Review: Jaybird X3s are the gold standard of sports bluetooth headphones

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

It took me a year, but I've transitioned from wired headphones to wireless bluetooth headphones. Going wireless is just more convenient and hassle free. No more tangles, no more getting snagged on exercise machines plus smartphones are starting to lose the headphone jack, some for valid reasons, so its a good time to move on.

Jaybird's X3 wireless bluetooth headphones are the most advanced and multifunctional sports-focused and general-use headphones I have used. Starting from the wide choice of eartip sizes and materials for a perfect and comfortable fit, to the fact that they redesigned them so that the earbuds only contain speakers and the batteries (there's two of them, good for 8 hours).

Jaybird moved the antennas as well as the microphone into the volume controller, which has also been drastically redesigned so that it is lighter and also better at keeping connections. The result is a lightweight yet rugged and well constructed pair of bluetooth headphones that are sweatproof and also eminently tunable thanks to Jaybird's MySound App which, in my opinion, is their secret weapon for making their headphones sound just how each individual user would want their sound to be. If bass is your thing, you can download a profile or toggle the settings yourself to get the desired sound. Personally, I like clarity and balance, and the Jaybird X3 makes it possible for me to get the sound I want, no wired headphones can do that for me.

I've been using th Jaybird X3 exclusively for the past week and a half, It's been a great companion to both my iPhone 7 Plus and Siri, it has also played quite nicely with the Google Pixel XL and the new Assistant. 

Most important, however, is the sound quality. I use these headphones literally half the day. I have them when I get back from walking my son to school, I use them in the gym and also while running errands, working at my desk and when I need to commute by bus or train. Unlike previous bluetooth headphones that were prone to static, delays and sound degradation due to interference, the Jaybird X3's sound was consistently clear even while running in areas that are notorious for interference.

Jaybird’s patented Secure-Fit system is another reason why I value these headphones so much. They fit great and snugly. Short of getting a mold made of your ear, the earbuds comes with an assortment of ear tips (silicone and memory foam, in three sizes each). The trademark JayBird silicone fins, are also included in various sizes, I don't use them, but many swear by them as an additional way to secure the headset. These Jaybird X3's also have a clip that secures them to the rear of your shirt, so you can remove them from your ears and not lose them, nice touch.

So, if smartphone companies want the audio jack off, this is definitely a good alternative specially for active people who enjoy using their headphones outdoors. It takes a real wireless headphone company to understand what users want and the combination of great design and materials, superb sound and fit plus a cracking iOS and Android app for deep tuning sound makes this the gold standard of sports bluetooth headphones.

Jaybird X3 Wireless Sport Headphones are expected to be available at jaybirdsport.com on Oct. 27, 2016 and in Best Buy stores and bestbuy.com in the U.S. and Canada in November 2016, for a suggested retail price of $129.99. The wireless headphones will be available in four colors with metal accents: Blackout (Black and Silver), Sparta (White and Gold), Alpha (Military Green and Dark Chrome) and Road Rash (Red and Dark Chrome).