When comparing Shure SE215 vs Jaybird X2, the Slant community recommends Shure SE215 for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Shure SE215 is ranked 18th while Jaybird X2 is ranked 30th. The most important reason people chose Shure SE215 is:
Bass is emphasized so there is a good bit of thump while staying controlled. Mids are rich, highs avoid sibilance, though they're a bit rolled off. Soundstage is okay--instruments are separated out enough for them to not sound like they're all coming from the same place, but it's not particularly wide.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Rich, full sound
Bass is emphasized so there is a good bit of thump while staying controlled. Mids are rich, highs avoid sibilance, though they're a bit rolled off.
Soundstage is okay--instruments are separated out enough for them to not sound like they're all coming from the same place, but it's not particularly wide.
Pro Fantastic sound isolation to block out unwanted noise
The memory foam eartips mold to your ear to provide amazing sound isolation, though there's a bit of a learning curve to using them. You have to press them together before putting them in and then allow them to expand in your ear. Once expanded they will take the shape of your ear and that way provide excellent noise isolation.
The earphones also come with silicon tips which are easier to use than the foam ones and also last longer.
Pro Comfortable once you get used to them
The SE215 earphones have a negative profile, optimized nozzle angle, over-ear fit and memory eartips that ensure the earphones stay in place comfortably regardless of situation. You can even lie on your side with them.
Pro A lot of equipment
6 types of plugs (silicon/ foam: S/M/L).
Pro Outstanding build quality makes them long lasting
SE215 earbuds use tough plastic earpiece shells, have a robust kevlar-reinforced cable, a sturdy Y-splitter that's difficult to bend and an L-shaped plug that adds additional strain relief. They won't break if you snag them, drop them or sit on them. They're also completely sweat proof so you can use them while working out without having to worry about damaging them. They're durable enough for professional stage use for which they were specifically designed for.
Pro Thick, replaceable cable
The SE215's 6.4-ft. cable is very thick, and further reinforced at the left/right split point. Reviews confirm the durability benefits of its heavy-duty design. If it ever does break, the cable is built to detach safely from the earpieces, allowing replacement.
Pro Will stay in place in the ears
The optimized angle of the earbuds, over-ear fit, and memory ear tips ensure that the earphones stay in place comfortably regardless of situation. These are also sweat-proof, so they're a great option for active use.
Pro Two year limited warranty
Shure provides a warranty against defects in materials or manufacturing for two years.
Pro Amazing
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 Need some time getting used to
It may take some getting used to memory cables and there's a bit of a learning curve to putting the earphones in with memory eartips. At, first memory cables may seem a bit stiff, but after they're broken in, they're generally more comfortable than typical wires. There's even a wire sleeve that helps form the wire bundled with the earphones to help combat this issue. As for memory eartips--every time before putting them in your ear you have to press them together and then allow them to expand in your ear.
Con Inline mic and volume controls cost an extra $50
The supplied detachable cable does not have a mic or inline volume controls. They can be added by upgrading to the M+ cable.
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.