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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize excellent build and sound quality for music listening in stationary scenarios like studios, the Audio Technica M50x headphones are a solid choice, albeit they require a cable and don't have a microphone for calls. On the other hand, if you seek affordability, portability, and the convenience of wireless connectivity for activities like exercise, the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds would be suitable, but their sound and build quality won't match the M50x. The JLab earbuds also offer a longer battery life and are sweatproof, making them a practical option for active use. 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 Audio Technica M50x
Very good for music
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
8.5/10
7.1/10
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JLab Go Air Pop is good.
Gaming
6.3/10
5.5/10
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4/10
5.0/10
The JLab Go Air Pop and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the JLab Go Air Pop is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0/10
5.7/10
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
TV and Video
7.8/10
6.1/10
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the JLab Go Air Pop is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
6.5/10
The JLab Go Air Pop is only fair for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The JLab Go Air Pop has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$25
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JLab Go Air Pop costs $25.
Build Quality
8.5/10
9.0/10
The JLab Go Air Pop has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
"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 Audio Technica M50x or the JLab Go Air Pop
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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