Early in September, Jaybird — the audio company specializing in high performance earbuds for the running and fitness set — released new X4 wireless earbuds. These are the latest generation in the popular “X” series. The company followed the X4 release a few weeks later with the Tarah wireless sport headphones, an all-new product that looks very much like those X4 buds, but for $30 less. With the Tarah earbuds, Jaybird is targeting the entry level market, coming in under $100.
I’ve been testing the Tarah wireless buds for a few weeks now. What kind of trade-offs were needed to bring them below that $100 price point? What is the difference between these and the more expensive (but very similar looking) X4 earbuds? And most importantly, are the most affordable Jaybird wireless earbuds worth buying?
Like The X4 Earbuds in Many Ways
At first glance it would be easy to mistake a set of Jaybird Tarah earbuds for the more expensive X4s. The buds themselves look similar, down to the shape, logo and tubular silicone gel ear fin. Cables are flat, with a round cinch and an inline remote with pogo pin charge connectors.
The similarity carries over into many of the features. Both earbuds are IPX7 water resistant and both are compatible with Jaybird’s mobile app. Both offer a 10 minute quick charge feature, good for one hour of music playback. Both have an integrated MEMS omni-directional microphone.
Including Audio Performance
I’ve been alternating between the X4 and Tarah earbuds for weeks. I can’t really tell any difference between the two in terms of audio performance. The specs for both appear to be identical: 6mm drivers with 20Hz-20kHz frequency response and 10mW RMS maximum output, so that makes sense.
You can read my review of the X4 earbuds for details, but count on enjoyable audio that can be customized with the Jaybird app.
But There Are Differences
Although the two sets of earbuds look similar at first glance, there are differences.
The plastic used on the X4 shell has a metallic finish for a more premium look. The X4 cable connection to the buds is heavier and seems a little more robust. The Tarah inline remote is slightly larger (I actually prefer its buttons to those on the X4) and the USB charge cradle accessory is different.
Look closer and you’ll discover that with the Tarah, Jaybird is using a single piece Eargel that’s a combination ear fin and ear tip. They are made of the same flexible (and comfortable) silicone gel as the X4 accessories, but you get just three sets: small, medium and large. You can’t mix and match for a customized fit the way you can with the separate ear tips and ear fins included with the X4 earbuds. The X4s also shipped with two pairs of exclusive Comply foam tips and you don’t get a carrying pouch in the box with the Tarah buds.
I found the Tara setup was just as snug and comfortable as the X4, but that’s going to vary by person — some people may miss the flexibility. There’s no denying the fact that the Comply foam ear tips that only the X4s get in the box provide the best seal.
The key difference from a functionality standpoint is battery life.
The Jaybird X4 wireless earbuds deliver up to eight hours of music on a charge. With the Tarah buds the rating drops to six hours, although that’s still plenty of battery power for an extended workout session (and would be at the top of the range for true wireless buds). For typical active users who might wear these wireless earbuds for a daily run or workout, that may mean having to charge the Tarah ear buds twice a week instead of once a week for the X4s.
Bottom Line
Are the Jaybird Tarah sport wireless headphones worth the $99.99 asking price? Absolutely. I can’t think of any sub-$100 wireless earbuds I’ve tried that offer this combination of comfort, secure fit and sound quality. Throw in IPX7 water resistance and they are a great choice for playing music while you exercise.
Are they as good as the Jaybird X4s? That really comes down to personal preference. The Tarah’s look almost visually identical and sound just as good — for $30 less. If you don’t mind giving up a few hours of battery life, some fit flexibility, a carrying case and a metallic paint job, they’re a great way to get a pair of Jaybird wireless sport earphones for under $100.
