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Updated April 11, 2024·
If prioritizing call quality and integration with Apple devices, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) might suit you, bearing in mind they are pricier and lack active noise cancelling. The AirPods offer adaptive sound and spatial audio features, but don't excel in noise isolation. For active lifestyles, JLab Go Air Sport earbuds are more affordable with good exercise and sweat resistance, but they may compromise on overall sound quality. Neither are ideal for immersive gaming or TV due to latency issues; however, the AirPods have a slight edge if paired with Apple devices. Consider battery life and charging convenience—AirPods have wireless charging; JLab does not. Select based on what fits your lifestyle, budget, and usage preferences. 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 Sport
Very good for exercise
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
4.8/10
5.4/10
The Jlab Go Air Sport and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Jlab Go Air Sport is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
5.2/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Jlab Go Air Sport is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
5.6/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Jlab Go Air Sport is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
6.0/10
The Jlab Go Air Sport is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Jlab Go Air Sport has 8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$30
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Jlab Go Air Sport costs $30.
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Jlab Go Air Sport are both poor for music.
TV and Video
5.4/10
5.8/10
The Jlab Go Air Sport and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Jlab Go Air Sport to have very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Jlab Go Air Sport compare to other earbuds and headphones
"If you want seriously bass-forward earphones for the gym, you'll be hard-pressed to find a pair more affordable than the JLab Go Air Sport. We like their long battery life and solid water-resistance rating, though we aren’t fans of their finicky on-ear controls and the case’s hardwired charging cable."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Jlab Go Air Sport
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
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.