The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize superior noise isolation and use headphones primarily for air travel, Apple AirPods Max might be your best choice as it excels in these areas. However, if you seek headphones for calls and meetings and prioritize comfort during extended wear, JLab Go Work Wireless, with its superior microphone quality and comfort score, could be a more suitable and budget-friendly option. Keep in mind that AirPods Max offers features like active noise cancelling and is optimized for Apple devices, which could enhance your experience if you are integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Conversely, JLab Go Work provides longer battery life, which is handy for users needing longevity between charges. 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
Good for music
Excellent for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Go Work Wireless
The JLab Go Work Wireless has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Max.
Key differences
Music
7.3/10
5.8/10
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0/10
6.6/10
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
10.0/10
4.6/10
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
47.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The JLab Go Work Wireless has 47 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the JLab Go Work Wireless costs $50.
"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."
"If you are going to criticise the JLab Go Work, it would be for the cables, which are to some extent too short for their intended use, and for its rather harsh treble reproduction above moderate volume levels in music mode. However, the call quality during telephone calls and video conferences in voice mode via wireless and via cable is impeccable. This handy Bluetooth headset also scores points with its excellent battery life and support for multipoint connections."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Max or the JLab Go 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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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.