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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you value overall sound quality, comfort, and build quality, and are willing to pay a midrange price, the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) would serve you well, especially if you're an Apple user, as they have features like adaptive sound, spatial audio, and lower latency when paired with Apple devices. Their battery life is shorter compared to the JLab Go Air Pop, but they include a wireless charging case. However, if you're budget-conscious, and prioritize longer battery life and sweat resistance for activities like exercising, the JLab Go Air Pop might be the better choice, although with tradeoffs in sound quality and no additional features like spatial audio or wireless charging. Both options are closed, stemmed earbuds, with good comfort and secure fit, but the Airpods have active noise cancelling which the JLab lack, making them better for noisy environments. 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 (3rd generation)
Good for phone calls
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Go Air Pop
The JLab Go Air Pop has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods (3rd generation).
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.6/10
5.0/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6/10
5.7/10
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
TV and Video
5.5/10
6.1/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd 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 (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The JLab Go Air Pop has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$25
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the JLab Go Air Pop costs $25.
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
"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 (3rd 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
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.