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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prefer wired earbuds with an open design for a more natural listening experience and require a microphone with very good quality for calls and meetings, the Apple Earpods would be suitable. However, if you're looking for wireless earbuds that are sweatproof, have active noise cancelling to block out background noise, and are more suited to exercise and air travel, then you might find the JLab Go Air Pop to be a better option. Keep in mind though, the Earpods might be a better fit for those on a tighter budget, as they are often less expensive. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Go Air Pop
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.1
The Apple Earpods and JLab Go Air Pop are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.3
5.5
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.0
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
5.7
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
TV and Video
7.4
6.1
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the JLab Go Air Pop is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.5
The JLab Go Air Pop is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JLab Go Air Pop has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$25
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JLab Go Air Pop costs $25.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The JLab Go Air Pop has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the JLab Go Air Pop compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | JLab Go Air Pop |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $25 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | September 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 27 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 3.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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