JLab GO POP ANC

The JLab Go Pop ANC lands in the top 5% of our database for battery life and connectivity, making it a standout in the budget category. ANC performance is impressive for the price, but music playback is a weak spot, scoring just 59.9 out of 100. If you prioritize calls, podcasts, and a comfortable fit over pristine audio, these are tough to beat.

When it comes to staying connected, these buds have no business being this good. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection is rock-solid, and multipoint means you can seamlessly hop between your phone and laptop. In our testing, connectivity is in the top 5%, which is comically overqualified for a $40 pair of earbuds. Battery life matches that energy: you get roughly 24 hours total with the case, and a quick 10-minute top-up nets you an extra hour of listening. That's best-in-class stamina. Active noise cancellation is another surprise. While it's not on the level of $200 flagship buds, it's remarkably effective for this price, routinely outperforming competitors like the Soundcore P31i and even holding its own against pricier options. The transparency mode is there and works, though it's nothing to write home about. Mic quality is above average, thanks to two microphones with noise cancellation, so your voice comes through clearly on calls, even in moderate wind.

Stacked against its budget rivals, the Go Pop ANC stands out for its connectivity and battery. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ offers better overall sound but typically costs more and lacks the same level of multipoint flexibility. Soundcore P31i is a closer match on price but falls short in ANC performance and battery longevity. The JBL Live Pro 2 has superior noise cancellation, but you'll pay double for that privilege. Nothing Ear (a) might give you a more refined design and sound, but again, at a higher cost. For pure value, JLab has carved out a clear niche.

At $30 to $50, the value proposition here is almost aggressive. The ANC and battery life alone would feel right at home on earbuds costing $100 or more. Add in multipoint and a solid mic, and you've got a features-per-dollar ratio that's hard to beat. Even when you factor in the mediocre sound quality, it's an easy recommendation for anyone on a tight budget.

If you're hunting for budget earbuds that don't skimp on modern features, the JLab Go Pop ANC is a bit of a unicorn. Our database shows it sits in the 95th percentile for both connectivity and battery life, meaning you get Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint and a marathon 24+ hours of runtime. That's top-of-the-line stuff for buds that cost between $30 and $50. The fit is also exceptionally comfortable, among the best we've tested, so they'll stay put whether you're working out or commuting. But it's not all trophies. The sound quality is just okay, sitting in the middle of the pack compared to other true wireless earbuds. And music playback specifically scored a weak 59.9 out of 100 in our testing, which is a real letdown for anything bass-heavy or complex. If you mostly listen to podcasts or take calls, you'll be fine. If you want rich, detailed music, you'll want something else.

If you care deeply about sound quality, especially for music, you'll want to pass on these. The music score is a disappointing 59.9, and low-end bass can distort when you push the volume. Audiophiles or anyone who enjoys their tunes at full blast will be frustrated. Instead, consider spending a bit more for the EarFun Air Pro 4+ or Nothing Ear (a), which deliver noticeably better audio.

If you want great noise cancellation, all-day battery life, and rock-solid connectivity without spending much, these are a no-brainer. Just keep your expectations in check for music quality, and you'll be delighted. They're the perfect spare pair or a solid daily driver for calls and podcasts. Music lovers, though, should probably look elsewhere.