Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds - Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Magnetic Earphones, Class 1 Bluetooth, 12 Hours of Listening Time, Built-in Microphone - Black
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AI Verdict
A $50 neckband earbud with Apple's W1 chip and 12-hour battery, ideal for Apple users prioritizing budget and connectivity over true wireless freedom.
These earbuds are a strong fit for Apple users on a budget who value seamless connectivity via the W1 chip and the security of a neckband design, offering 12 hours of listening time. However, the lack of water resistance and active noise cancellation limits their appeal for active users or those in very noisy environments.
If you need water resistance for workouts or true noise cancellation, look for earbuds with an IPX rating (e.g., IPX4 or higher) and active noise-cancelling technology.
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Pros
- Apple W1 headphone chip enables seamless pairing and device switching within the Apple ecosystem
- Offers up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge
- Magnetic earbuds automatically pause audio when connected and resume when separated
- Features USB-C charging, providing 1.5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge
- Class 1 Bluetooth ensures extended wireless range and fewer connection dropouts
- Audio Sharing allows wireless audio sharing with another pair of Beats headphones or AirPods
Cons
- Neckband cable can produce microphonics (noise from rubbing) when moving or against clothing
- Lacks any specified water-resistance rating, making it unsuitable for intense workouts or rain
- Sound profile is bass-forward and sculpted, not suitable for critical listening or those preferring a neutral sound
- Does not offer Active Noise Cancellation, relying only on passive sound isolation
- Not a true wireless earbud design, with a cable connecting the two earpieces
Dimension Scores
The sound profile is bass-forward and sculpted, which is appealing for some genres but not for critical listening.
These earbuds only provide passive sound isolation, lacking any active noise cancellation technology.
The Flex-Form cable and four eartip options offer all-day comfort and a customized fit, though the neckband can cause microphonics.
With up to 12 hours of listening time, these earbuds provide sufficient power for a full day of use.
Best For
- Apple users seeking an affordable earbud option with quick pairing and device switching
- Individuals who prefer the security of a neckband design to prevent losing earbuds
- Casual listening and phone calls throughout the day due to 12-hour battery and clear microphone
- Users who frequently share audio with other Apple or Beats headphone owners
Not Recommended For
- Audiophiles or users demanding a neutral, uncolored sound profile
- Athletes or individuals needing water-resistant earbuds for intense workouts
- Users who require active noise cancellation for noisy environments
Watch Out For
- The neckband cable can be noisy, creating rubbing sounds against clothing or beards during movement.
- No USB-C power adapter is included in the box, requiring a separate purchase.
- The absence of an IPX rating means these earbuds are not protected against sweat or water damage.
- While offering passive sound isolation, they do not feature active noise cancellation, meaning ambient noise will still be audible.
- The sound signature is notably bass-heavy, which might not appeal to all listeners.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 190199801561 |
| ASIN | B08L6ZYW21 |
| Brand | Beats |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Flex |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Material | ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Model Name | Beats Flex |
| Form Factor | In Ear |
| Item Weight | 0.6 ounces |
| Battery Life | 12 Hours |
| Control Type | Call Control, Media Control, Voice Control, Volume Control |
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Cable Feature | Tangle Free |
| Charging Time | 12 Hours |
| Ear Placement | In Ear |
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
| Control Method | App, Touch, Voice |
| Earpiece Shape | Rounded tip |
| Bluetooth Range | 100 Meters |
| Controller Type | Button, Siri, Touch |
| Headphones Jack | USB |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Volume Control |
| Audio Driver Size | 8 Millimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Item model number | MYMC2LL/A |
| Compatible Devices | Cellphones, Desktops, Gaming Consoles, Laptops, Tablets |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 1.26 x 4.8 inches |
| Carrying Case Color | Black |
| Included Components | Beats Flex wireless earphones, Eartip, USB-C to USB-C charging cable, User Manual, Warranty card |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult, Teen |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth,Wireless |
| Specific Uses For Product | Entertainment, Fitness, Travel |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Calling, Cycling, Exercising, Gaming, Office Meetings |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 30190199801562 |
What Buyers Say
Many users highlight the Beats Flex as a surprisingly valuable option, especially for Apple users, due to its seamless W1 chip integration and 12-hour battery life. The magnetic earbuds that auto-pause music are a frequently praised convenience. However, the neckband design can be a double-edged sword, offering security but also causing cable noise when rubbing against clothes. The sound is generally described as bass-heavy, which some enjoy for specific music genres like EDM or hip-hop, but it's not for those seeking a neutral audio experience.
“Okay, so I got these because my AirPods kept falling out, and for $50, the sound is actually pretty good for my podcasts and gym tunes, but man, that cable rubbing on my hoodie drives me nuts sometimes!”
Common Praise
- Seamless and quick pairing with Apple devices due to the W1 chip
- Long 12-hour battery life is enough for all-day use
- Magnetic earbuds with auto-play/pause feature are convenient for saving battery and managing audio
- USB-C charging is a welcome modern feature
- Physical buttons for volume and playback are easy to use
- Microphone quality for calls is clear, even with some wind reduction
Common Complaints
- Cable noise (microphonics) from the neckband rubbing on clothes or skin
- No water resistance, limiting use during workouts or in wet conditions
- Sound profile is bass-heavy and not balanced for all music types or critical listening
- Lack of active noise cancellation means environmental sounds are still present
- Not a true wireless design, with the cable connecting the earbuds
Ownership Tips
- The flat, rubberized cable resists tangling but can still get caught on clothing.
- The physical buttons on the neckband can sometimes be hard to locate by feel without looking.
- Battery life, while advertised at 12 hours, might be closer to 9-11 hours with consistent use.
- The magnetic auto-pause feature works reliably, making it easy to take quick breaks from audio.
- The lack of a charging brick means you'll need to use an existing USB-C adapter or buy a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Beats Flex work with Android phones?
Yes, Beats Flex are compatible with Android devices, and a companion app for Android offers features like battery status and firmware updates.
Do these earbuds have noise cancellation?
No, Beats Flex do not have active noise cancellation; they rely on passive sound isolation from the eartips to reduce ambient noise.
What is the battery life of the Beats Flex?
The Beats Flex offer up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge.
What kind of charging port do they use?
They charge via a USB-C port, and a 10-minute charge provides 1.5 hours of playback.
Are the Beats Flex suitable for working out?
They lack a water-resistance rating, so they are not ideal for intense workouts where sweat or moisture could be an issue.
Can I share audio with a friend using these?
Yes, the Audio Sharing feature allows you to wirelessly share audio with another pair of Beats headphones or AirPods.
Buying Guide
When looking at earbuds like the Beats Flex, you need to decide if a neckband style works for you. It means you won't lose an earbud easily, but there's a cable connecting them, which isn't 'true wireless.' If you're an Apple user, the W1 chip makes connecting and switching between your iPhone and iPad super smooth. Also, consider if you need them for intense activities; if so, check for water resistance, which these don't have.
Apple W1 Headphone Chip
12 Hours of Listening Time
Magnetic Earbuds with Auto-Play/Pause
Class 1 Bluetooth
Alternatives
If these don't fit, look for true wireless earbuds for ultimate freedom, or earbuds with an IPX rating for sweat and water resistance, or models with active noise cancellation for quieter listening.
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