REVIEW – I’ve used Jaybird earbuds on and off for the past couple of years as I’ve found them to be comfortable to wear and make my music sound good while I’m working out. The Jaybird earbuds that I’ve used during that time have all been Bluetooth earbuds that have a cable between each bud. But now I’ve gotten a chance to test the new Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones. Let’s see if the RUN XTs become my new favorites.

What is it?

Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones are exactly what you think they are. They are Bluetooth earbuds that don’t have any wires between each earbud.

What’s in the box?

• Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones
• Battery charging storage case
• micro USB charging cable
• 4 pairs of ear tips
• 4 pairs of fins
• Quick start guide

Design and features

The RUN XTs store in a grey plastic charging case that has a latch with a green LED and another green LED on either side that shows the battery charging status. All three LEDs flash green while the buds (and the case) are charging and glow steady when fully charged.

The earbuds charge with a micro USB cable. I don’t get it, why aren’t more companies using USB-C now?

Press the button on the storage charging case and the lid pops open to reveal the RUN XT earbuds.

The earbuds have their own designated slot that has 5 springy electrical contacts for charging the earbuds.

The earbuds themselves look similar to many other wireless earbuds on the market right now. They have ear tips and optional ear fins so you can customize the fit.

Fit and comfort

Like all earbuds, fit and comfort is going to depend on the shape of your ears. What I might find comfortable could be very uncomfortable for someone else.

I found the Jaybird RUN XTs to be my third most comfortable earbuds that I’ve tested in the last few months. I can wear them for an hour or so before I need to remove them to give my ears a rest. I must have really small ears because even with the smallest ear tips and ear fins, I still feel some pressure after a while.

I will say that the earbuds do not fall out of my ears and I was able to work out with them. Keep in mind that I run or jump while working out, but I do move around and have my head down during some exercises, so there is an opportunity for them to fall out if the fit wasn’t good.

Speaking of workouts, the Jaybird RUN XTs are IPX7 rated which means that they can be submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes. So it’s safe to say that they are sweatproof and waterproof.

Controls

Each RUN XT earbud has one large button on the outside with a small status LED on the edge. It may look like there’s a smaller button on the side but that’s just the Left/Right earbud “post” that helps position the ear fins.

The button on each earbud has multiple functions which means you’ll have to memorize which button does what. For example, pressing the left button will activate Siri or Google assistant while pressing the right button will play/pause music or answer/end a call. Double pressing the right earbud will skip forward in a song or decline a call and holding either button for 3 seconds will power the buds on or off. Holding for 6 seconds will initiate pairing from the off state.

I’ve never liked physical buttons on earbuds. I always feel like I’m cramming the earbud into my brain when I have to press the buttons.

Sound quality for music and video

If you’re just planning to use the Jaybird RUN XT earbuds to listen to streaming music from your phone or laptop, you’ll be pretty happy with the sound quality which I would say is above average because you can customize the sound with the Jaybird app. You can choose from a selection of presets or you can create your own to match your favorite style of music.

I like to listen to all types of music from pop to country, R&B, rock, and even some classical now and then. So I was pretty happy with these earbuds.

They do a really good job of isolating you from outside sounds because they fit snugly in your ears. I think that helps with songs that have thumpy bass lines. Some songs I enjoyed testing to with these earbuds include:

Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Mark Ronson featuring Miley Cyrus
Without Me by Halsey
Sunflower by Post Malone
Burning Man Dierks Bentley

Listening to music with these wireless earbuds is enjoyable but if you like to watch YouTube, the Jaybird RUN XT earbuds will really annoy you. They have noticeable audio to video sync issues that make you feel like you’re watching an old kung fu movie with bad dubbing. I didn’t notice this when using the earbuds with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Hulu. I asked Jaybird about this and here’s the response that I received:

We allow for a small amount of latency when watching video using Jaybird RUN XT. To ensure a premium music and sound experience and to guarantee the left and right earbud are always in sync, we introduce a small latency.

Ummm… ok… That makes no sense to me… Also, a quick Google will bring up results of user complaints about audio/video syncing that go back to the previous version of Jaybird RUN earbuds. Sorry Jaybird, but that’s just not cool.

Sound quality for calls

Not much to say here. Using the Jaybird RUN XT earbuds to make and receive calls will be comparable to using other Bluetooth earbuds. Talking with them in your ears will make your voice echo in your head a little bit. Also, the call audio only comes through the right earbud.

Battery life

The earbuds will have about 4hrs of play time per full charge and the charging case will provide an additional 8hrs of recharge/play time for a total of 12hrs before you need to recharge the case and buds again.

Removing the earbuds from the case will automatically turn them on and putting them back in the case will turn them off after about 20-30 seconds.

What I like

• Sound customization with Jaybird app
• Secure fit
• Water and sweatproof for epic workouts

What needs to be improved

• Youtube audio/video sync lag
• Not true TWS. Can’t use each earbud by itself without leaving the charging case open

Final thoughts

When it’s all said and done the Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones are not going to become my new favorites. They sound pretty good when listening to music, but the lag while watching YouTube videos kills it for me as does the fact that they aren’t TWS as in you can’t listen with each one independently. For example, if you open the case, and just put the left earbud in your ear, you can’t close the case with the right earbud still in the case. If you do, the Bluetooth connection ends. I also find the RUN XTs to be considerably overpriced. I’ve been a fan of Jaybird earbuds for a few years, but I’m sorry to say that this pair has been a disappointment.

Price: $179.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Jaybird.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Bluetooth earbuds

Jaybird Run XT True Wireless Sport Headphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 23, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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REVIEW – It is now 2019, and I am happy to continue my enjoyable challenge of finding the “perfect” earbuds for my taste. in 2018, I enjoyed the battle of the contenders, and this year I believe with the continuous evolution of technology, that there will be new earbuds that will “wow” me beyond my imagination. Let’s start the year off with the xFryo XS2 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds.

What is it?

The xFryo XS2 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds are lightweight, and like all others, they are designed for listening to music and conducting phone calls. As with most earbuds, they should be compatible with most Bluetooth equipped mobile devices.

What’s in the box

1 x xFryo XS2 Earbuds
1 x Micro USB Cable
3 x Ear Tips
1 x User Guide
1 x Warranty Leaflet

Design and features

Specifications

• Measurements: 6.25″L x 1″W x .75″H
• 2-in-1 Wireless Earbuds And Charging Tube
• IP67 Certified Dust-proof And Waterproof Technology
• V4.2 + EDR Bluetooth Technology With 10 Meter Wireless Range
• CVC 6.0 Noise Cancellation
• Rechargeable 850 MAh Capacity Power Bank
• Music / Talk Time: 5 Hours
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Standby Time: 300 Hours

Features

• Materials: Aluminum Alloy, Silicone
• Aluminum Alloy Shell
• Lightweight and Portable
• Answer, Reject, and Redial Calls
• Pause And Play Music
• Built-In Microphone
• Dual-Port Charging Tube With USB And Micro USB Ports
• Patented Aluminum Polishing

The earbuds are what I would call medium sized, but they sit firmly and securely in your ears. The charging case is black with gold plated inserts and the earbuds connect to each end of the case.

There are rubberized waterproof covers on each side of the charging case that protect the ports/electronics. As shown below, on one side there is a rubberized cover that is marked “In”. Under the cover is the micro USB charging port.

On the other side of the charging case there is an “On” button, and underneath the rubberized cover, there is a standard USB port that can be used to charge devices, like cell phones. etc via the built-in power bank.

Performance

The first thing I did was to fully charge the case and earbuds. While being charged, there is a blue LED on the case that blinks.

Once fully charged, the LED remains a solid blue and when unplugged but charging the earbuds it is a solid red.

After I fully charged the earbuds I took them out of the charging case, I powered them on and they automatically synced with each other. They immediately showed up ion the Bluetooth device list on my smartphone. Pairing was quick and easy and they were ready for listening to music and of course conducting phone calls. These earbuds function well and hold their charge for a long time. Using them approximately 90 minutes each day for 5 days weekly, I only recharge the case once weekly.

I tested them by listening to several genres that I usually listen to including Contemporary Jazz, Easy Listening, The Classics, Gospel, etc., and I enjoyed the sound across all of the genres. The sound is quite good and well balanced for the lows, mids, and highs. Once listening to a quality track, there was no real discernable distortion in any frequency range, and there is a built-in volume limiter to add to the quality of the listening experience.

I also tested these on phone call functions and was pleased that they worked very well for both parties on the call. I usually encounter issues with using earbuds for phone calls where I cannot hear the other party or they cannot hear me. These earbuds worked well.

I also like the built-in option to charge my phone or similar device via the built-in power bank using the USB out port on the charging case.

What I like

• The design and attractive style of the charging case
• The build quality of the charging case
• The built-in Power Bank feature

What can be improved

• The inclusion of more ear tips of various sizes

Final thoughts

When I first saw the xFryo XS2 I really got a good first impression. Since then, I have really grown to like these earbuds. I am very pleased that despite what seems like a risk, the earbuds remain firmly in place when in the charging dock. They also stay in place in my ears and really provide a pleasurable listening experience. As I review more earbuds it is becoming very hard to rank them in my list of the best earbuds for me. I would say that these earbuds likely tie for 3rd place in my growing list of the top 5. Nicely done!!

Price: $125 (you can get 10% OFF sitewide by using the following this link, or by entering the following discount code at checkout: GADGETEER10
Where to buy: xFryo website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by xFryo.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Bluetooth earbuds

xFryo XS2 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 17, 2019 at 9:30 am.

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REVIEW – Here at the Gadgeteer I have reviewed numerous earbuds/headphones, both large and small, wired and wireless.  I have never really fallen in love with any one product when it comes to this category.  I use a Bluetooth headset daily because I talk all day long on the phone, so I have basically resorted to using my daily headset to listen to music if the mood hits me.  And honestly, the Bluetooth headsets I use aren’t really designed to listen to music, they are designed to take phone calls. But the $22 WRZ S8 earbuds peaked my interest.  So let’s see how they performed.

What is it?

Bluetooth wireless earbuds that can be used to listen to audio from your device, as well as take phone calls.

Product specs from the manufacturer:

• Weight: .5 ounces
• Up to 10 hours of usage time, 240 hours standby
• 120mAh battery
• IPX6 Waterproof suitable for sports, running, Gym, workout, travelling
• Bluetooth 5.0 with microphone Stereo Noise Cancelling
• Different size ear tips and ergonomic C-shaped ear hooks to make sure S8 earphones will comfortably fit any shape of ears
• The magnetic absorption abilities let earbuds easily merge together so they don’t get slip off or tangled when not in use
• 6 Color Choices
• Waterproof, suitable for exposure to sweat and water
• Compatible with most of smartphones, tablet PCs, laptops.
• 30 day money back guarantee & 12 months warranty

What’s in the box?

• S8 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
• Multiple Ear Tips (S, M, L) & Ear Hooks (1 pair)
• Cable Clip Management
• Micro-USB Charging Cable
• Carrying zippered pouch
• User Manual

Design and function

First of all, I have never had a set of earbuds that fit as well as the S8s.  Not once have I even felt the slightest fear that the earbuds were getting ready to fall out, regardless of what I was doing.  This design, with the earwings, ensured that they fit perfectly in my ears.  And the soft tips were very comfortable in my ears.  These are the best-fitting earbuds I have ever used. Full stop.

Each earbud has a magnet on it so that when you aren’t using them and just have them hanging around your neck the earbuds will connect to each other.  That’s a nice touch.  I was able to use them to answer calls and I got mostly positive feedback from people on the other end of the call.  It wasn’t as good a call quality as my Plantronics headset, but my goodness, for this price point of around $22 I was pleased.  The S8s also comes with several other earbud tips to make sure you have some that fit.

It wasn’t all good though.  Some things that I don’t like about the S8s are that there aren’t enough voice prompts.  For example, it speaks to you when you turn the S8s on and it says “connecting” when it is connecting your phone, but it never says “connected”.  So I was never sure it actually connected unless I went to the Bluetooth settings and checked, or just tried to play some music.  That is annoying.  Also, the buttons on the in-line controls don’t have enough tactile indicators on them so that you are sure you are pressing the right button.  I was a little disappointed that the sound wasn’t as loud as other earbuds I have owned.  There isn’t much deep bass sound either.  When I was on a plane recently and used the earbuds, I turned the S8s all the way up and it still wasn’t loud enough to drown out all the noise from the plane.

Final thoughts

I have chosen these earbuds as my daily go-to for listening to music.  I wish they were a little louder sometimes, and I wish there were more voice prompts to tell me what was happening, but for a price of around $22, I can’t complain.  Throw in the zippered pouch to keep everything together and easy to carry, and I do recommend these earbuds for everyone.

Price: $21.98
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by WRZ.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Bluetooth earbuds

WRZ S8 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Magnetic Earbuds review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 7, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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