The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If cost is a major factor for you, Apple Earpods are much more budget-friendly compared to the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC, and they offer a good overall sound quality, great for calls and meetings, and have a very good microphone. However, if you're seeking features like Active Noise Cancelling, better build quality, and the flexibility of wireless listening along with a wired option, the JLab Jbuds Lux might be worth the extra expense. Earpods won't isolate noise well, so for air travel or noisy environments, JLab's noise-cancelling could be beneficial. While both are good for general use, JLab Jbuds are better suited for activities such as exercise due to being sweatproof and having a longer battery life. Earpods are more portable and convenient, especially for Apple device users, but they lack customization options that come with the JLab Jbuds through an app. 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
Good for music
Very good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.8/10
6.0/10
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is only fair.
Gaming
8.3/10
5.4/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0/10
5.2/10
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4/10
5.8/10
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
TV and Video
7.4/10
5.6/10
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
7.0/10
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
70.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC has 70 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC costs $80.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.5/10
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
"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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
95,000
Recommendations made
14,250
Consumer hours saved
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.