The Jaybird X3 are great sports headphones that are versatile enough for everyday casual use. They block a surprising amount of ambient noise, they're compact, stable and have a decent sound quality that's customizable thanks to the MySound app support. They don't outperform the Jaybird X2 but they're a bit easier to use and have a better design and overall build quality.
Our Verdict
The Jaybird X3 are good for sports but perform well as everyday casual listening headphones. They block ambient noise surprisingly well despite being passively isolating, and they're easy to carry around on your person. Unfortunately, they do not have the best sound for more critical listeners, and the proprietary charging dongle can be a bit restrictive and slightly frustrating if you do not have it on you at all times.
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Minimal leakage.
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Stable and portable design.
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Great passive noise isolation.
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The in-ear fit is uncomfortable for some.
Average for neutral listening. They have a powerful Bass and a good Mid-Range but slightly inconsistent Treble that sounds a bit bright on some tracks yet lacking on others. They also have a small soundstage due to their in-ear and closed back design as well as their high isolation. This means they won't have the ambiance of listening to speakers which some more neutral listeners may be looking for.
Above-average for commuting. They isolate well against ambient noise, they're portable and have an easy-to-use control scheme. They should be suitable for most commuters but would be better if they had a bigger battery with more power saving features.
The Jaybird X3 are excellent sports headphones. They're stable enough to use while working out or running, they're wireless and have simple and efficient control scheme. They're also compact enough to fit into most pockets which make them easy to have on you at all times.
Great for office use. They block a lot of ambient noise and barely leak, so you will rarely distract your colleagues even if you like to listen to your music at higher volumes.
Below-average for gaming. They have a mediocre microphone, and a bit too much latency to be suitable for gaming.
- 7.1 Mixed Usage
- 6.9 Neutral Sound
- 7.6 Commute/Travel
- 8.0 Sports/Fitness
- 7.0 Office
- 5.5 Wireless Gaming
- 5.4 Wired Gaming
- 6.6 Phone Call
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1.
- Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Feb 16, 2018: Converted to Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Oct 02, 2017: The microphone has been tested with our new methodology, as explained here
- Updated Aug 10, 2017: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated May 09, 2017: Review published.
- Updated May 07, 2017: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Jan 11, 2017: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Jaybird X3 Wireless are good sports headphones with a good customizable app. They should be versatile enough for most use cases but are best used for sports since they sound a bit too sharp for more critical listening and have a bit too much latency for gaming and watching movies. See our recommendations for the best headphones for running and working out, the best cheap earbuds, and the best noise cancelling earbuds.
The Jaybird X3 are slightly better wireless in-ear/earbuds than the Bose SoundSport Wireless. The Jaybird X3 have a more isolating in-ear fit that is better suited for loud and quiet environments since they block a lot of noise and do not leak much. They're also a bit more stable for working out and running than the SoundSport Wireless and have a longer battery life. On the upside, the SoundSport have a much better default sound quality. They're also a lot more comfortable to wear for most listeners, thanks to their earbud fit.
The Beats BeatsX Wireless are slightly better wireless in-ears than the Jaybird X3 Wireless, although not by much. The Beats have a flexible neckband design that some will prefer over the Jaybird. They also have a better wireless range, faster-charging battery life, and a more balanced default sound profile. On the other hand, the Jaybird have a customizable sound, thanks to the MySound App available on both iOS and Android. They also have a longer continuous battery life, and a slightly more stable and comfortable fit for the gym and working out.
The Jaybird X4 Wireless are an upgrade from the Jaybird X3 Wireless. They are a bit more comfortable and have slightly better sound quality, especially in the treble range, but these results might be due to the different ear tips. They are also more waterproof, being rated IPX7, while the X3 don’t officially have an IPX rating. On the other hand, the X3 have better noise isolation and slightly better latency performance, but both aren’t ideal to watch videos.
The Jaybird Freedom are a slightly better sports headset than the Jaybird X3, although not by much. The Jaybird Freedom have a slightly smaller and more compact in-ear format that's easier to carry around when the charging clip is not attached. The Freedoms are also a bit more comfortable, breathable, and have a slightly better treble range on their default sound profile. On the other hand, the X3 are better built, have a longer battery life that does not require a bulky charging clip, and they're slightly easier to use with a better in-line remote. Their build quality also feels a lot more premium than that of the Freedoms.
The Jaybird X3 Wireless are better wireless in-ears than the Fitbit Flyer Wireless. The Jaybird have a better isolating in-ear fit and come with a couple more tip options than the Fitbit. They also have a better default sound that you can customize via the Jaybird app and a longer battery life. On the other hand, the Fitbit have a more premium look and feel, and come with a few more stability fin options, which may be more comfortable for some ears. They also have a much easier to charge design that does not require a proprietary charging clip like the Jaybird, which can be very limiting.
The Jaybird X3 are a slightly better wireless headphone than the Jaybird Freedom 2 Wireless 2017. The X3 have a slightly better build quality, stronger isolation against ambient noise, and a longer more practical battery life for everyday use. The Freedom 2, on the other hand, have a more comfortable earbud hybrid fit that most will prefer over that of the X3. The Freedom also have a more portable design when the charging clip is not attached. On the upside, both headphones benefit from the same customizable app and they're both great headphones for sports.
The Jaybird Tarah Wireless are slightly better sports headphones than the Jaybird X3 Wireless. The Tarah have a shallower, more comfortable in-ear fit and a higher IPX7 rating for water resistance. They also have a marginally better-balanced default sound profile, but both can be adjusted via a parametric EQ within the Jaybird MySound app. If wireless range is a concern for you, the Tarah are superior. On the other hand, the X3 have better noise isolation, slightly longer continuous battery life, and lower latency, but neither is well-suited for watching video content.
If you prefer the compact design of in-ears, then go for the Jaybird X3; however, if you're not a big fan of the in-ear fit and also do not need a wireless design, then go for the Marshall Major II instead. The X3 are wireless and compact enough to fit into your pockets, which makes them a bit more practical for most listeners than the Major II. They also provide better isolation against ambient noise thanks to their in-ear fit and low leakage (so you can play your music at higher volumes and not distract the people around you). They're also a much better choice for sports than the Marshall. On the other hand, the Major II are completely passive, so you do not have to worry about battery life, latency, or wireless reliability. They also have an on-ear fit that some may prefer over in-ear designs like the Jaybirds.
The Jaybird X3 Wireless are a slightly better and more versatile in-ear/earbud than the Bose QuietComfort 20/QC20. The Bose have excellent isolation which makes them a far better choice for commute and travel than the Jaybirds. They also have a more comfortable earbud fit that you can wear for longer than the Jaybird. On the other hand, the Jaybird are better and more convenient sports headphone thanks to their wireless design. They also have a better default sound quality and come with an EQ so you can customize them to sound the way you like, unlike the Bose.
If you prefer in-ear headphones that are more compact to carry around, then go for the Jaybird X3, but if you're looking for noise cancelling over-ears, the Parrot Zik 2.0 are a good option. The Parrot Zik are well-built over-ears with great noise cancellation that make them a suitable choice for commute and travel. They also have a lot more features and customization options than the Jaybird X3. However, the Jaybird X3 are a lot more portable. They're also a better choice for sports, since they have a breathable and stable in-ear design.
The Jaybird X2 slightly edges out the Jaybird X3 in performance and convenience. The X2 has a micro USB port on the back of the earbuds, so you do not have to keep the charging clip attached, out of fear of losing it like on the X3. The X2 also has a slightly better latency performance, although both headphones won't be ideal for watching a lot of video content or gaming. On the upside, the X3 supports the Jaybird MySound app, so you can customize their sound quality to better match the audio you are listening to. They also have a better, more durable build quality than the older X2 model, and easier to use controls.
The Jaybird X3 are a better option than the Sennheiser Momentum In-Ear if you want to go wireless. The X3 have better build quality, a more balanced sound that you can EQ thanks to their companion app, and they have a better range since they are wireless. However, the Momentum do better for watching movies since their wired design has no latency. They also have no battery life since they are completely passive, so they will always work as long as you have a headphone jack.
The Jaybird Run Truly Wireless are different but similar in performance to the Jaybird X3 Wireless, especially for sport. The Run are a truly wireless headset that's a bit more compact when out of their case and more stable for running than the Jaybird X3. The Run also have a longer cumulative battery life but a lot shorter continuous playtime. On the other hand, the X3 are a lot easier to use with a full set of controls that's more efficient than that of the Jaybird Run. They also have a better latency and wireless range than the Run. But overall both headphones support the MySound App by Jaybird which makes them customizable and a good choice for sports.
The Jaybird X3 Wireless are better and more versatile wireless headphones than the Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless. The Jaybird have a more isolating in-ear fit which makes them more suitable for commuting and loud environments. They have a better-balanced sound profile, which you can also EQ since they have an app, unlike the Google. On the upside, the Google have longer 20-hour battery life, and since their fit is adjustable, they can be a bit more suitable for all ear shapes and sizes. Their open fit also makes them a better option if you run outdoors often and need to monitor your environment for traffic or obstacles.
The Jaybird X3 Wireless are better sports headphones than the Sony WI-SP600N Wireless. They're a bit more compact and easier to carry around since they come with a pouch. They also block a bit more noise passively with their in-ear fit than the active noise cancelling SP600N. They have a slightly better default sound, but north headphones can be EQed. On the other hand, the Sonys have a durable and premium-looking design. They also noise cancelling so they handle low-frequency noise a little better than the Jaybird, even if the Jaybirds' passive isolation is a bit better overall. The Sonys also have NFC, which makes pairing them with mobile phones a little easier.
The Jaybird X3 are better and more versatile headphones than the Jabra Elite 45e. They are more portable since they don’t have an around-the-neck design and also come with a pouch. The default sound quality is also better on the X3. For sports, the X3 are more stable and have a better fit, on top of having good isolation performance; great for crowded gyms or commuting. On the other hand, the Elite 45e are more comfortable than the X3 since they don’t enter the ear canal as deeply. They also have better wireless range.
Test Results
The Jaybird X3 have a similar look and feel to the Jaybird X2. The earbuds are a bit smaller since most of the electronic components are now in the in-line remote instead. This makes the inline remote a bit wider than that of the X2 but it feels significantly better built. They also do not come in as many varied color scheme as the X2, for now, so you may not find the ideal color to match your preferences but they have an understated and sleek look that will work for most listeners.
They are about as comfortable as most in-ears. They do not change much from the fit of the previous X2 model but do offer many different tip sizes and some foam tips to help you achieve a comfortable fit. Unfortunately, like most in-ears, they won't be as comfortable for most during long sessions. In that case, consider the earbud design of headphones like the Bose SoundSport Wireless or the Jabra Elite 45e.
The in-line remote of the X3 is slightly different from that of the X2. The button design is almost the same, but there's a bit more room which makes them easier to use. They also provide decent tactile feedback, but the button can feel slightly mushy at times although you do get a definite click once pressed. Also the control module is not really sweat proof. On the upside, functionality-wise, they offer the essentials: call/play/pause, track skipping, and volume controls.
These headphones, like most in-ears/earbuds, are very breathable. They do not cover the ear so they will rarely make you sweat. Compared to the Jaybird Freedom or the Apple Earpods they're a little bulkier and the in-ear design does trap a slight bit of heat in your ear canal. But overall the temperature difference is negligible which makes the X3 a good option for sports.
The Jaybird X3 Wireless, like most in-ear headphones, are quite portable. They're compact and easily fit into your pockets or bags. The carrying pouch also doesn't add much bulk, so they won't be much of a hassle to have on you at all times.
They come with a carrying pouch that will protect the Jaybird X3 from scratches and minor water exposure but unlike the X2 it's not a solid case that will shield your headphones against impacts which is a little disappointing. On the upside, they do not add much bulk to the headphones which makes it easy to carry on you at all times.
They have pretty much the same build quality as the X2 but with a different in-line remote design. The change was due to some issues with the X2 and the charging port getting clogged or damaged by sweat. This makes the Jaybird X3 a bit more water resistant, but they're not waterproof. On the upside, the rest of the build is just as durable as the X2 and won't get damaged from a few accidental drops.
The Jaybird X3 are stable headphones that you can run or exercise with. They have differently sized stability tips that prevent them from easily falling out of your ears. That combined with the tight in-ear fit, makes these headphones ideal to use at the gym. Their wireless design also makes them less likely to get hooked on something and yanked out of your ears.
- Jaybird X3 Headphones
- Earbud tips (x6 sizes)
- Stability tips (x3 sizes)
- USB charging cable
- Carrying pouch
The Jaybird X3, like most other in-ears, have an excellent frequency response consistency. If the user is able to achieve a proper seal using the assortment of the tips, then they should be able to get a very consistent bass and treble delivery every time they use the headphones.
The Jaybird X3 have a very good bass range performance. Their LFE (low-frequency extension) is at 10Hz, which is excellent. They also have a flat low-bass and mid-bass, which combined with the excellent LFE, result in a deep and punchy bass capable of producing low thump and rumbles. However, the high-bass is overemphasized by more than 3.7dB, resulting an overall bass range which is deep and punchy, but slightly boomy and muddy sounding.
The Jaybird X3 has a very good mid-range performance. The overall mid-range response is consistent and well-balanced, but it shows about 5dB of recess centered around 700Hz. This pushes vocals and leads slightly to the back of the mix by giving more emphasis to bass and treble frequencies.
The Jaybird X3 have an average-sounding treble. The overall treble response is rather inconsistent, and the dip in low-treble around 5KHz, will have a small negative affect on the clarity and presence of vocals/leads. The peaks at 7KHz and 10KHz, however, could make the treble sharp and piercing on sibilances (S and T sounds).
The Jaybird X3 Sport have very good imaging. Their weighted group delay value is 0.13, which is among the lowest we have measured so far. This results in a tight and fast bass, and clear trebles. The L/R drivers of our test unit also showed very good matching, which helps with proper placement and localization of instruments and sound effects (like footsteps) in the stereo image.
The soundstage performance is poor, like most other in-ears and earbuds. Since activating the resonances of the pinna is a big factor in creating a large and in-front soundstage, the Jaybird X3, due to their lack of interaction with the pinna, will have a soundstage that is perceived and small and located inside the head. However, unlike open earbuds like the Apple AirPods (1st generation) Truly Wireless, these earbuds have a closed design which further reduces the spaciousness and sense of openness of their soundstage.
The Jaybird X3 has good isolation performance. Despite lacking active noise cancellation, they, like the Jaybird X2 and Beats BeatsX, outperform a lot of headphones that have active noise cancellation. They achieve more than 8dB of isolation in the bass range which is above average, and very impressive for passive isolation. In the mid and treble ranges, they reduce the outside noise by 20dB and 40dB respectively, both values being very good.
The leakage performance of the Jaybird X3 is excellent. They are one of the quietest headphones we have measured so far. Their leakage becomes noticeable only above 4KHz, which is great. Additionally, the overall level of the leakage is very low. Therefore the leakage of these headphones will be comprised of very quiet and mostly sibilant (S and T) sounds, but they will be barely audible even at loud volumes.
The overall performance of the Jaybird X3's microphone is sub-par. Speech recorded with the mic will sound slightly thin and muffled but will be easily comprehensible in quiet environments. In noisy environments, however, they will struggle to separate speech from noise in even moderately loud environments like a busy street.
The recording quality of X3's microphone is sub-par. Speech recorded with the microphone will sound thin and muffled. This is due to LFE being at 486Hz and HFE being at 3.4KHz. However, the limited high-frequency extension is actually a limitation of the Bluetooth protocol, and is a problem with all Bluetooth microphones. But, this doesn't have a significant negative effect on speech intelligibility.
The noise handling capabilities of the X3's microphone is mediocre. They Jaybirds achieved a speech-to-noise ratio of 14dB, meaning they will have a hard time transmitting clean and noise-free speech even in environments that are moderately loud.
The Jaybird X3 have a decent battery life but didn't last as long as the X2 in our battery drain test. They only manage to squeeze out about 7 hours of continuous playtime at moderate volumes. This should be okay for most listeners but may be a bit short if you need to use your headphones for long listening sessions throughout your day. They charged a bit faster than the X2 but not by much. However, the dongle charging mechanism will be a bit frustrating, particularly if you do not have it on you at all times. They also do not automatically turn off if you stop listening to audio (unless you disconnect your Bluetooth source), but they have a pretty good standby time. If you like the Jaybird design and want an even better battery life than the X2, then consider the more recent Tarah Pro instead.
The Jaybird MySound has an excellent parametric equalizer and a community-oriented design that lets you share your preset with other X3 owners. While they lack some additional features like room effects and an in-app player, the app still feels like a useful tool to personalize the sound profile to better match your tastes and mood.
Update: 08/03/2019: We've updated the app score of the Jaybird MySound app to reflect the customization level of their Equalizer. Unlike most phone apps, they have a parametric EQ compared to a typical 5-band graphic one.
The Jaybird X3 have multi-device pairing but no NFC on the upside they will easily pair with most Bluetooth devices.
The Jaybird X3 have quite a bit of latency which will be noticeable when watching videos. It's not more than most typical Bluetooth headphones but it won't be ideal for gaming and movies
The Jaybird X3 have no wired option. If you want a good sounding wired in-ear, check the 1More Triple Driver.
They do not have a dock. If you want a headphone that's versatile and has a dock, try the SteelSeries Arctis 7. However, it won't be as compact and easy-to-carry around as the Jaybird X3.