The best super cheap budget wireless earbuds
JLab Go Air Pop
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In today’s tech landscape, finding earbuds that strike a balance between price, features, and performance can feel like a daunting task. Enter the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds, a surprising contender that punches well above its weight class. Priced at just $20 / £20, these earbuds boast features that rival more expensive models.
Design and Comfort
(Image credit: SoundGuys)
The JLab Go Air Pop earbuds sport a minimalist and lightweight design, weighing just 3.7g per earpiece. This makes them incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. They come with three sets of ear tips to ensure a snug fit for different ear sizes. The charging case is compact and easily portable, fitting snugly into any pocket or bag.
Features and Performance
Despite their low price point, the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds pack a surprising array of features. They offer on-ear volume controls, EQ profiles, and even voice assistant compatibility—all without the need for a companion app. A standout feature is the EQ profiles, accessible by triple-tapping either earpiece to switch between “bass boost,” “balanced,” or “JLab signature” sound profiles.
Sound Quality
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In terms of audio performance, the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds deliver a commendable listening experience, especially considering their budget-friendly price. They provide clear and balanced sound, making them suitable for various music genres and everyday use. While they may not compete with higher-end models in terms of sonic brilliance, they certainly exceed expectations for their price range.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds is their impressive battery life. With up to 32 hours of total playtime (8 hours from the buds themselves), they outperform many higher-priced competitors. This makes them ideal for long listening sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
Verdict
BUY THEM IF
✅ Your budget maxes out at $20 / £20 / AU$50: They’re ridiculously affordable and boast features no other solution to date has managed at this level.
✅ You prioritize a long battery life: 32 hours of playtime, for $20. For clarity, Apple’s AirPods Pro will give you a maximum of 24 hours of listening time.
DON’T BUY THEM IF
❌ You really want app support: Even without a companion app you get on-ear volume control, EQ profiles, access to voice assistants (it’s all here) but if you really need an app, you won’t get that here.
❌ You want top quality sound and have a more malleable budget: If sound quality is top of your wish-list and you can spend a little more, you should do that.