Airpods, but they look to be the same as the earbuds in shape and hardness and they just hurt my ears after more than 45-60 minutes of use. The Beats are the ones I’m going to try because they are much more the style of canal insert that works for my ears. Sadly, as great as apple’s design is if your ear anatomy doesn’t work with them there is no alternative.
Sure Dave, if one were to pick a set of headphones based solely on the case, then sure, the AirPods win. However, if you also take things like noise cancellation, ear fit, and sound depth into consideration, then just maybe the Beats X are worth consideration.
Look, I love my AirPods. The microphone is phenomenal for calls, and they make using Siri actually fun. However, from a purely audio perspective, they are not a “no brainer” choice based solely on fit and finish.
Absolutely fair point, Kip. Key is the beginning of my last sentence:
“If that matters to you”
If fit and finish matter, if clunkiness drives you crazy, than the AirPods are likely for you. But the BeatsX definitely do have advantages. For me, they are not enough to make me want to go that route. Portability, fit, and finish do matter to me. I really wanted to buy BeatsX, but could not get past the putting them in my pocket (forget the case, I’d NEVER use it), longer pairing time.
But I do agree, I am missing louder sound and noise cancellation. For my environment, not an issue.
For what it’s worth, I have three of the W1 (once you go W1, you can’t go back to regular Bluetooth) enabled headphones. Solo 3, PowerBeats 3, and AirPods. They are each so unique in what they do, and their intended purpose, that they all get regular use. However, if I’m grabbing something for a walk, some chores around the house, or a little work at my desk (when any of the three would do just fine) it’s always the AirPods.
One thing I absolutely agree on is that their charms are not easily summarized in a written review. You really need to use the for a few days to appreciate that they are indeed greater than the sum of their parts.
Worth noting that the price difference is somewhat more outside of the US. In Canada for example, Beats X cost $179 while AirPods are $219, so the difference is definitely more pronounced.
That said, as an owner of AirPods and Beats X, both have pros and cons, so ultimately each user needs to decide what matters most to them.
Totally agree. I don’t bother carrying the case when I can hang them around my neck all day. Charging BeatsX shoudn’t be a problem, especially if you’re sitting in front of a computer all day. Is it too difficult to plug them in while you’re on break? Damn, who the heck listens for more than 8 hours? My ears would be hurting by that time!