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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choose Apple AirPods (3rd generation) if you prioritize a more compact, wireless earbud design that's optimized for Apple devices, with a stem form factor which allows for ear detection and wireless charging. They are sweatproof, making them a good option for exercise, and offer a balanced sound suitable for a variety of audio content. However, their noise isolation is minimal, which might be an issue in noisy environments. On the other hand, JLab JBuds Work Wireless offer better microphone quality and are more suitable for calls and meetings. They're over-ear headphones that provide superior comfort and battery life, with a boom mic that can be beneficial for voice clarity. They also come with a wired option which ensures uninterrupted usage and low latency, ideal for gaming and watching TV, and are generally more affordable. However, they lack the portability of earbuds, and their no active noise cancelling can be a downside for air travel or noisy places. 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 exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab JBuds Work Wireless
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
8.8
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.9
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
60.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has 60 hours of battery life.
Cost
$178
$79
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless costs $79.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
6.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (3rd generation) to be good for music, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.6
7.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and JLab JBuds Work Wireless are both good for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and JLab JBuds Work Wireless both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | JLab JBuds Work Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $79 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 60 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 158 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
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."
JLab JBuds Work Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
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 (3rd 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
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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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