In the increasingly crowded world of wireless earbuds, JLab has established itself as a solid contender in the budget-friendly segment. The JLab Go Sport+ represents their latest offering for active users who need reliable audio without breaking the bank. After extensive testing across various environments and activities, here’s our comprehensive review of these fitness-focused earbuds.
Pros/Cons Summary
Pros
- Excellent water and sweat resistance (IP55 rating)
- Secure and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options
- Impressive 8+ hour battery life on a single charge
- Built-in EQ modes for customized listening
- Very affordable price point
- Reliable Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- Integrated USB charging cable in case
Cons
- Bass-heavy sound signature may not appeal to all listeners
- Call quality is adequate but not exceptional
- No active noise cancellation
- Case is bulkier than some competitors
- Touch controls can be finicky during intense workouts
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 6mm dynamic drivers |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Water/Dust Resistance | IP55 |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 8 hours |
| Battery Life (With Case) | 32+ hours total |
| Charging Port | Integrated USB-A cable |
| Quick Charge | 15 minutes for 1.5 hours playback |
| Earbud Weight | 5g each |
| Case Weight | 42g |
| Microphones | Dual microphones for calls |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive |
| EQ Modes | JLab Signature, Balanced, Bass BoostExtrasBe Aware (ambient sound) mode |
Sound Quality Assessment
The JLab Go Sport+ delivers a sound profile that clearly targets fitness enthusiasts who prefer energetic, motivating audio during workouts. These earbuds feature a distinctly bass-forward signature that adds punch to workout playlists without completely overwhelming the mids and highs.
The 6mm dynamic drivers produce impressive low-end response for earbuds in this price range. Bass-heavy tracks like EDM and hip-hop benefit from the extra thump, making them ideal companions for high-intensity training sessions. The bass is somewhat boomy rather than tight and controlled, but this adds to the energetic feel during workouts.
Mid frequencies are adequately represented, though slightly recessed compared to the lows. Vocals remain clear enough for casual listening but lack some of the detail and warmth found in more premium offerings. Female vocals in particular can occasionally get slightly overshadowed when bass lines are prominent.
The high frequencies are reasonably crisp without becoming harsh or sibilant, even at higher volumes. There’s enough sparkle to provide detail in cymbal hits and high hats, though audiophiles will note a lack of airiness and extension in the uppermost frequencies.
The Go Sport+ offers three EQ presets accessible through the touch controls: JLab Signature (bass-boosted), Balanced (more neutral), and Bass Boost (maximum low-end). The Balanced mode provides the most natural listening experience for varied genres, while Bass Boost is best reserved for environments with significant ambient noise.
Soundstage is understandably limited, as is typical for in-ear designs at this price point. Instrument separation is adequate for workout scenarios but lacks the precision and spacing found in higher-end models.
Comfort and Fit
JLab has clearly prioritized secure fit with the Go Sport+, and it shows. The earbuds feature an ear hook design that wraps around the outer ear, providing excellent stability during high-impact activities like running and HIIT workouts.
The package includes three sizes of silicone gel tips (small, medium, large) plus a pair of Cloud Foam tips that expand to create a tight seal. This variety ensures most users can find a comfortable fit, though those with very small ear canals might find even the smallest tips slightly large.
At just 5 grams per earbud, the Go Sport+ is lightweight enough for extended wear without causing discomfort. During our testing, they remained securely in place through 5-mile runs, jump rope sessions, and weight training without requiring adjustment.
The ear hooks feature a flexible design that accommodates different ear shapes while maintaining enough rigidity to stay in position. They’re coated with a soft-touch silicone that prevents irritation even after sweaty workouts.
One minor issue is that the earbuds can create a noticeable pressure sensation during very long sessions (3+ hours), which might be uncomfortable for some users. However, for typical workout durations, they remain comfortable and unintrusive.
Battery Life (Wireless)
Battery performance is a particular strength of the JLab Go Sport+. The earbuds deliver approximately 8 hours of continuous playback at 60-70% volume, which exceeds many competitors in the sub-$50 category. In real-world testing, they consistently provided 7.5-8.5 hours of use depending on volume levels.
The charging case adds an additional three full charges, bringing the total runtime to approximately 32 hours before requiring a power source. This is more than adequate for even the most dedicated athletes and frequent travelers.
A quick-charge feature provides about 1.5 hours of playback from just 15 minutes in the case, which is particularly useful for those moments when you’ve forgotten to charge before heading to the gym.
Rather than using a separate charging cable, the case features an integrated USB-A cable tucked neatly into the bottom. While this eliminates the need to carry an extra cable, it does make the case slightly bulkier than some competitors. The case lacks wireless charging capabilities, which is understandable at this price point.
The earbuds and case use a standard red/blue LED system to indicate charging status and battery level, though it lacks precise percentage indicators found in app-connected models.
Additional Features
The JLab Go Sport+ includes several features that enhance usability without over-complicating the experience:
Be Aware Mode: This ambient sound mode allows environmental noise to pass through, which is particularly useful for outdoor runners or those who need situational awareness. It’s not as sophisticated as higher-end transparency modes but functions adequately for safety purposes.
Touch Controls: Both earbuds feature touch-sensitive surfaces that control playback, volume, calls, and EQ modes. The controls are reasonably responsive, though they occasionally register unintended touches during high-impact movements or when adjusting the fit.
Dual Connect: Each earbud can be used independently, which is useful for maintaining awareness or extending battery life when needed.
Auto On/Off: The earbuds automatically power on when removed from the case and off when returned, conserving battery life.
Voice Assistant Access: A long press activates your device’s voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant) for hands-free control.
Dual Microphones: The integrated mics provide acceptable call quality in quiet environments, though they struggle with wind noise and busy backgrounds. They’re adequate for quick calls during a commute but not ideal for important business conversations.
Notably absent is active noise cancellation, which is typically not found at this price point. The passive noise isolation provided by the secure fit is sufficient for most workout environments but won’t block out significant ambient noise.
Price/Value Analysis
With an MSRP of $39.99 (often available for less during sales), the JLab Go Sport+ presents exceptional value for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts. They offer several features typically found in earbuds costing twice as much, particularly regarding battery life and water resistance.
The build quality exceeds expectations for the price point, with materials that feel durable enough to withstand daily use and regular exposure to sweat and moisture. The inclusion of multiple tip options and a case with integrated charging cable adds to the value proposition.
While audiophiles will certainly find the sound quality lacking compared to premium options, the audio performance is more than satisfactory for the intended use case of workout accompaniment. The multiple EQ modes provide some flexibility to tailor the sound to personal preferences.
For users primarily seeking reliable workout earbuds with good battery life and stable fit, the Go Sport+ offers tremendous value and competes favorably with options costing significantly more.
Comparison to Alternatives
vs. Anker Soundcore Sport X10 ($79.99): The Soundcore offers slightly better sound quality and includes an app with customizable EQ, but at nearly twice the price. The JLab matches it for battery life and provides comparable fit security.
vs. Skullcandy Push Active ($79.99): Skullcandy’s offering includes voice command functionality and slightly better call quality, but the JLab provides similar battery performance and comfort at half the price.
vs. JBL Endurance Peak II ($99.95): The JBL delivers more balanced audio and better build quality but comes at a significant premium. For most casual users, the performance gap doesn’t justify the price difference.
vs. JLab Go Air Sport ($29.99): JLab’s even more budget-friendly option sacrifices some battery life and uses slightly lower-quality drivers. The Go Sport+ represents a worthwhile upgrade for just $10 more.
vs. Generic Budget Options ($15-25): Numerous unbranded options flood the market at lower price points, but they typically compromise significantly on connectivity stability, battery life, and durability. The Go Sport+ justifies its slightly higher price through reliability and feature set.
Who Should Buy This
The JLab Go Sport+ is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts who need reliable workout earbuds
- Runners, cyclists, and gym-goers who prioritize secure fit and water resistance
- Users who value long battery life over premium sound quality
- Those who prefer bass-forward audio for workout motivation
- Casual listeners seeking affordable wireless earbuds for daily commutes
- Individuals prone to losing or damaging earbuds who don’t want to risk expensive options
The Go Sport+ is less suitable for:
- Audiophiles seeking balanced, detailed sound reproduction
- Frequent business callers who need exceptional microphone quality
- Users who prioritize active noise cancellation
- Those who prefer minimalist earbud designs without ear hooks
- People seeking premium materials and build quality
Takeaways
The JLab Go Sport+ earbuds deliver impressive performance where it matters most for active users: fit security, battery life, and durability. Their water-resistant design and stable ear hooks make them reliable companions for everything from casual jogs to intense training sessions.
While they don’t compete with premium offerings on sound quality or feature sets, they excel at their core function of providing energetic, bass-forward audio that motivates during workouts. The inclusion of multiple EQ modes and ambient sound capabilities adds versatility that exceeds expectations at this price point.
What truly distinguishes the Go Sport+ is the combination of reliable performance and exceptional battery life in a package that costs less than half the price of many competitors. JLab has clearly focused on creating a product that addresses the specific needs of active users without unnecessary frills that drive up costs.
For budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts seeking reliable wireless audio, the JLab Go Sport+ earbuds represent one of the best values currently available. They prove that effective workout earbuds don’t need to come with a premium price tag, earning our recommendation as an excellent budget-friendly option in the sports earbuds category.
