Beats Flex

At just £49.99, the Beats Flex sit at the entry-level end of Apple’s audio lineup, replacing the older and significantly pricier Beats X (£129). Despite the budget-friendly price tag, they manage to deliver surprising value—especially for users already in the Apple ecosystem.

Unlike true wireless earbuds like AirPods or AirPods Pro, the Beats Flex are connected by a flat tangle-resistant neckband. While this design may seem a bit dated, it offers some practical advantages: they’re harder to lose, easier to drape around your neck when not in use, and more comfortable for some users during light exercise or commutes.

Design and Comfort

The Beats Flex feature a lightweight, flexible neckband design that’s comfortable for all-day wear. The earbuds themselves are compact and magnetic—snapping together when not in use, which automatically pauses playback. This magnetic feature is a thoughtful touch that helps prevent tangling and preserves battery life.

Three sizes of soft silicone ear tips are included in the box, allowing for a decent fit out of the gate. While they don’t offer the custom-molded feel or noise isolation of premium models, the fit is secure enough for casual listening, walking, or commuting.

Connectivity and Controls

One of the standout features of the Beats Flex is the inclusion of Apple’s W1 chip, the same chip used in the original AirPods. Pairing is seamless with iOS devices: just hold the earbuds near your iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts. Once paired, they automatically sync with other devices signed into the same Apple ID, such as an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.

Switching between Apple devices is nearly instantaneous and completely frictionless—no need to manually disconnect and reconnect via Bluetooth menus. For users within the Apple ecosystem, this adds a premium feel to an otherwise budget product.

Control-wise, the in-line remote on the left side of the neckband includes buttons for volume, play/pause, skipping tracks, and activating Siri. There’s also a built-in microphone for making calls, which performs adequately in quiet environments but can struggle in noisy settings.

Audio Quality

Given their price point, the Beats Flex deliver surprisingly capable sound. They’re tuned for casual listening, with a slight emphasis on bass and warm mids. While they don’t offer the richness or detail of higher-end earphones, they perform admirably for podcasts, audiobooks, and mainstream music genres like pop and hip-hop.

Vocals are clear and upfront, making them ideal for voice-heavy content like the Apple Fitness+ ‘Time to Walk’ sessions. However, audiophiles may find the treble a bit muted and the stereo image somewhat narrow compared to higher-tier models.

There’s no active noise cancellation, but the in-ear fit does block a modest amount of ambient sound. For loud environments or plane travel, though, you may want to look elsewhere.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the Beats Flex’s strongest selling points. You get up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge—more than enough for daily use. Better still, they support Fast Fuel charging via USB-C: 10 minutes of charging gives approximately 1.5 hours of playback, which is perfect for topping up before a commute.

One thing to note: the box includes a USB-C cable, but no power adapter. If you don’t already own a USB-C charger, you’ll need to use a computer port or purchase a separate plug.

Limitations

While the Beats Flex offer a lot for their price, they’re not without compromises:

• No water resistance rating, so they’re not ideal for sweaty workouts or rainy conditions.
• Not true wireless, which may be a downside if you prefer a cable-free experience.
• No Android-specific features like Google Fast Pair, though they do work with Android devices via standard Bluetooth.

Value and Alternatives

At £49.99, the Beats Flex significantly undercut the price of AirPods, AirPods Pro, and other premium models—yet retain many of the usability benefits thanks to the W1 chip and iOS integration.

If you’re not deep in the Apple ecosystem, alternatives like the Anker Soundcore Life P2, Sony WI-C100, or JBL Tune 125BT may offer similar or slightly better audio performance. But they lack the elegant device switching and tight iOS integration that sets the Beats Flex apart.

Final Verdict

The Beats Flex are an impressive package for the price. They’re not trying to be the best-sounding earphones on the market, nor the most stylish—but for everyday listening, they nail the basics.

If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch and want something inexpensive, reliable, and comfortable, the Beats Flex are a no-brainer. Seamless pairing, long battery life, and a magnetic design add up to a product that feels far more premium than its budget price suggests.

Recommended for:

• iPhone users looking for a budget earphone with premium features
• Podcast and audiobook listeners
• Commuters and casual fitness users

Not ideal for:

• Users needing water/sweat resistance
• Android users who want deep integration
• Audiophiles or those seeking noise cancellation

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)