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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and ease of use during exercise, plus you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with adaptive sound, spatial audio, and lower latency for Apple devices would suit you better despite the higher price. They also have better call quality, ideal for frequent calls or meetings, and excellent build quality. However, if you're looking for headphones that you can use with both wireless and wired connections, offer a foldable design for easy transport, and have active noise cancelling for quiet listening environments, then the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC may be the better choice, especially if you're on a budget. Keep in mind though, the JLab's have poorer performance for music and are heavier, which could affect comfort during prolonged use. 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 music
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC
- Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
5.8
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
70.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC has 70 hours of battery life.
Cost
$178
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.4
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.6
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | JLab Jbuds Lux ANC |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | February 1, 2024 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 70 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 235 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC
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.
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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.
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