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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are a better pick for portability and they support wireless charging, making them convenient for on-the-go usage. They also integrate well with other Apple devices, which is excellent if you're in the Apple ecosystem. However, if sound quality for calls is your priority, the JLab JBuds Work Wireless has a superior microphone and also offers a longer battery life, which can be beneficial for extended use. For activities that require better fit and noise isolation, like exercise or air travel, the JLab's over-ear design might be preferable, though this comes at the cost of being less compact compared to the Airpods. 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 JBuds Work Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.8
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.8
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
7.9
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
60.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has 60 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$79
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless costs $79.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.9
7.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JLab JBuds Work Wireless to be good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | JLab JBuds Work Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $79 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 60 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 158 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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JLab JBuds Work Wireless
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PC Magazine
Tim Gideon | February 2022
"The JLab JBuds Work is an affordable headset-headphone hybrid that you can use to listen to music in stereo and communicate on video calls thanks to a retractable boom mic, and we particularly like its convenient mono and passive wired modes. You won't find any frills here like you will with the costlier Jabra Evolve2 65 or Plantronics Voyager 4220 UC, but for less than half the price, the JBuds Work is an effective lower-cost alternative."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JLab JBuds Work Wireless
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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Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
123,200
Recommendations made
18,480
Consumer hours saved
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.
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