One of these days I would like to research the sheer totality of accessories and peripherals launched to date for iOS devices. It has to be something like, “the most amount of accessories” created for any one series of like-devices. At the very least I’m sure one could blanket a mid-sized continent with all those cases, headphones, and speakers alone. Yet, for a pair of headphones without accessories, you’ll want to check out our NuForce NE 700X earbuds. But for starters, here are the best earbuds based on our research.
Enter JAYS of Sweden, and their a-JAYS Four earbuds headphones. Just like the Scosche REALM IEM856 earbuds, the a-JAYS Four are easily some of the most elegant headphones to grace my Apple-filled devices. This set is a distinguished snow-white color and features a flat 5mm wide cable design to combat cord tangling. The color and flat cable make for an esoteric look and feel. You also get 5 different earbud size forms. That’s a lot, but JAYS doesn’t want to leave any ears uncovered. It can all be stored in a snazzy–yet unnecessary–plastic matte case, which is possibly where a good deal of the cost is centered.
Related: You might also want to check out our Jaybird X2 review.
No iOS earbuds worth their weight in apps, can go without proper remote controls and the a-JAYS Four takes things one talkative step further. Yes, it’s got a remote! It is comprised of two concave and one convex button so you know what you’re pressing by touch. You can play, pause music and videos, in addition to answering/hang up, skip songs, and control voice-activated features. It all works pretty seamlessly right there from the remote.
…which does hang a bit too close to the user’s chin. Initially, this seemed like a grave error until I couldn’t locate the mic. Because the microphone is housed in the remote control unit. This is why the unit hangs so close to your chin/mouth. JAYS boasts, that the mic utilizes the “latest available microphone technology.” The silicone microphone, within the remote, removes GSM/TDMA burst noise suppression. That’s supposed to mean big things for users. After testing, I agree! All on the receiving end of voice calls, applauded the clarity and volume in my voice, over Google Talk calls, Skype call, and network calls on Verizon and AT&T.
Related: Also check out our JVC HA NCX78 Multi Noise Canceling Earbuds review.
With all that polish and hard work, it would be a shame if the general performance wasn’t up to snuff. Thankfully it goes beyond. WOW!! Audio performance in calls, movies, and music is a real treat. Earbuds are my go-to choice for mobile music listening. I’ve mentioned before, my aversion to massive over-ear headies. Still, I always feel earbuds are the inferior option. Such is not the case with the a-JAYS Four tangle-free earbuds. One of my pet peeves: is distorted audio that muddles or occluded vocals. Overly deep bass, tinny background instruments, max volume distortions…all can make vocals incomprehensible. The a-JAYS Four enhances just about every aspect of my extensive music library. Vocals, instruments, and sound effects are massively clear and sound fantastic!
There is very little to thumb my nose at, with these offerings from JAYS. The design is sleek, cool, and unique for such a ubiquitous product. The performance could go toe-to-toe with larger on- or over-ear headphones. Your wallet’s only anchor to your pocket might be the lofty price tag. We’ve seen white earbuds before, yet that cable design ups the visual ante considerably. Still, you may come for the looks but you’ll stay for the performance.
Editor Rating:
[Rating: 4.5/5]
Excellent
Bottom Line: I dare say the a-JAYS Four are the best earbuds available for iPhone 4. I haven’t tested every offering. But these trounce all that come before it on my iOS devices – iPhone 4, iPad, and iPad 2.
Pros
- Eye candy all the way (Hey sexy!)
- Amazing sound!
- Powerful remote/mic combo
- Five different silicone earbud sizes
Cons
- Pricey
You can buy the JAYS a-JAYS Four at Amazon for $69.99.
