Skip to main content

Review: Jaybird’s redesigned X2 Bluetooth earbuds soar over the predecessor [Video]

Today we’re taking a look at some of the best Bluetooth earbuds on the planet. These are the Jaybird X2 earbuds and they are simply amazing. I suppose this review is a bit backwards as I’ve just given you the verdict here, but let me tell you why these are so great…

First up, let’s get into the box. The packaging is very similar to its predecessor, the BlueBuds X. Opening up the side flap will reveal the headphones and accessories. The first item you’ll encounter are the interchangeable ear tips, which now include an assortment of Comply Foam tip for maximum sound isolation and comfort. These are quite possibly my favorite tips for any earbuds. You’ll also get silicon tips, but those are nothing in comparison to these premium squishy foam friends.

Check out our Jaybird X2 review video below:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP-HiP-LuF4]

Pulling out the tray, you’ll find a carrying case which is also an improvement over the clam-style case from the original version, and the X2 earbuds secured with some tabs. Inside of the hard case you’ll find the ear-fins that will help keep these earbuds in your ear. They work very well thanks to the matte finish on the outside, they won’t slip and slide at all, which is an issue I often had with my BlueBuds X.

These will stay in your ears through walking, running, jumping, and basically any sport/task you throw at them. You also get a few little clips that will help with cable management as well. The good news is that you get everything needed to get up and running out of the box. You can also pair up to 8 devices to these little guys.

As for form and function, these are a dream to use. The battery life is rated at 8 hours and I have no trouble believing that number. It’s a rare occasion that I’m greeted with a low battery warning and charging them up is a quick and simple process. The charging port is located under one of the earbud caps and charges up with the included Micro USB cable.

There’s an inline remote control for changing tracks, play and pause, power, pairing mode, and even a microphone built-in that will allow you to take calls on-the-go. If that’s not enough these are sweat proof and guaranteed for life if they’re ever damaged because of that. Don’t go taking a shower with them, but they are sealed up with Liquipel and should withstand the most sweaty conditions.

So what makes the X2 earbuds a worthy purchase over its predecessor? Well a couple of things. The finish and available colors are outstanding this time around and I’m a big fan of the compact design, but that’s nothing special. These are extremely comfortable especially with the Comply Foam tips and the redesigned ear-fins make a big difference.

Another improvement here is the fact that the controls are now silent. The BlueBuds X use a small beep tone to let you know when volume or tracks are changed and that’s gone this time around. It’s a small thing to complain about, but the difference is huge in everyday use.

The main reason you should look at these headphones though is the sound quality. It’s definitely been improved this time around and I’m a big fan. Without a doubt, I’m convinced that these are some of the best sounding Bluetooth earbuds you can buy. The sound has been fine tuned and improved over the BlueBuds X and I can definitely hear the difference. If you want more information on the frequency response and other detailed info, you can find it on Jaybird’s website.

If you don’t have a good pair of Bluetooth earbuds in your life, stop this video now and go buy these. If you’re trying to save some cash, the original model is also a bit cheaper now. They may be a few years old, but they are 2nd best in the list of best Bluetooth earbuds ever. Trust me on this one, you won’t be disappointed investing in either model. If you want to pick the Jaybird’s X2 earbuds up for yourself, they are available for $179.99 in multiple color options.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. joead - 9 years ago

    The inline controls for changing tracks, etc are different to the apple inline headphone controls. That sucks.

  2. acslater017 - 9 years ago

    Glad to hear the X2s are improved – because I was very dissatisfied with my BlueBuds X (prior generation). I realize these are not the exact products featured, but I thought I’d share my experience since you mentioned the first-gens and readers might be intrigued.

    1) Sound quality and battery life are indeed very good. 2) Everyone’s ears are different, but fit for me was horrible. There are no over-ear hooks, so the fins must press into your ear cartilage from the inside. Mine always slipped, popped out, or got greasy (I know, ew). The silicone buds and fins always fell off, especially while removing from my pocket. 3) BTW the product is pretty complicated: 3 sizes of buds (now 6), different fin sizes, and a tiny cord management clip that I never figured out, then lost. It’s a lot of pieces to mix and match, and potentially lose.

    Anyway my BlueBud Xs are sitting on my shelf now and I’m down to 1 fin and 2 buds. I went on Amazon and picked up the Mpow Cheetah headphones for $25. Obscure brand, questionably cheap, but I’m pretty happy with them. They are ridiculously secure on my ears, they self-coil into a pretzel, and battery life is equal to my BlueBuds. Sound quality is worse, but definitely good enough for jogging music or Netflix. It also experiences skipping if you connect to 2 devices simultaneously. But overall I’m happy, especially for the price. I just wanted to share my caveats about the BlueBuds X and let everyone know that MUCH cheaper options exist – you do not need to drop $129-179 to go jogging with your Apple Watch!

    • george264 - 9 years ago

      I used to have the same problem with fit until I ordered comply tips. These ended up fitting like a glove. My jay birds were in a drawer for months until that point. I can’t say anything about the fins or the clips because once you adjusted them (the manual helped a lot and the only time I’ve ever opened one). These are with me all the time. I hope the X2 has more bass. While I love a more balanced sound with B&W at home, bass heavy headphones are great for the gym and excellent while on transit.

  3. Kyler Finn - 9 years ago

    As an alternative, Soundpeats Qy7 V4.1 are very very GOOD and very very INEXPENSIVE.
    http://www.amazon.com/Soundpeats-Bluetooth-Lightweight-Headphones-microphone/dp/B00PEPIWNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440009402&sr=8-1&keywords=Soundpeats+Qy7+V4.1

    Yeah, they don’t come with nice packaging or foam ear inserts, just silicon. But for $23, you can buy some and still save over $100. Just say’n.

  4. bhayes444 - 9 years ago

    I just want to know how comfortable the fit is for those of us with small ear canals. I’ve always had issues with IEMs because the ear buds made my ear canals sore after 15-20 minutes, and they never seemed small enough. I am relegated to sticking to designs like the Bose IEM headphones that don’t actually seal off my ears. The only sport headphones that do that for me are the Plantronics Backbeat Fit, overall a good quality headphone. If the Jaybirds X2 are as comfortable they may be my #1

  5. sardonick - 9 years ago

    $180 bucks for this? It better come with breasts.

    • Ali El-Hadi K - 9 years ago

      Depends what kinda breasts you’re looking for. The breasts you get from have bomb ass chest workouts with these headphones, the breasts you get from have a bomb ass chest, or the post workout chicken breasts you get as you build said breast.

  6. Average Joe Cyclist - 8 years ago

    This review really surprises me. I read one that is the complete opposite, and basically says that the X2s are exactly the same as the X, except now you can buy them in different colors. It’s at http://headphones-reviews.com/jaybird-x2-vs-jaybirds-x/. I wish I had read that review 2 months ago, BEFORE I bought myself the X2s. Because my experience of the X2s is exactly the same as my experience of the Xs. I would bet money that if I blindfolded people and got them to listen to the X2s and the Xs, there is not a person alive who could tell the difference. The review I just read has a comparison of all the technical features, and they are exactly the same – which explains why the sound is exactly the same. I would advise other people to read a few reviews before being taken in by the marketing hype about the X2s.

  7. Mustafa Anwar - 8 years ago

    Love this Jaybird X2..bought from Tonido Tech when I was in Malaysia..excellent quality & love the sound!!

  8. I started with Jaybird x2 so no idea on comparison to the original model. I think these fit well both tight and loose where you get outside ambient sounds and do not fall out. As for sound it’s the best Bluetooth sound yet. No you don’t get over the ear headphone sound, but they are best in their field for active wireless use. I recommend these headphones.

  9. Chris Brashear - 8 years ago

    I purchased these based on this review, and they have worked out very well. I was moving from the Bose mie2i, which I always thought sounded awesome, but once I got used to the Jaybirds, the Bose now sound muffled to me. The delay when playing games is very minimal, and these are very comfortable.

    The downsides:
    1. The foam tips do fall apart after a few months, so you’ll need to buy some replacements.
    2. Using them for phone calls only really works well with one ear in. With both in, the sound of your own voice changes signifcantly and was very distracting to me (it’s due to the sound-isolating nature of these, I’m sure this is the case with all sound isolating headsets).
    3. Pushing them in for 30 seconds to have them stay in feels like forever.

    • wlcdesigns - 8 years ago

      I second this review. My Bluebuds X died on my after a little more than a year. The sound quality was very good… when they stayed in my ear. They are too expensive for me to recommend. Jaybirdsports should modify their warranty or offer an extended warranty for full replacements for earbuds this expensive.

  10. Rayna Attwood - 7 years ago

    Does anyone know if it’s possible to buy extra small earbuds for the X2? I’ve tried reaching out directly to jaybird but they haven’t been any help. These headphones were given to me as a gift thru work but all the earbuds that came with are way too big, hurt my ears and fall out in seconds.