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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Given that the Apple AirPods Max is typically much more expensive than the JLab JBuds Work Wireless, consider the following tradeoffs: The AirPods Max offers superior noise isolation, crucial for air travel or noisy environments, and they're optimized for Apple devices, which could enhance your experience if you're already in the Apple ecosystem. On the other hand, the JBuds Work Wireless rank higher for comfort and have a boom mic which could provide clearer calls, at a lower price. If battery life is important, JBuds offer significantly longer listening time, but if you need active noise cancellation and ear/head detection, the AirPods Max are the choice. The JBuds are lighter, which might be better for extended wear, but the AirPods Max has a more durable build. In terms of latency, both are not ideal for gaming, but JBuds are still better rated for this purpose. 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 JBuds Work Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.8
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
5.5
8.8
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
7.3
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Max is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
7.9
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
5.3
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
60.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has 60 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$79
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless costs $79.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and JLab JBuds Work Wireless both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | JLab JBuds Work Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $79 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 60 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 158 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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 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 Max 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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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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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