JLab GO Air POP

The JLab GO Air Pop are budget true wireless earbuds that nail the basics. You get 32+ hours of battery, rock-solid Bluetooth 5.3, and IPX4 water resistance for under USD 40. Sound quality is average and there's no ANC, but for the price, these are hard to beat.

Let's talk numbers. The 6mm dynamic drivers push a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range through a 16Ω impedance, which is easy for any phone to drive. Sound quality lands right around the middle of the pack in our testing, which is fine for the price. The Bass Boost mode adds some thump but can get a little muddy on bass-heavy tracks. Signature mode is the safest bet for most music, and Balanced works well for podcasts and calls.

Battery life is solid. JLab claims 8 hours per earbud and 24 more from the case, totaling 32+ hours. Our data puts battery performance well above average for this category. The quick charge feature gives you about an hour of playback from a 10-minute charge, which is handy when you forget to top up before a commute. The dual MEMS mics handle calls decently, ranking in the top 20% for mic quality. Callers won't think you're on a studio mic, but they'll hear you clearly enough.

Stacked against the Nothing Buds 2, the GO Air Pop loses on sound quality and ANC, but wins on price and battery life. The Nothing Buds 2 are a more premium experience with better audio tuning, but they cost several times more. The Soundcore P31i is a closer competitor in the budget space, offering similar battery claims and a slightly more refined sound signature, though the JLab's connectivity is genuinely better in our testing. The Anker Space A40 brings real ANC to the table, which the GO Air Pop lacks entirely, but you'll pay for that privilege. The Baseus Bass BP1 Pro and TOZO Crystal Pods are both in the same budget tier, and honestly, the JLab holds its own against both. The TOZO Crystal Pods have a more modern design, but the JLab's battery life and reliability give it an edge for everyday use.

Here's where the GO Air Pop gets interesting. Prices swing from USD 15 to USD 37 across 28 US listings, and the best deal we're seeing is on Amazon.com at the lower end of that range. Even at the top of the spread, you're getting a lot for under USD 40. Compare that to the Nothing Buds 2 or Anker Space A40, which cost significantly more, and the value proposition becomes obvious. In EUR, prices range from EUR 24 to EUR 48 across four European markets. For budget shoppers asking "what are the best cheap earbuds?" the answer keeps coming back to these. You're not getting active noise cancellation or premium sound, but you're also not paying for it.

The JLab GO Air Pop sits in that sweet spot of budget true wireless earbuds where you're not expecting miracles, but you're hoping to avoid garbage. At USD 15 to USD 37 depending on where you shop, these are firmly in the impulse-buy territory. And honestly, they punch above their weight class. You get Bluetooth 5.3, IPX4 water resistance, and a claimed 32+ hours of total battery life in a case smaller than a credit card. For anyone asking "are cheap wireless earbuds worth it?" these make a pretty strong case.

JLab has been cranking out budget audio gear for years, and the GO Air Pop is their smallest earbud yet, 15% smaller than the previous generation. The built-in EQ3 sound modes let you switch between Signature, Bass Boost, and Balanced without touching an app, though there is a JLab app if you want more control. The integrated USB charging cable in the case is a nice touch too. No hunting for a cable when the case dies.

Our database shows these rank at the absolute top for connectivity, which tracks with the Bluetooth 5.3 and Dual Connect feature. Social proof is also stellar, with over 72,000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. That's a lot of happy budget buyers.

Skip these if you care about sound quality above all else. The 6mm drivers are fine for podcasts and casual listening, but audiophiles will find the mid-range performance lacking compared to pricier options like the Anker Space A40 or Nothing Buds 2. If you need active noise cancellation for flights or noisy offices, these don't have it. And if you have larger ear canals or struggle with in-ear fit, the small design might not work for you. For those cases, the Soundcore P31i or Anker Space A40 are better bets, though you'll pay more.

Should you buy the JLab GO Air Pop? If you want reliable true wireless earbuds under USD 40, yes. These are the kind of earbuds you throw in a bag, use for commutes and workouts, and don't stress about losing. The battery life is genuinely good, the connectivity is best-in-class, and the IPX4 rating means sweat and light rain won't kill them. The sound won't blow you away, and the fit isn't universal, but at this price, those are acceptable trade-offs.

For anyone who's burned through cheap earbuds before, the 2-year warranty is a nice safety net. JLab clearly knows their audience here. These aren't for audiophiles or people who need ANC. They're for people who want something that works, lasts, and doesn't cost a fortune. And on that front, the GO Air Pop delivers.