Beats Flex Headphones
The new Beats Flex headphones are available now for just 50 quid. They’re substantially more affordable than other Beats headphones. You wouldn’t expect to part with any internal organs for a pair of headphones at this price, but considering these are just a fraction of the price of most Beats offerings, there’s got to be some kind of catch, right?
Well, first up, even though the Beats Flex are technically wireless headphones, they connect to your phone via Bluetooth. Of course, the two earbuds are connected to each other by a cable. So you’re not getting the true wireless experience that the likes of the Powerbeats offer, but these are considerably cheaper.
The cable is really durable. It’s made from Nitinol, a metal alloy constructed from nickel and titanium. This means that even when the Flex is under pressure, it would take a lot of force to actually snap the cable.
This luminous citrus-yellow hue is certainly very vibrant and eye-catching. You will attract a lot of attention if you have these around your head while walking down the street. If you want a similar vibrant finish, the Beats Flex are also available in blue. If you want something a bit more boring and standard, you can grab them in black or gray.
You get four sizes of ear tips bundled in the box. The lack of a wingtip means they may not feel as secure while you’re on the move. There is also no IPX8 or IPX5 water resistance. The likes of TaoTronics offer some very good true wireless options for around the same cost.
What Are the Pros of Beats Flex Headphones?
- Great build quality
- Comfortable headphones
- Good reduction of mid-range noise
What Are the Cons of Beats Flex Headphones?
- Bass-range noise cannot be canceled
- Adjustable EQ is not available
- Multiple devices cannot be connected
Key Specifications
- Battery life: about 12 hours (around 11 hours in testing)
- Quick charge: 10 minutes provides about 1.5 hours of use; usable while charging
- Bluetooth neckband design; earbuds connected by a Nitinol (nickel/titanium) cable
- Four sizes of ear tips included; magnetic earbuds
- No IPX5 or IPX8 water-resistance rating
- No multipoint connectivity and no adjustable EQ or companion app
- Colors: Flame Blue, Yuzu Yellow, Fragment Black, Smoke Gray
- Build: plastic and silicone; integrated microphone
Build Quality
The build quality of the Beats Flex headphones is great because these headphones are made from a mixture of plastic and silicone. This combination gives the headphones good durability, and even if they are dropped many times, they are unlikely to be damaged easily.
The materials make the headphones feel sturdy enough for regular use and help them handle everyday drops and movement.
Comfort
The comfort of these headphones is good. The headband, earphones, and cable don’t feel uncomfortable or tiring during use. They are lightweight, and the earphones don’t sit too deeply inside the ears.
This makes them comfortable enough to wear for longer periods without putting too much pressure on the ears.
Portability
The design and style of the Beats Flex headphones make them very portable. They can easily be put into handbags and pockets, so carrying them around isn’t a problem.
The magnets on the back of the earphones help prevent them from becoming tangled. These headphones can also be worn around the neck while you’re moving.
Stability
The stability of these headphones is quite good because they fit securely on the ears. They don’t easily fall off, even when you make strong movements with your head.
However, if the neckband gets caught or tangled with something, the headphones can be pulled out of your ears.
Availability of Colors
Beats Flex headphones are available in different colors, such as Flame Blue, Yuzu Yellow, Fragment Black, and Smoke Gray.
We have tested these different color options. The headphones are well built and provide a comfortable fit for listeners.
Style
The style of these headphones is different from many other headphones but remains similar to the previous model.
Instead of ear hooks, the Beats Flex use a cable-style neckband that sits around your neck. This makes them easy to wear, even when you’re not actively listening to them.
Sound Quality
For hip-hop and EDM, these headphones are great because the sound they deliver is more bass-heavy than the previous model.
The downside is that you can’t adjust the sound exactly the way you want because a companion app with EQ or presets is not available with these headphones.
If you prefer changing the sound profile to suit different types of music, this can be a limitation.
Noise Isolation
These headphones are designed as in-ear headphones, so the noise isolation performs well.
They cannot be considered the best headphones for communication because bass-range noise cannot be reduced as much as it can with some other headphones. However, office chatter and other mid-range sounds can be reduced with these headphones.
Recording Quality
These headphones have an integrated microphone, but its recording quality is only mediocre. The recorded voice sounds somewhat thin, although it can still be heard clearly by the listener.
Battery
The battery life of these headphones is also quite good at about 12 hours. However, after testing these headphones, we noticed that the battery life was closer to 11 hours.
You can get about 1.5 hours of use after charging them for 10 minutes.
Another point worth noting is that you can use these headphones while charging, as power-saving features are not available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Beats Flex headphones wireless?
Yes, the Beats Flex connect to your phone through Bluetooth. However, the two earbuds are connected to each other with a cable, so they are not truly wireless earbuds.
Are Beats Flex headphones comfortable?
Yes. The Beats Flex are lightweight, and the earphones, cable, and neckband do not feel uncomfortable or tiring during regular use.
Are Beats Flex good for hip-hop and EDM?
Yes. The Beats Flex have a bass-heavy sound that works well with hip-hop and EDM.
Do Beats Flex have adjustable EQ?
No. The Beats Flex do not have an adjustable EQ or sound presets through a companion app.
How long does the Beats Flex battery last?
The Beats Flex are rated for around 12 hours of battery life. During testing, we noticed around 11 hours of battery life.
How long do Beats Flex need to charge for 1.5 hours of playback?
A 10-minute charge provides about 1.5 hours of playback.
Are Beats Flex water-resistant?
No. The Beats Flex do not have an IPX5 or IPX8 water-resistance rating.
Are Beats Flex good for running?
The headphones have good stability and don’t easily fall from your ears during strong head movements. However, the neckband can get caught on something, which can pull the earbuds out of your ears.
Can Beats Flex connect to multiple devices?
No. Multiple devices cannot be connected to the Beats Flex at the same time.
Are Beats Flex Headphones a Good Choice?
The Beats Flex are a good option if you want affordable wireless headphones with good build quality, comfortable fit, portability, and bass-heavy sound.
They are particularly suitable for listeners who enjoy hip-hop and EDM and don’t need true wireless earbuds. The main limitations are the lack of adjustable EQ, the inability to connect multiple devices, and the lack of water resistance.