Bluetooth earbuds used to feel like a compromise, especially if you were trying to run with them. The idea was great, but the reality was usually weaker sound, dropouts, bulky earpieces, and one more battery to worry about.
That is why I wanted to spend time with the Jaybird BlueBuds X. I had used the older Jaybird Freedom earbuds, and while they were decent, they never quite felt like the technology was ready yet.
Quick Answer
After about a week of use, the Jaybird BlueBuds X are a big step forward. The sound quality is much better than the older Jaybird Freedom model, the volume gets louder than I need, the fit is very secure for running, and the battery life feels close to the claimed eight hours.
I do think they are expensive at around $170, and I would be careful if you have small ears. My wife could not get a comfortable fit, even with the smallest tips and secure-fit wings.
What Comes In The Box
The BlueBuds X come with a carrying case, multiple ear tip sizes, secure-fit wings, and a flat USB charging cable. Jaybird also includes setup instructions for both wearing styles: under the ear and over the ear.
One small note from opening the box: the earbuds were taped in tightly. I tried peeling them out and eventually just cut the packaging loose. If you are opening a set, do not waste too much time fighting the tape.
- Carrying case
- Small, medium, and large ear tips
- Small, medium, and large secure-fit wings
- Flat USB charging cable
- Setup guide for over-ear and under-ear fit
Design And Fit
Compared with the older Jaybird Freedom earbuds, the BlueBuds X are much smaller. That matters more than it sounds like it would, because less weight on the earpiece makes them feel better while running.
The volume controls are on the cable instead of on the earbud itself. Some people may prefer the controls directly on the earpiece, but I like the cable-mounted control because it keeps the earbuds lighter.
The secure-fit wings push onto the earbuds and need to sit all the way back. My first instinct was to line them up with the small lip on the earbud, but they are meant to go past that lip so you do not see the silver part.
Over-Ear Fit
I used the BlueBuds X in the over-the-ear configuration. With the cable management pieces tightened up, there is very little slack, and that makes a huge difference when running.
With the cable wrapped and tightened properly, I barely feel anything on my head. Getting rid of the normal cable bounce on your neck is one of the biggest practical improvements here.
There is one drawback to the over-ear setup. The side with the volume control and microphone changes position, so the microphone ends up farther back near your ear. That means phone call quality or Siri voice pickup may be worse than when wearing them under the ear.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the BlueBuds X surprised me the most. With earlier Bluetooth earbuds, including the Jaybird Freedom, I always felt like the sound, volume, and signal quality were not quite there yet.
The BlueBuds X finally feel like Jaybird got past that point. I would not compare a $170 Bluetooth earbud to high-end $400 or $500 headphones, but in its own price range, Bluetooth no longer feels like the obvious weak spot.
I actually had to turn the volume down, which was not something I could say about the older model. I mostly used them with Spotify on my iPhone, and the volume and sound quality were both strong enough for regular use and running.
Bluetooth Signal
One thing I learned from using Bluetooth earbuds is that indoor testing can be misleading. Inside a house, Bluetooth signals can bounce off walls and ceilings, so a pair of earbuds may seem more reliable than they really are.
For running headphones, you really need to test them outside. The older Jaybird Freedom earbuds worked okay if my iPhone was in my right front pocket, but if I moved the phone to my left back pocket, the signal would drop out often.
The BlueBuds X were a noticeable improvement over that older experience. They felt much more usable as actual running earbuds instead of a product that only worked well in perfect conditions.
Battery And Charging
The BlueBuds X include a battery indicator, which is a small feature that makes daily use much easier. With some older Bluetooth headphones, I had no idea how much charge was left, so I would plug them in every night just to be safe.
Jaybird claims about eight hours of battery life, and based on my first week, that seems realistic. If you run for about an hour a day, five or six days a week, charging once a week is a reasonable expectation.
Charging uses a standard mini USB port hidden under a small cap on the side with the volume control. I like that much better than the proprietary charging cable used by the older Jaybird Freedom earbuds.
Sweat And Water Protection
Jaybird sells the BlueBuds X with a lifetime sweat-proof warranty, which is important if you are buying them mainly for workouts or running.
This model also includes Liquipel, a waterproof-style coating. I still would not treat them like something you should intentionally soak, but for sweat and active use, that extra protection is a nice part of the package.
Small Ear Warning
The biggest caution is fit. I bought two pairs, planning to give one to my wife, but she has small ears and could not get a comfortable fit.
Even the smallest ear tips were a stretch, and the smallest secure-fit wings visibly pushed against her ear. If you already struggle with earbuds, I would try the BlueBuds X before spending the money.
For my ears, the large tips and medium secure-fit wings worked well. For smaller ears, these may simply be too large.
Are They Worth It
At around $170, the BlueBuds X are not cheap. I wish they cost less.
That said, I do not regret buying them. For running, the combination of no dangling cable, strong sound, high enough volume, realistic battery life, and a secure over-ear fit makes them much better than the older Bluetooth earbuds I had used.
The only reason I would hesitate is fit. If they fit your ears, they are a strong option for active use. If you have small ears, test them first.
Key Takeaways
- The Jaybird BlueBuds X are a major improvement over the older Jaybird Freedom earbuds.
- Sound quality and volume are strong enough that Bluetooth no longer feels like the main compromise.
- The over-ear setup with cable management works very well for running.
- Battery life feels close to the claimed eight hours, making weekly charging realistic for many runners.
- The standard mini USB charging port is more convenient than Jaybird's older proprietary cable.
- Fit can be a problem for smaller ears, so try them first if earbuds are usually uncomfortable for you.
Watch the Video
The video above above for the full hands-on look at the BlueBuds X, including the fit options, charging port, cable management, and size comparison with the older Jaybird Freedom earbuds.
