Wireless headphones have moved from luxury item to a must-have accessory since the headphone jack became rarer than truth in politics. One of the great advantages of the Great Untethering is that headphone makers have been able to create headphones that suit all sorts of different uses. From over the ear headsets designed for true audiophiles all the way to lightweight and compact units designed to worn while you're active, there is a set of headphones for everyone. The Jaybird Run XT headphones are designed specifically for active people. They are light, waterproof and deliver great sound.
What Is It?
The Jaybird Run XT headphones are a pair of small, completely wireless ear buds. They come with a solid case that keep the headphones charged between use and a variety of silicone tips and ear-pieces so you can fit them perfectly to your ears.
Specifications
Specifications
Size and weight
14.3mm x 19.5mm x 19mm, single bud (without fin or tip): 6.83g
Battery life
Play time: 4+ Hrs, Charging time: 2 Hrs, Quick charge: 5 min = 1 hour playtime
Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.1
Audio output
Driver size: 6 mm, Output max: 12mW RMS, 16-bit stereo, Bluetooth SBC implementation
Other features
Integrated microphone, play/pause/skip controls, answer/end/reject calls, waterproof IPX7 rating
What's Good?
I've had some challenges getting a good fit with in-ear headphones over the years – both wired and wireless. I changed the standard silicone fitting for the smallest set in the box and was able to achieve a good seal that blocked the ambient noise well – so well that when my wife was talking to me I couldn't hear her even those she was sitting at her desk next to mine.
But getting that fit did take some experimentation. Once I had them right I took them to the gym and set time on a treadmill, did some box jumps and skipped some rope to see if they'd stay in. They were still firm after half an hour of exercise.
They are also water resistant with an IPX7 rating which means they are good for immersion in water up to 1m in depth for 30 minutes.
Sound quality was great as well. I listened to podcasts, various genres of music, YouTube clips and a movie. The sound was clear although the bass was a little stronger than I like. But that seems to be the trend these days so I'll just get back to smoking my pipe on the verandah and yelling at the clouds.
I've seen reports that one side, or the other drops out intermittently but I didn't experience that problem.
What's Bad?
There's not a lot wrong with the Jaybird Run XT headphones. But the cost is high.
Also, I think we're reaching the point where premium equipment – and the Run XT price tag puts them in the premium range – should ship with USB-C charging and not micro-USB. That's a small quibble but it's hard to live up to the "one cable to rule them all" mantra when even expensive gear ships with old tech.
Should You Buy It
Jaybird RUN XT True Wireless Sport Headphones are available in Black/Flash and Storm Gray/Glacier with a suggested retail price of $279.95.
That's a very high price in my view – $50 more than Apple's AirPods which are lighter and offer better battery life. And while they are very good, at the price, they are hard to recommend.
Originally published in Lifehacker Australia on 13 February 2019: https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/02/rapid-review-jaybird-run-xt-wireless-headphones/