When comparing Philips SHB9850NC vs Jaybird X2, the Slant community recommends Jaybird X2 for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Jaybird X2 is ranked 30th while Philips SHB9850NC is ranked 66th. The most important reason people chose Jaybird X2 is:
The X2 comes with wing tips that you can attach to the earpieces. The tips enhance the grip of the headphones in the ear, and will help keep them secure even while you are running.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Noise cancellation
These headphones include a noise cancellation technology that's called "Active Shield Pro". It cancels out noises from around you effectively enough to, for instance, make background noise very silent even on an airplane or when mowing the lawn. On the other hand, the headphones also have a 'Talk mode', so you can hear any sounds around you better without having to take off your headphones, for instance when someone tries to talk to you.
Pro Touch controls are easy to use without looking
When you're in virtual reality, you can just swipe up and down to change the volume. This is a lot easier to do than to find a physical button without looking, and differentiate it from the mute/next/prev buttons.
Pro Comfortable to wear even for extended periods
The Philips SHB9850NC are 'over-ear' headphones, which means that they won't squish your ears when you wear them. They're lighter than other wireless headphones too, and have ergonomic ear cushions that don't put a lot of pressure on your head so they're very comfortable to wear.
Pro Wireless
These headphones have no wire, which is ideal for VR as it can't get tangled or caught on anything if you are spinning around or walking.
Pro Wing tips improve fit
The X2 comes with wing tips that you can attach to the earpieces. The tips enhance the grip of the headphones in the ear, and will help keep them secure even while you are running.
Pro Fun sound signature with lively highs and punchy bass
The highs are crisp, airy and forward so detail presentation is very good. Bass is fast and controlled instead of boomy, so it does not muddy up the overall sound.
This sound signature works well with a wide range of genres and rock, pop, hip-hop and EDM will definitely sound great with these headphones.
Pro Allows taking calls
Integrated into the remote is a microphone, so you do not need to pull out your phone should a call come in. Mic quality is pretty decent, and your voice should be easy to understand on the other line.
Pro Stable wireless connection
Signal quality is pretty stable with minimal distortion or drops, even if you are on the move.
Pro Remote allows basic playback control
The in-line remote will allow you to control music playback, adjust volume as well as answer/end calls.
Pro Many accessories are bundled
You get standard silicone ear tips in different sizes, along with a carrying case, different sized wing tips, premium Comply foam ear tips in different sizes, cable management clips as well as the micro-USB charging cable.
Pro Splash resistant
Exposure to drops or small splashes of rain or sweat won't easily damage these.
Cons
Con Constant sound even when paused
Some headphones (these included) suffer from static when no audio is playing. Whenever audio is playing, it covers up this static but anytime you should have silence there is going to be some electrical whine.
Con Middle range and voices can be a bit muddy
The balance is pretty good - the bass isn't emphasized too much. The mids get muddied though, and this also effects most voices, especially in podcasts. That loss of voice quality can affect gameplay too - if you can't understand instructions you'll be left more frustrated than you would be otherwise.
Con Spotty battery life
Jaybird claims it has 8 hours of playback time, but many users get only around 6 hours. There have been instances where the X2 gives even shorter battery life, with some users only getting around 3 hours of use.
Con Awkward mic/remote settings
Coming from the iPhone's mic/remote can be a bit awkward. The Jaybird uses a long press and hold on the volume up and down to skip songs.