Jaybird X3 Review

We tested the popular Jaybird X3 earbuds, which will certainly not disappoint you. They're of very high quality and the sound is impeccable.

Bottom Line

With the X3s, Jaybird brings us a set of sports earphones that don’t disappoint. A few tiny flaws are outweighed by a range of features and a compact, ergonomic design, all at a great price.

4.1

With the Jaybird X2 being such well-loved earphones, the Jaybird X3 had to be a step up in as many ways as possible to earn their keep. And all in all, they do deliver.

They aren’t the best wireless earphones out there, but they bring a whole lot to the playing field while offering a competitive price point at around $75.

Marketed mainly as a sports earphone, the X3 is also suitable for everyday use, whether at home or out and about. Whether it’s for your next triathlon or to help you block out the world on a Monday morning commute, the X3 could be what you’re looking for.

So, let’s take a look!

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Specifications

Headphone typeIn-ear, wireless
Frequency Response20 Hz
Sensitivity103 dB
Impedance. 16 Ohm
Diaphragm0.2 in
Bluetooth Version. Bluetooth 4.1

Design

Jaybird X3 In Ear Design

Looks-wise, if you’re looking for something really jazzy, the Jaybird X3 might not be for you. The design is simple but sophisticated, encased in black textured plastic with silver chrome accents displaying the Jaybird logo. Sleek to look at, sure, but not particularly memorable.

With that being said, the X3 now comes in a few different colors, such as bright red and a kind of khaki green, so this does add some interest and variety.

Looking at the earbuds in more detail, the Jaybird X3 is distinguishable from its predecessors by the more compact design and smaller profile.

Thanks to this, they sit closer to the head, not sticking out too much at all. Into your cycling? No worries – they fit comfortably under a bike helmet, too!

Jaybird X3 Design

The downsizing of the X3 also helps to eliminate that annoying feeling of the earbuds being weighed down and dropping out of your ear.

They also hold nicely in your ear by the angled design, and there is a distinct difference in the shape of each, so if you throw these buds into the wrong ears in a hurry, you’ll instantly know about it.

For those who want an even more secure fit, its rubber ear fins offer a great alternative to over-ear fittings, making them more discreet and handy for glasses wearers too.

Jaybird X3 Accessories

It can’t be said that the Jaybird X3 aren’t customizable. With three different sizes of contoured, ergonomic ear fins, in addition to three sizes of silicone ear tips and memory foam tips, you’ll certainly find the customization you’re looking for.  

The customizability doesn’t stop with the in-ear fit, though.

The cable also allows the X3 to be worn as standard headphones or in a wrap-around style behind the head, which is great for sports. The cable can also be kept under control and adjusted to size thanks to a shirt clip and two cable shortening clips.

Oh, and we’ve all been there: you place your earphones down carefully for just a split second, only to pick them up again and find the cable twisted into what can only be described as a series of impossibly advanced sailors’ knots.

The X3 combat this with their tangle-resistant cable, so you should be able to throw them in your bag as carelessly as you want!

Features and Performance

Jaybird X3 Features

Between the silicone and foam tips, the foam definitely comes out tops for us. Both are good, but the foam tips feel particularly comfortable and mold well in the ear. They also have a good seal in the ear, providing fantastic sound isolation so you can focus on your workout or train ride without the disturbance of outside noise.

What about that all-important sound quality? In true Jaybird style, the X3 are good and loud, with a solid bass that doesn’t overpower any vocals.

Of course, it’s not all about that bass, though, and the X3 brings clear mids and a wide, balanced sound stage, which makes for a rich listening experience.

Once you get moving on that run or bike ride, the X3 does allow you to check your battery level on the fly, but you’ll need to pause your music to do so.

The voice is a little over-enthusiastic, which takes some getting used to but is still undeniably helpful, considering there is no display screen on these earphones.

Jaybird X3 Performance

As we would expect in any half-decent sports headphone, the X3 are water and sweat-resistant. This is super helpful whether you want to get your sweat on in the gym or if you find yourself stuck in the rain on your trip to work.

When it comes to connectivity, Jaybird X3 are, on the whole, a success story. The use of Bluetooth 4.1 means that the connection is stable, with good reach (up to 50 – 75 feet). However, some dips in the signal can occur if someone gets between you and your phone or if you put your phone in your pants pocket.

Let’s talk charging. The X3 does charge by USB…kind of.

You’ll need an extra proprietary charging dock in order to connect the earphones to the USB charging cable. The charging dock connects directly to the control panel on the cable, where the battery is located. This dock comes in the box, but it does mean carrying around an extra piece of kit if you want to charge your X3 on the go.

Software

Jaybird X3 Software

For those who simply want a good solid headphone that won’t fall out on a run, the Jaybird X3 are certainly a plug-in-and-play device. If you want to tailor the soundstage, though, they are also compatible with the Jaybird App.

The Jaybird App allows you to play DJ and customize your very own EQ presets with a slide of the finger. This might be a little overkill for some, but what is nice is that the settings you make are saved to the buds themselves, so your unique soundstage stays with you from device to device.

The App also brings us Jaybird Music with access to shared Spotify playlists and podcasts – a nice added touch!

The Verdict

Jaybird X3

For a sports earphone, the X3 offers excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit.

The wireless connection does suffer occasional issues, but not enough to cause massive concern. And although the look of the X3s is fairly simplistic, at least you’re getting a timeless design that isn’t going to look unfashionable any time soon.

While not perfect, they are the people-pleasers of the wireless earphone world, with enough features to keep everyone happy, from everyday listeners to marathon runners. With plenty of customization options for comfort, fit, and soundstage, the X3 offers a lot for its price range.

The Pros:

  • Customizable
  • Good value
  • Water and sweat-resistant
  • Compact, ergonomic

The Cons:

  • Some minor Bluetooth signal issues
  • Separate charging dock

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James Hudson

James is a self-proclaimed audiophile and tech geek. With his CS degree, 5 years of experience as a software developer and 2 years of experience testing audio devices, James is more than fit to be trusted in this field.