The Jaybird Run is the company’s first attempt at a truly wireless headphone solution for people with an active lifestyle.
I first got to know of Jaybird through the Bluebuds X, and felt that it revolutionised the wireless headphone market. Here were bluetooth headphones that were resistant to the elements, yet didn’t sound like you were listening to music in an echo chamber.
Jaybird once more is trying to do the same with its latest truly wireless headphones.
Using The Jaybird Run
Coming from Apple’s AirPods, I’m definitely no stranger to going fully untethered from ear to ear.
For the purpose of this review, I used the Razer Phone with the Jaybird Run while listening to music on Spotify – a music streaming service that is not only used by many people but also one that integrates well to the accompanying app of the headphones.
Pairing was simple enough. You first need to take out just the right side of the headphones, and pair it just like any other bluetooth headset – by pressing down the big button on the headphone itself until the LED blinks and then go into your phone settings to pair it.
Once that’s done, you can take out the left side from the case, and when you put it on, it will automatically connect with the right.
The first thing I noticed after putting on the Jaybird Run was definitely its weight, compared to the AirPods. It is by no means heavy, but the heft is noticeable.
One good thing about the Jaybird Run though is that unlike the AirPods, it’s not a “one size fits all” situation.
In the box, you will get silicon tips and “wings” of different sizes so that you can get the perfect fit without the fear of one side dropping out and getting potentially lost. Especially important if you intend to use these for your workouts.
Speaking of workouts, the Jaybird Run has the sweat-proof and water resistant qualities that the brand has come to be known for so you can feel at ease even if you do sweat buckets.
Capsule In Your Pocket
Let’s talk about looks for a second, beginning with the case. While the case isn’t large, it’s sure to leave a bulge in your pockets due to its pill-shaped capsule.
Charging is via a micro USB port, and there are light indicators on and at each side of the button that unlatches the case.
These lights serves to tell you if your Jaybird Run are charged and ready to go.
Opening the case, you’ll be greeted by the headphones themselves. Charging them is taken care of pogo pins in the case that touches the gold contact points on the headphones.
And that’s pretty much it.
Jaybird says that the Run is able to last up to 4 hours of usage, with the case giving you an additional 8 hours of charge.
Those numbers may seem low, but in reality, you will not notice it.
For the average working adult, in between your morning and evening commutes, and 1-2 hour session in the gym or on runs, these headphones can easily last you a few days before you need to plug in the case for a charge.
Sound That Can Be Tuned To Your Liking
When I wore the Jaybird Run for the first time, I hated how it sounds, that is until I used the Jaybird MySound app.
The reality for most smartphones and their accompanying headphones these days are that you would often be stuck to the default EQ setting. There’s no way for you to fine tune away from the presets.
I’m glad to report that the Jaybird MySound lets you do exactly just that, and very well I might add.
At the home screen of the app, you will be greeted with all the default presets that you can use for not just the Jaybird Run, but also the Freedom2 and X3 as well.
Not only can you select one of them, you can also dive deeper and adjust the EQ to your liking and save it under a profile.
Verdict?
I would recommend the Jaybird Run if you are a Spotify subscriber looking for a truly wireless audio solution for your Android or iOS device.
The Jaybird MySound app is the thing that ties everything together. It gives you the ability to customise the EQ on your headphones, and its deep integration with Spotify means that you can also explore and share music with other Jaybird users.
Alas if you still prefer a cable across your neck for a peace of mind, the Jaybird Freedom 2 performs very similarly to the Run.
The Jaybird Run retails for S$299 in Singapore and is available at all major electronics stores, as well as online on Lazada.
Read more about the Jaybird Run at its microsite here: https://jaybirdsport.com/en-sg/run-true-wireless-sport-headphones.html#985-000684
