X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Jaybird's new X4 wireless sports headphones offer a more comfortable fit

Jaybird has included new tips and fins that promise a more comfortable secure fit in the next-generation of the company's popular X-Series headphone.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
David Carnoy
2 min read
x4-black-metallic-flash-hires
Enlarge Image
x4-black-metallic-flash-hires

The Jaybird X4 lists for $130 and is shipping now.

Jaybird

Jaybird, one of the early leaders in wireless in-ear sport headphones, has a new X-series headphone, the X4. Not only is it sweat proof but Jaybird says it's fully waterproof, with up to 8 hours of battery life and fast charge feature that gives you one hour of play time from a 10-minute charge.

With this type of headphone it's important to get a tight seal to maximize sound quality and not lose any bass, and to that end, Jaybird has included new tips and fins that promise a more comfortable, secure fit. Beyond the silicone tips, they also come new "exclusive-to-Jaybird" Comply Ultra foam tips for those that like foam tips.

Shop for Jaybird X4 (Storm Metallic/Glacier)

See all prices

Thankfully Jaybird has a new cord-management system -- it's called Speed Cinch -- that makes it easy to adjust the cord length. You can leave the cord dangling down or wrap it around the top of your ear for an even more secure fit.

I should have review sample of these soon and will give you my hands-on impressions of them after going for a few runs. My gut reaction is that with so much competition in the sports headphone market, $130 is a little too expensive for the X4. I suspect you'll see it on sale for less than $100 during the holiday season.

Key specs

  • Sweatproof
  • IPX7 waterproof rating (can be submerged down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes)
  • New buds and fins provide improved comfort and ergonomics
  • Comply Ultra foam tips also included
  • Speed Cinch cord management system
  • 8 hours of battery life
  • Slim and light weight controller
  • Omnidirectional mic for voice calls
  • Customize bass and treble settings in Jaybird app
  • Available in three color combinations: black metallic/flash, alpha metallic/jade and storm metallic/glacier
  • Price: $130 (no word yet on international pricing; we'll add it as soon as we get it)
  • Shipping in September 2018
x4-lifestyle-image-3
Enlarge Image
x4-lifestyle-image-3

The X4 in ear.

Jaybird