Under $50 scores: The Beats Flex deliver AirPods performance for half the price
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It’s not every day that you find Beats headphones for a ridiculously low price. Two of the company’s most coveted true wireless releases — the flagship Fit Pro and mid-range Studio Buds — are often discounted during big sale events. You can even find noise-canceling headphones like the Studio Pro on sale for 50% off from time to time.
However, one Beats model has remained consistently affordable and easily attainable for budget-conscious shoppers: the Beats Flex. These around-the-neck wireless earphones (so, not quite wired earbuds) are designed for optimal use within the Apple ecosystem and operate similarly to the AirPods 2.
It’s normal to have concerns about quality when factoring in their generously low price. Luckily, the Flex prove to be more than just an entry-level throwaway. Come see what I’m talking about.
Beats Flex
Beats’ most inexpensive offering is a bargain for Apple users wanting sufficient sound and playtime in an iOS-ready package.
$40 at Walmart
$40 at Amazon
$50 at Best Buy
How I found the Beats Flex
This is a blast from the not-so-distant past, as I previously reviewed the Flex when they originally launched back in March 2021. Curiosity and a random Facebook ad brought me back to this product three years later. These earphones continue to hold up well for media consumption and voice assistance. They’re also a more reliable audio solution than some of the best budget earbuds under $50.
Why they’re a score
Many things make the Flex worth owning, but battery life tops the list. A full charge generates up to 12 hours of playback, which is pretty accurate. Apple’s terrific battery management keeps these earphones functioning at a high level before recharging. Fast-Fuel technology is onboard to net you 1.5 hours of playback on a 10-minute charge. Something else we discovered is reverse charging, meaning you can connect the Flex to any USB-C compatible device like the iPhone 15 and charge them up.
While these aren’t the best Beats headphones for music listening, they sound a lot better than most sub-$50 rivals and have the robust bass performance that brand enthusiasts crave. The low end is impactful and mids are transparent over boom-heavy productions. Strong noise isolation allows listeners to fully consume music. Surprisingly, the Flex perform better with movies and podcasts; the drivers boost clarity to help you hear dialogue and sound effects.
Design-wise, the Flex come with a tangle-free cable and magnetized housings to connect the buds together for convenient storage. There are two control modules: one for power/pairing and the other for multifunctional use (call management, digital assistance, playback, volume). Each button produces nice tactile feedback that ensures your intended commands are being carried out. Speaking of commands, the Flex support “Hey Siri” voice controls, as well as Google Assistant for Android users. The feature is reliable for executing hands-free tasks.
Despite running on Apple’s older W1 chip, the Flex support multiple iOS features, including audio sharing, EQ, Find My integration, instantaneous connectivity with iCloud-paired devices and Reduce Loud Sounds for the noise-sensitive. Toggling the Magnetic Earbud Detection feature automatically transfers audio to the earphones when detaching each bud. Android users can download the Beats app to enable certain perks like auto-answer for calls and auto-play/pause when detaching/attaching the earphones. Audio can be personalized through the iOS equalizer, plus there are advanced sound features on some of the best music streaming services (I recommend Tidal for desktop listening) that work with the Flex.
Many of the upscale features found on the latest AirPods and Beats wireless earbuds are absent here. Call quality is also a level below the original AirPods, but the microphone is serviceable for FaceTime chats. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, know that the earphones don’t have an IP rating for water or dust protection either.
Flaws aside, there’s still plenty to love about the Flex, particularly their bass-forward sound and lengthy playtime that crushes the AirPods series by several hours.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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