Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds: A Budget-Friendly Option with 12-Hour Battery Life

The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds are an affordable and convenient option for those looking for long battery life and easy connectivity in a pair of Bluetooth earbuds. As an entry-level model from Beats, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds deliver surprisingly solid performance for the price. Read on for a detailed review of what these budget-friendly earbuds have to offer.

Overview

Released in January 2021, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds come in stylish color options of black, blue, gray, and yellow. They connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and are powered by the Apple W1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices. The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds are lightweight at just 1.6 ounces and come with four different eartip size options for a customized fit.

Key Features

• 12-hour battery life: Get up to 12 hours of playtime from a full charge.
• Apple W1 chip: Allows easy pairing with Apple devices.
• Magnetic design: Earbuds attach magnetically and auto-pause audio.
• Flexible cable: Provides a comfortable fit around the neck.
• Built-in microphone: Enables clear call quality with wind noise reduction.

Design and Comfort

The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds feature a neckband design with flat, tangle-free cabling connecting the two earbuds. The earbuds themselves are fairly lightweight and come with four sizes of eartips for a customized fit. The neckband is flexible and breathable, making the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds comfortable for all-day wear. When not in use, the magnetic earbuds clip together for convenient storage around the neck.

Sound Quality

The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds produce balanced sound quality for the price. The bass is present but not overpowering, the mids are clear, and the highs avoid harshness. The sound profile is fairly neutral compared to some other Beats headphones. While the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds lack the spaciousness and detail of high-end wireless earbuds, the audio quality is good for casual listening and phone calls.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Beats claims up to 12 hours of playback time on a single charge for the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds. In testing, the battery life came close to that rating with average volume levels. The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds charge via USB-C and usually reach a full charge in under 2 hours.

For connectivity, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 and pair seamlessly with Apple devices signed in to the same iCloud account. Pairing with non-Apple devices requires the Beats companion app but is still simple. Wireless range is average but stable within about 30 feet. The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds also feature auto-pause when the earbuds are attached magnetically and resume playback when detached.

Controls

On-board controls on the neckband cable allow convenient adjustments to volume, music playback, calls, and activating voice assistants. All key functions can be managed directly on the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds.

Water Resistance

The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds are sweat resistant but do not have an official waterproof or dustproof rating. They should withstand light rain and workouts but avoid submersion in water.

Origin

Designed by Apple in the United States, the Beats brand has been known for its audio gear since its launch in 2006. The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds model furthers the brand’s reputation for stylish, bass-driven sound.

Release Date

The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds were released in January 2021.

Usage Scenarios

The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds work great for everyday use cases like commuting, working out, taking calls, and casual listening. The long 12-hour battery life means you can wear them all day long without worrying about recharging. The secure over-ear fit also makes them suitable for running and workouts.

Customer Feedback Analysis

Digging into customer reviews from real-world users provides invaluable insights into the pragmatic performance and experiential qualities of the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds.

Looking at the enthusiastic 5-star reviews, many users praise the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds’s budget-friendly accessibility while retaining core Beats brand qualities. The long 12-hour battery life receives rave reviews for liberating listeners from the leash of constant recharging. Users describe breezing through full workdays with juice to spare.

The Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds’s flexible neckband strikes a lauded balance between stability and comfort. Users depict the soft silicone tips nestling into the ear canals, cushioned and clasped gently yet securely. The angled acoustic ports channel audio fidelity directly into the auditory canal.

Bluetooth connectivity garners acclaim for its fuss-free pairing and steadfast transmission stability even when phones are pocketed or bags are full. The seamless device switching delights multi-device users, harmonizing headphones and laptop one minute and smartphone the next without a hitch.

Critical reviews center around two primary complaints - exaggerated bass and lack of premium feel. Bass heads rejoice in the pulsating low-end while more analytical listeners yearn for balanced mids and sparkling highs. The plastic construction elicits mixed opinions, with some happy to sacrifice heft for lightness while others expect a more opulent finish from the Beats marque.

Looking at the totality of user experiences and aggregating the praise and critiques, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds emerge as a solid value proposition for the budget-conscious buyer. For those craving Beats branding without premium pricing, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds over-deliver on core performance benchmarks like battery life and connectivity. Audiophiles and construction perfectionists may want to look up-market, but casual listeners get plenty of enjoyment for an affordable ticket price.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price at under $50
• Solid, balanced sound quality for the price
• Long 12-hour battery life
• Comfortable, lightweight design with multiple eartip options
• Easy connectivity with Apple devices
• Built-in microphone for phone calls
• Available in several color options

Cons:

• Lack active noise cancellation
• Average wireless range within 30 feet
• Require Beats app for pairing with non-Apple devices
• USB-C charging requires separate charging brick
• May not stay in place well for high-impact exercise

Value

For the affordable sub-$50 price point, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds pack impressive value. You get the brand quality, great battery life, secure fit, and solid connectivity. While not the most premium earbuds, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds punch above their weight given the low price.

Summary

For under $50, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds offer solid value. They provide decent sound, long battery life, comfortable design, and easy connectivity with Apple devices. While they lack advanced features like active noise cancellation, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds aptly serve as an affordable pair of wireless earbuds for casual listening on the go. For budget-conscious iPhone owners seeking wireless earbuds, the Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds deserve consideration.

Specifications

• Model Name: Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
• Model Number: MYME2LL/A
• Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Dimensions: unknown
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
• Charging Port: USB-C
• Bluetooth Version: Class 1
• Wireless Chip: Apple W1
• Drivers: unknown
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Sweat/Water Resistance: unknown
• Colors: Black, gray, blue, yellow

What’s in the Box

• Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
• 4 pairs of eartips (XS, S, M, L)
• USB-C to USB-C charging cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

How to Use Beats Flex

1. Choose the correct eartip size and install onto each earbud. The eartips should provide a secure seal in the ear canal.

2. Power on the Beats Flex by pressing and holding the power button on the right earbud for 3 seconds. The LED indicator will flash to signal the power is on.

3. Enable Bluetooth on your device and select “Beats Flex” from the list of available Bluetooth devices. Follow any onscreen prompts to pair.

4. Once paired, you can play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate voice assistants using the onboard controls on the left earbud.

5. When done listening, power off the Beats Flex by pressing and holding the power button for 3 seconds. The LED indicator will flash 3 times to confirm it’s powered off.

6. Charge the Beats Flex by connecting the included USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the right earbud. A full charge takes up to 2 hours.

7. For the best fit and sound, try the different sized eartips included. The eartips should create a seal in the ear canal without discomfort.

8. Beats Flex can pair with other Bluetooth devices but will need to be powered on in pairing mode each time. They pair automatically with previously paired Apple devices signed in to the same iCloud account.

9. Beats Flex lack official water resistance, so avoid submerging them in water or exposing them to heavy moisture. Light splashes or sweat should be fine, but may impact longevity.

10. If issues arise, you can try resetting the Beats Flex by pressing and holding the volume up and down buttons on the left earbud simultaneously for 10 seconds. Then, repair with your device.