We recently spent time testing out these wireless earbuds from Beats, and they turned out to be a solid budget-friendly option for everyday listening. The neckband-style design with magnetic earbuds caught our attention right away, especially since it solves the common problem of losing individual wireless earbuds. In this Beats Flex review 2026, we test the performance of these affordable wireless earbuds from Beats
During our testing, we found the 12-hour battery life held up well across multiple days of use. The Apple W1 chip made pairing with our devices quick and straightforward, and the Class 1 Bluetooth provided a reliable connection without frequent dropouts. The magnetic auto-play and pause feature worked consistently when we connected or separated the earbuds.
The Flex-Form cable design stayed comfortable around our neck during extended wear, and the four different eartip sizes helped us get a proper fit. We appreciated the on-device controls for managing music and calls without reaching for our phone. The built-in microphone with wind reduction delivered clear voice quality during our calls.
On the downside, the bass response didn’t match what you’d get from higher-end wireless earbuds. The overall volume level was adequate but not as powerful as premium options. Sound isolation was decent but not exceptional, which worked fine for casual listening but might not suit louder environments.
The USB-C charging was convenient, though we noticed some users reported charging issues over time. The neckband style won’t appeal to everyone who prefers truly wireless earbuds. Audio quality sits in the acceptable range for the price point but won’t impress audiophiles.
Bottom Line
For anyone seeking affordable wireless earbuds with reliable battery life and the convenience of a neckband design, the Beats Flex delivers solid value.
The magnetic feature and long battery life make these practical for daily use, even if the sound quality stays in the good-enough category.
Click here to purchase the Beats Flex and enjoy hassle-free wireless listening today!
Overview of Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
After spending time with these neckband-style earbuds, we found them to be a solid budget option for those who want reliable wireless audio without breaking the bank. The Flex design features a flexible cable that connects the two earpieces, which rests comfortably around your neck when not in use.
Key aspects we noticed:
- Battery performance delivers a full 12 hours on a single charge
- Magnetic earbuds automatically pause music when clipped together
- Apple W1 chip provides quick pairing with iOS devices
- Four eartip sizes included for customization
The sound quality is decent for the price point, though we noticed the bass isn’t as punchy as premium models. The Class 1 Bluetooth offers impressive range at up to 100 meters, which means fewer dropouts when moving around. The built-in microphone handles calls well with wind reduction features.
One downside is that the sound isolation could be better. However, the neckband design means you won’t lose individual earbuds, which many users appreciate. The USB-C charging is convenient, though the adapter isn’t included.
Key Features
After spending time with these wireless earbuds, we found several standout features that define the overall experience. The combination of Apple’s technology and practical design elements makes these earbuds function well for daily use.
Apple W1 Headphone Chip for Seamless Connectivity
The W1 chip handles pairing efficiently with Apple devices. We experienced quick connection times when switching between our iPhone and iPad, with the earbuds automatically appearing in our Bluetooth settings after the initial setup.
Android users can still connect to these earbuds, though the process requires standard Bluetooth pairing instead of the instant connection Apple users get. The chip manages power consumption effectively, which contributes to the overall battery performance we observed during testing.
Magnetic Earbuds with Auto-Play/Pause
The magnetic feature works as intended when the earbuds snap together around your neck. We found the auto-play and auto-pause function responsive during our testing sessions.
When we separated the earbuds, music resumed without manual intervention. Clipping them together paused playback immediately. This feature proved useful during quick conversations or when we needed to temporarily stop listening without reaching for our phone.
The magnets hold firmly enough to prevent accidental separation but don’t feel overly strong.
Class 1 Bluetooth for Extended Wireless Range
The Class 1 Bluetooth designation means these earbuds maintain connection at greater distances than standard Bluetooth earbuds. We tested the range by walking around our home with our phone stationary and experienced solid connectivity up to approximately 80-90 feet without obstacles.
Walls and furniture reduced this range, but we still maintained connection between rooms where other earbuds typically dropped out. Fewer dropouts occurred during our regular use compared to standard Bluetooth headphones we’ve tested.
The extended range benefits those who move around while working or need to leave their device in one location.
12-Hour Battery Life
The stated 12-hour battery life held up well in our real-world testing. We used these earbuds across multiple days at moderate volume levels and consistently achieved between 11-12 hours before needing to recharge.
Higher volume levels drained the battery faster, as expected. The USB-C charging takes about 90 minutes for a full charge based on our measurements.
A quick charge feature provides approximately 1.5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, which we found helpful when we forgot to charge overnight. The battery indicator on iOS devices shows the remaining charge percentage, though Android users only get a basic battery level indication.
Comfort and Fit
After spending several days with the Beats Flex, we found the comfort level to be one of its strongest aspects. The Flex-Form cable sits naturally around the neck without feeling rigid or irritating against the skin.
The included four eartip sizes gave us plenty of options to find the right seal. We tested different sizes during various activities and settled on the medium tips for the best balance of comfort and sound isolation.
What worked well:
- Lightweight design that we barely noticed during extended wear
- Flexible cable that moves with you without pulling on the earbuds
- Multiple eartip options accommodate different ear canal sizes
The magnetic earbuds are practical for keeping them together when not in use. We wore these for several hours at a time without experiencing the ear fatigue that often comes with in-ear designs. The cable never felt like it was tugging or creating pressure points on our neck.
On-Device Controls and Usability
The controls on the Flex are straightforward and easily accessible while wearing them. We found the multifunctional buttons along the neckband cable responsive for managing playback, adjusting volume, and handling calls without needing to pull out our phone.
The button placement feels intuitive once you get used to it. We could skip tracks, pause music, and activate voice assistants with simple presses and holds. The magnetic earbuds also trigger auto-play and auto-pause, which worked reliably during our testing.
One minor drawback is that the buttons require a bit of pressure to activate, which can jostle the earbuds slightly in your ears. However, this ensures you won’t accidentally trigger controls during workouts or movement. The built-in microphone worked well for calls, though wind reduction isn’t perfect in breezy conditions.
Pros and Cons
After spending time with the Beats Flex, we found several aspects worth highlighting for potential buyers. The combination of practical features and a few notable limitations creates a mixed experience that varies depending on your priorities.
Pros
The 12-hour battery life stands out as a genuine convenience. We could use these for multiple days without worrying about charging, which proved particularly useful during travel and long work sessions.
The magnetic earbuds feature worked better than expected. When we weren’t listening, the buds snapped together around our neck, automatically pausing playback. This prevented us from losing individual earbuds and made the whole experience more streamlined.
We appreciated the four eartip sizes included in the box. Finding a comfortable, secure fit was straightforward, and the Flex-Form cable design felt natural during extended wear without causing neck strain.
The Apple W1 chip delivered quick pairing with our devices. Switching between iPhone and iPad happened smoothly, and the Class 1 Bluetooth provided reliable connection stability even when we moved around our home or office.
Audio sharing capability let us connect with another person’s compatible headphones, which came in handy when watching content together without disturbing others.
Cons
Sound quality doesn’t compete with premium options. We noticed the bass response was underwhelming, and overall volume didn’t reach the levels we expected compared to other earbuds we’ve tested.
The charging situation requires attention. These use USB-C for charging, but the power adapter isn’t included. We had to use an existing adapter, which might frustrate buyers expecting a complete package.
A few reliability concerns emerged from our observations. While our pair functioned properly, charging issues appear to affect some units based on user experiences, suggesting potential quality control inconsistencies.
The neckband design won’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer truly wireless earbuds with no connecting cable, this style feels dated and less convenient for certain activities.
Customer Reviews
We noticed the Beats Flex generates pretty mixed feedback from its nearly 60,000 reviews. Many users appreciate the magnetic earbuds that connect together, which prevents losing individual pieces like traditional wireless earbuds. The neckband design gets praise from people who prefer their earbuds to stay connected and accessible.
Battery life stands out as a positive point, with some owners reporting multi-day use between charges. Several reviews mention decent noise isolation for the price point, though a few users point out that bass response and volume levels don’t match premium models.
Common Concerns:
- Sound quality falls short of higher-end options
- Some units experienced charging issues early on
- Not as loud as flagship wireless earbuds
The comfort factor gets frequent mentions, with users noting the lightweight neckband design works well for extended wear. Connection reliability with Apple devices appears solid thanks to the W1 chip.
Conclusion
After spending time with the Beats Flex, we can confidently say they’re a solid option for anyone who values convenience and doesn’t want to deal with losing individual earbuds. The neckband design with magnetic earpieces works well for keeping track of them throughout the day, and the 12-hour battery life genuinely delivers on its promise.
The W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices effortless, though the sound quality leans more toward balanced than bass-heavy. We noticed the volume doesn’t quite match premium earbuds, but the comfort level during extended wear is impressive. Some units may have charging issues based on reliability concerns we’ve seen, which is worth considering.
For the price point, these are practical everyday earbuds that prioritize durability and ease of use over audiophile-grade performance.