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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for a very budget-friendly option that fares well in terms of build quality, built-in controls, and use during exercise, the JLab Go Air Pop is a compelling choice, particularly due to its sweatproof certification and superb portability. On the other hand, if you prioritize sound quality, comfort, and features like active noise cancelling, app-based customization, and ear/head detection, then the Sony WF1000XM3 may be worth the higher price. It also has a better mic quality, which could be essential for calls and meetings. However, the Sony's lack of low latency may not be ideal for gaming and they are not rated as sweatproof, which could be a concern if you lead an active lifestyle. 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 JLab Go Air Pop
Good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
Very good for phone calls
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
5.0/10
8.2/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.7/10
8.7/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Air Pop is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.5/10
8.3/10
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the JLab Go Air Pop is only fair.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The JLab Go Air Pop has 9 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$25
$180
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The JLab Go Air Pop has a price of $25 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
"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."
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the JLab Go Air Pop or the Sony WF1000XM3
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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.