Design and features:The BeatsX has an integrated microphone and volume, music player function, and call connect/disconnect controls for use with paired Bluetooth devices. This model uses a collar/earphone design - all of the electronics and controls are incorporated into an open flexible collar that sits around the neck, and the earphones are attached to wires that extend from the collar. This model comes with four pairs of ear pieces in various types and sizes, two pairs of removable ear bowl supports in various sizes, a USB to Lightning connector charging cable, and a carrying case.

Sound quality: We found the BeatsX delivers sound quality that falls in the very good range - it reproduces music and voice very well although it does have some noticeable sonic quirks. The overall sound can be summarized as bassy, and somewhat hazy and congested. Bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is boomy and prominent. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is somewhat hazy and grainy, and a bit overwhelmed by the bass. The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is somewhat sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound somewhat reminiscent of bacon frying). While the sound has a decent sense of liveliness it is closed-in (sound-wise it is obvious that you have something plugging up your ears) and somewhat congested (think sonic traffic jam) overall.

Comfort: We found that these earphones stay in place with no problem; when the ear bowl supports are used the fit is very stable even with vigorous head movement. As typical of in-ear models they produce a sense of pressure in the ear canal opening might be uncomfortable for some. The collar is not generally noticeable unless it interferes with clothing. When earphones are not in the ears they dangle from the collar, clip together magnetically, and rest on the chest; while this is very convenient, the earphones will swing out away from the body when leaning over; this can be bothersome or expose them to damage.

The beats by dre BeatsX portable Bluetooth wireless earphones have an isolating ear-insert design. These earphones are intended for use with Bluetooth enabled audio devices including cell phones and have a wireless reception range of around 33 feet. They have a built-in microphone and integrated Bluetooth volume, music player function, and call connect/disconnect controls. When not in use the earphones can be magnetically attached to each other and dangled from a collar that's worn around the neck. The BeatsX comes with four pairs of ear pieces in various types and sizes, two pairs of removable ear bowl supports in various sizes, a USB to Lightning connector charging cable, and a carrying case. It is covered by a 12-month warranty.