JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds Review
In the increasingly crowded wireless earbud market, the JLab Go Air Pop stands out as one of the most affordable options available. But do these budget-friendly earbuds deliver enough quality to make them worth considering? This comprehensive review dives into everything you need to know before making a purchase decision.
Pros/Cons Summary
Pros:
- Exceptionally affordable price point ($20-25)
- Compact, lightweight design
- Impressive 8+ hour battery life per charge
- Decent sound quality for the price
- IPX4 water resistance (read IP Rating Types)
- Built-in USB charging cable on the case
- Three EQ sound settings
- Touch controls on both earbuds
Cons:
- Limited bass response compared to premium models
- Microphone quality is merely adequate
- No active noise cancellation
- Case provides only 3 additional charges (some competitors offer more)
- No wireless charging
- Basic build quality
Technical Specifications
- Driver Size: 8mm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Bluetooth Version: 5.1
- Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 feet (10 meters)
- Supported Codecs: SBC
- Water Resistance Rating: IPX4 (splash-proof)
- Battery Life: 8+ hours per charge (earbuds)
- Case Battery: 3 additional charges (24+ hours total)
- Charging Port: Integrated USB-A cable
- Earbud Weight: 3.7g each
- Charging Case Weight: 35.4g
- EQ Settings: JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost modes
- Microphone: Built-in MEMS microphone in each earbud
- Controls: Touch-sensitive on both earbuds
Sound Quality Assessment
For earbuds in the ultra-budget category, the JLab Go Air Pop delivers surprisingly competent audio performance. The 8mm drivers produce clear sound across the frequency spectrum, though with expected limitations at this price point.
The mids are reasonably well-represented, making vocals and spoken content come through clearly. The highs are decent but can become slightly harsh at maximum volume. As expected with small, inexpensive earbuds, the bass response is the weakest link. While the Bass Boost EQ setting helps somewhat, bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and EDM won’t have the impact that premium earbuds deliver.
The inclusion of three EQ presets is a welcome feature rarely found at this price:
- JLab Signature: Amplifies vocals and bass
- Balanced: Flat response for audiobooks and podcasts
- Bass Boost: Enhances low frequencies
Sound isolation is passive only, with no active noise cancellation. The earbuds do a reasonable job blocking out ambient noise when you get a good fit, but they won’t compare to models with ANC technology.
For casual listening, podcasts, audiobooks, and video content, these earbuds perform admirably. Audiophiles won’t be impressed, but for budget-conscious consumers, the sound quality exceeds expectations.
Comfort and Fit
The Go Air Pop earbuds weigh just 3.7g each, making them among the lightest true wireless earbuds on the market. This featherweight design contributes significantly to their comfort during extended use.
JLab includes three sizes of gel ear tips (small, medium, and large), allowing most users to find a secure fit. The earbuds have a simple, stemless design that sits flush with the ear, making them discreet and suitable for use while lying down or wearing hats.
The IPX4 water resistance rating means they’ll handle sweat and light rain, making them appropriate for workouts and outdoor activities. However, they lack wing tips or ear hooks found on dedicated sport models, so extremely vigorous movements might dislodge them for some users.
Most wearers report comfortable use for several hours without fatigue or irritation. The lightweight design is particularly beneficial for those who find heavier earbuds uncomfortable after extended sessions.
Battery Life (Wireless)
Battery performance is one of the Go Air Pop’s strongest features. The earbuds deliver approximately 8 hours of playback time on a single charge at moderate volume levels—impressive for any true wireless earbuds, let alone budget ones.
The charging case provides three additional full charges, bringing the total listening time to around 32 hours before needing to connect to a power source. This exceeds many competitors in the budget category and even matches some premium options.
The case design includes an integrated USB-A charging cable that tucks neatly into the bottom, eliminating the need to carry a separate cable. This convenient feature comes with a trade-off: if the built-in cable fails, there’s no alternative charging method.
Charging time is reasonable, with the earbuds requiring about 2 hours for a full charge, and the case needing roughly 2.5 hours to recharge completely. The case lacks wireless charging capabilities, which is expected at this price point.
Additional Features
Despite their budget status, the Go Air Pop includes several useful features:
Touch Controls: Both earbuds feature touch-sensitive controls that allow for playback management, volume adjustment, call handling, and EQ switching without reaching for your device. The controls are reasonably responsive, though occasionally they may register unintended touches.
Mono Mode: Either earbud can be used independently while the other charges, useful for situations requiring situational awareness or extended listening sessions.
Auto On/Connect: The earbuds power on and connect to the last paired device automatically when removed from the case, streamlining the listening experience.
Voice Assistant Compatibility: One-touch access to your device’s voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant).
Dual Connect Technology: Each earbud connects independently to your device, potentially improving connection stability.
The microphone quality is adequate for casual calls in quiet environments but struggles in noisy settings with limited noise rejection capabilities.
Notable omissions include active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, app support, and multi-device pairing—features typically found only in mid-range to premium earbuds.
Price/Value Analysis
With a retail price typically between $20-25, the JLab Go Air Pop represents exceptional value in the true wireless earbud market. Few competitors offer a comparable feature set at this price point.
When assessing value, it’s important to recognize what these earbuds deliver rather than focusing on what they lack. For approximately one-fifth the price of mainstream options like Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds, the Go Air Pop provides:
- True wireless convenience
- All-day battery life
- Water resistance
- Customizable EQ
- Compact, portable design
The durability appears reasonable for the price, with most users reporting several months of regular use without issues. JLab backs the product with a 2-year limited warranty, which exceeds industry standards and adds considerable value.
For budget-conscious consumers, students, or those seeking secondary earbuds, the value proposition is compelling. The primary question becomes whether spending significantly more would deliver proportionately better performance for your specific needs.
Comparison to Alternatives
vs. Similar Budget Options ($20-40):
- Skullcandy Dime ($25): Similar price, smaller case, shorter battery life, comparable sound quality
- TOZO T6 ($30-35): Better water resistance (IPX8), wireless charging case, slightly fuller sound, higher price
- EarFun Air ($35-40): Better microphone quality, wireless charging, longer total battery life, higher price
vs. Mid-Tier Options ($50-100):
- Anker Soundcore Life P3 ($80): Adds active noise cancellation, app support, better sound quality, superior microphones
- JLab Epic Air Sport ANC ($80): Includes ear hooks for secure fit, ANC, better bass response, longer battery life
- Nothing Ear (stick) ($100): Superior sound quality, unique design, better build quality, app support
The Go Air Pop competes extremely well in its immediate price bracket. When compared to options costing twice as much or more, the expected compromises in sound quality, build materials, and advanced features become apparent.
Who Should Buy This
The JLab Go Air Pop is ideal for:
- First-time wireless earbud buyers testing the waters without significant investment
- Budget-conscious consumers seeking maximum value
- Students needing affordable audio solutions
- Casual listeners who primarily consume podcasts, audiobooks, or background music
- Gym-goers wanting inexpensive, sweat-resistant earbuds
- Frequent travelers seeking backup earbuds with long battery life
- Parents buying for teens or pre-teens (affordable to replace if lost)
These earbuds are less suitable for:
- Audiophiles demanding premium sound quality
- Heavy bass enthusiasts
- Frequent business callers needing superior microphone performance
- Users requiring noise cancellation for commuting or noisy environments
- Those wanting seamless multi-device connectivity
Takeaways
The JLab Go Air Pop earbuds exemplify the democratization of wireless audio technology. They deliver the core experience of true wireless earbuds at an almost impulse-purchase price point.
Their greatest strengths lie in their comfortable lightweight design, impressive battery life, and no-nonsense functionality. The compromises in sound quality, particularly bass response, and the absence of premium features like ANC are reasonable given the price.
For many consumers, the question isn’t whether these are the best earbuds available—they’re clearly not—but whether they provide sufficient quality for everyday use without breaking the bank. On that measure, they succeed admirably.
If your budget allows for spending 3-5 times more, you’ll certainly find earbuds with better sound quality and additional features. However, the law of diminishing returns applies; spending twice as much won’t get you twice the performance.
The JLab Go Air Pop represents a smart purchase for those prioritizing affordability without sacrificing the essential functionality of true wireless earbuds. They’re an outstanding entry point into the wireless audio world and set a high bar for what consumers should expect from budget audio products.
In a market segment where expectations are often low, the JLab Go Air Pop stands out by delivering surprisingly capable performance that exceeds their modest price tag.
