The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and are integrated into the Apple ecosystem, Apple Airpods (2nd generation) would be beneficial for their adaptive sound, noise handling, and lower latency on Apple devices. They also offer better portability and ear detection, making them suitable for listening to music, commuting, and air travel. However, if you are cost-conscious and require earbuds that are sweat-proof for exercise, JLab Go Air Pop would be a more economical choice, with fair sound quality and excellent build quality. The tradeoffs are in sound performance and seamless integration with Apple products. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Go Air Pop
Good for music
Good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
7.1/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8/10
5.5/10
The JLab Go Air Pop and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the JLab Go Air Pop is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
5.0/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
5.7/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
TV and Video
5.4/10
6.1/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.5/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JLab Go Air Pop has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$25
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JLab Go Air Pop costs $25.
Build Quality
7.6/10
9.0/10
The JLab Go Air Pop has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
"The JLab GO Air POP is a great option for anyone on a tight budget. This pair of true wireless earbuds checks all the boxes for earbud essentials, and performs pretty well in most areas. The microphone isn't great, but that's to be expected for something this inexpensive."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JLab Go Air Pop
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.