What better way to celebrate the official launch of Beats1 than to tune-in with a new pair of Beats by Dre headphones. Staples is taking up to $100 off select Beats audio products. The best deal from the lot is the Powerbeats2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones for $139.95 with free shipping. Regularly priced at $200, this is the best deal we’ve ever seen for these headphones by $10. Choose from black, red or pink/grey models.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUmFJK0k6Jc
With wireless Bluetooth connectivity, IPX-4 sweat- and water-resistance rating, and flexible ear hooks, Powerbeats2 are built for workouts. Expect up to 6 hours of battery life, but if you notice they are dead right before a workout you can use a 15-minute quick charge to gain an extra hour of playback.
Compatible with Apple Watch, iPhone, select iPod models, and nearly any other Bluetooth equipped device. Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars from 1,048 Amazon reviewers. Deal expires 7/4.
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I bought these in Januari, but returned them. Here’s my review:
Beat wireless earphones v2
I’ll be returning these earphones, but not for the reason some might think.
This is the first time I’ve tried wireless earphones. While the prospect sounded nice, especially for me as a cyclist and the cable often is too short to go under my jersey and then back out at the bottom, into my pocket, wireless just isn’t for me.
The need to charge them over a micro USB, or whatever the plug is, it actually looks like proprietary, which becomes a problem when you loose the cable, and putting the plug in is no joy. It’s flimsy, only goes in one way, and, well, I’d rather have an inductive charging method. Simply come home, drop them on a plate or something and be done with it. That is why I like sport watches that automatically sync over ANT+ or WiFi when coming home. No need to plug in a USB cable.
My other annoyance with wireless is the lost connection. This happens quite frequent, as in a few times per hour. With my iPhone either around my waist when running, or in my jersey when cycling, it still drops the connection. It became annoying for me.
The sound on the other hand is good. It’s clear, though I was expecting way more bass as this was a key feature. But I think my ears are simply too wide, even with the largest earbuds they still didn’t snugly fit into my ears. Which is why 1) I’m missing out on the bass, and 2) I hear more wind coming into my ears than music while cycling, even with the wind in my back. I’m sure that they sound great, full bass, for people with smaller ears. The in-ear phones from Apple remain my preferred ones, as they not only sound good but fit perfectly with the largest earbuds.
Last thing: the 6 hours on a single charge isn’t enough for me. I’m a cyclist, and do 8, 10, sometimes 12 hour bike rides during summertime. My iPhone and GPS device last long enough, pity these phones don’t. But I’m weird, and I don’t think many people will think the 6 hour listening limit will limit them in enjoying these earphones from Beats. Because they are good, just not for me.