[Galaxy Note 3 Accessories] RojasTKD:
OK, received the BackBeac Go 2 a couple of days ago and can capair them to the Motorola S11. I also ordered the BlueBuds X but they haven't shipped yet. Honestly I wouldn't be so concerned about the AptX codec. Most of these will sound plenty good enough for running and working out. If you want the ultimate audio quality you'd need a $250 set of earphones with a portable AMP.

I can give you a quick overview of the 2 headset I do have (Motorola S11 Flex HD & BackBeat Go 2). I'll keep it brief and get right down the the pertinent details.

Battery:

Motorola S11 = about 6 hours

Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 = 4.5 hours

Fit:

This will be different for everyone. The S11 due to the nature of there design won't fall out. Though I must have odd ears as my right bud would come a bit lose letting in more outside sound and making the audio sound not as good or loud on that side. I would have to push it in. I was thinking of ordering come comply tips to see if I could get a better more consistent fit. When the BackBeat go 2's arrived I ended up trying the large tips with the S11 and they worked better, but isolated more and I actually prefer to be able to hear more of my surroundings. Not sure If I'm going to keep using them or not yet as I used them for the first time today.

The BBG2 worked best with the medium tips for me. They all fit pretty well but the mediums sounded the best. I found it very comfortable and they stayed in place very well even when running, which I wasn't expecting. I did a 15 minute run yesterday and didn't have an issue with them falling out (of course YMMV).

for me the difference here is mainly in isolation. the BBG2 will block more outside noise and the S11 with the stock tips will allow you to hear a bit more of you surroundings. Perhaps some aftermarket tips can change this this aspect for each.

Sound:

For me both are loud enough, but the BBG2 are definitely play louder. The S11 I usually use at about 3 clicks from max. It was windy Monday and I had it at max to compensate. It worked fine but I always have wish that I had a little more reserve with the S11. with The BBG2 I was about six clicks down from max. Note with the BBG2 tips on the S11 I probably as about an additional click down from max.

The BBG2 are the better sounding earphones, hands down in my opinion. It just sounds cleaner and crisper to my ears. They both offer decent bass with the S11 offering a bit more case, but the BBG2 has better bass. After comparing them side by side the S11 sounded bloated. In my opinion the BBG2 sound really really good.

While running I did get an annoying amount of microphonics ( see here: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39...ing-microphonics-from-your-in-ear-headphones/ ) with the BBG2's. I reached behind my head and grabbed the wire and this did help a lot with the microphonics, so I think clips like the one the BlueBuds X might do the trick.

Note: Even though the S11 is BT3.0 and has AptX, it dose not sound as good as the BBG2, neither does the Anker from what I have read. So I wouldn't so sure that AptX will equal superior audio quality.

Other:

BBG2's Headset Battery Meter app is really handy . It tell you the remaining battery level (less than 4.5 hours or a battery lever, but not exact percent). It also allows you to switch which of the 8 paired devices to connect it BBG2's to. Click the widget then click the battery icon and it will switch to that device and the headset will tell you it has switched. I really like this. Unfortunately, it can not pair to two devices simultaneously for phone calls like the S11.

The S11 can be paired to 6 or 8 devices (can remember which one) and can be paired to two devices simultaneously for phone calls only. For music/audio switching is a bit more cumbersome with the S11. You have to open bluetooth, click settings for the S11 then check or uncheck music/audio same with calls.

The S11 aren't great for activities other than running or working out. It can't be used if you laying down for risk of bending and breaking the band behind the head. It is also to conspicuous for everyday use. The BBG2 are far more inconspicuous and can be used laying down. They are great for everyday use and carry.

I will probably keep running with the S11 because even though I might find other tips that will allow me to hear more of my surroundings, like I like. Only the S11 allows me to use two phones for call simultaneously. On night runs it's less important, but When I run before work I need to be able to take call from both my phones (business and personal). I like the BBG2's for all other uses for the reasons stated above.

Now, a quick note on the BlueBuds X. I haven't tried them yet, but it seems the audio quality is about on par. I've read reviews that gave each the edge and one that said is was very close. So we can assume that it will be very close, I wouldn't loose much sleep over it. The BBX do appear to possibly have the better stabilizer design, though the BBG2 work well for me so in my case it doesn't matter, for other it might. The BBX has the clear advantage with battery life, 6 hours vs 4.5 hours. Assuming both fit you well it comes down to is the price worth the extra battery life. Maybe I'll think different once the BBX's arrive. You could get two BBG2 for about the price of the BBX and get even greater battery life or a BBG2 with charging case and a BBG2 with out and then just switch them out and charge a get crazy battery life. I considered this, but also got the BBX just because I wanted to be able to compare them.

---------- Post added at 12:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 AM ----------

I read all those when I was considering the Ankers but the weak BT connectivity and the fact that the I believe they will not deliver the audio quality the BBG2's will, push me towards the BBG2.

The Ankers are a rebanded of some headphone made in China. I've seen identical headphone with the same charging clip set up selling under a different brand. See here:

http://www.amazon.com/Extremely-Lig...245&sr=8-56&keywords=bluetooth+4.0+headphones

For the price they will satisfy some, but for me I just think I want something more.

---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:59 AM ----------

I never was a fan of this type of solution. I went wireless because I don't want run wires from my headphones to my phone/music player. I also don't want to run wires to a BT receiver. Even though it a bit better, to me it still defeats the purpose of going wireless, at least for my purposes.

I do see how this could be appealing to other though.