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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're prioritizing sound quality and noise isolation for an immersive music experience or frequent air travel, the Apple AirPods Max could be a better option, but they come at a higher price. Also, they are over-ear headphones, which generally provide better comfort for long listening sessions but are less portable than earbuds. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, highly portable option ideal for exercise due to its sweatproof certification, the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds might suit you, though they offer less superior audio and noise isolation compared to the AirPods Max. Neither is particularly tailored for gaming or TV due to noticeable audio latency. 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 Max
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Go Air Pop
- Good for exercise
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.6
5.0
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
5.7
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
6.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the JLab Go Air Pop is only fair.
Battery
21.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The JLab Go Air Pop has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$25
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the JLab Go Air Pop costs $25.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.1
The Apple Airpods Max and JLab Go Air Pop are both good for music.
Gaming
5.5
5.5
The JLab Go Air Pop and Apple Airpods Max are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
6.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JLab Go Air Pop to be only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and JLab Go Air Pop both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the JLab Go Air Pop compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | JLab Go Air Pop |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $25 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | September 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 27 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 3.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
JLab Go Air Pop
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Dig into reviews and images
SoundGuys
Sam Smart | August 2023
"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 Max 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.
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