Jays a-Jays Five review

If compatibility is important to you, these buds are a handy option Tested at £80

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If compatibility is important to you, these buds are a handy option

Pros

  • +

    There’s a version for every main operating system

  • +

    Energetic presentation

Cons

  • -

    Indifferent dynamics

  • -

    Short on insight

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Mobile operating systems make choosing headphones a chore. Three-button remotes nearly always work on iOS, but are unpredictable on Android.

One-button offerings nearly always work on Android, but there’s no option to change volume quickly.

MORE: Jays a-Jays Three | Jays a-Jays Four

Sound

The Jays solution is to make three dedicated versions of the a-Jays Five; one each for Android, iOS and Windows. And it works – just make sure you have the right version.

Besides this considerate attitude to compatibility, the a-Jays Five seem fairly ordinary. The sound is good, but nothing extraordinary.

There’s a good sense of energy and a decent sense of balance. It’s a little brash though, and dynamics feel a little flat.

The sound could also be cleaner: these aren’t the most insightful headphones we’ve heard for the price.

Verdict

If compatibility is important to you, these buds are a good option. But if you’re willing to sacrifice those buttons, there are better headphones to be had around this price.

MORE: Best in-ear headphones to buy in 2014

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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