The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize higher overall sound quality, better active noise cancelling, and wireless charging, and if you mainly use Apple devices, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 would be a great fit for you. In contrast, the JLab JBuds Work Wireless could be the smart choice if you're looking for headphones with a significantly longer battery life, a boom mic that provides clearer call quality, and if you prefer the over-ear form factor for comfort during extended periods. The JLab set also offers both wireless and wired options and is better suited to gaming due to lower latency. Keep in mind that the AirPods are pricier, so if budget is a consideration, weigh these features against the cost. 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 Pro 2
Good for music
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab JBuds Work Wireless
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro 2.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.8/10
7.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and JLab JBuds Work Wireless are both good for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
7.9/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is good.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
5.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
60.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The JLab JBuds Work Wireless has 60 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$79
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless costs $79.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro 2 to be good for music, while the JLab JBuds Work Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
8.4/10
8.8/10
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.8/10
7.9/10
The JLab JBuds Work Wireless and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0/10
9.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and JLab JBuds Work Wireless both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro 2 and the JLab JBuds Work Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
"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 Pro 2 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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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.