JLab GO Air POP EBGAIRPOPRMNT124

The JLab GO Air POP is a budget true wireless earbud that nails the basics: 8-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint, and IPX4 sweat resistance for around $20. Sound and mic quality are average, and the fit can feel loose during intense workouts. It's one of the best cheap earbuds for casual use, but skip it if you need ANC or a rock-solid fit.

Battery life is the headline spec: 8 hours in each earbud and 27 more from the case for 35 hours total. That's solid for this price point, though not class-leading. In our database, battery lands around the 68th percentile, so it's above average but not a marathon runner. The 6mm dynamic drivers cover a standard 20Hz to 20kHz range at 16 ohms, and the three EQ modes (Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost) give you some control over the sound. Sound quality sits at the 66th percentile, which translates to decent but not memorable. Bass Boost adds thump, but don't expect deep sub-bass extension or sparkling detail.

Connectivity is where this thing quietly shines. Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint and Dual Connect puts it in the 90th percentile for connectivity, meaning it punches way above its price. Pairing is quick, dropouts are rare, and using one bud at a time actually works without a fuss. The mic quality is more middle of the pack at the 56th percentile, so calls are fine in quiet rooms but get muddy with background noise. ANC is essentially absent, which is expected at this price, but it still lands in the 31st percentile because even passive isolation is limited by the shallow fit.

Against the Soundcore P31i, the JLab GO Air POP holds its own on battery and connectivity but loses on sound refinement and fit stability. The P31i has a more secure in-ear design and slightly better audio tuning, though it costs more. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ is a different beast entirely, with active noise cancellation and a more premium build, but you'll pay significantly more for that. If ANC matters, skip the JLab and look at the EarFun or the Anker Space A40, which is a strong mid-range pick with better isolation and sound.

The TOZO Crystal Pods are probably the closest direct rival in the budget space. They offer a similar feature set with a transparent case design and comparable battery life, but the JLab's connectivity and social proof (90th percentile, backed by over 72,000 reviews) give it an edge in reliability. The Sony WI-C100 is a neckband style, not true wireless, so it's a different form factor entirely, but it delivers better sound and mic quality for a similar price if you don't mind the wire.

At $20 to $23 in the US, the GO Air POP is one of the cheapest true wireless earbuds worth buying. We saw a $3 spread across vendors, with Amazon typically at the low end around $20, so it's worth checking there first if you're in the US. Canadian buyers will pay about CAD 47, which is less of a steal but still reasonable. For comparison, the Soundcore P31i and EarFun Air Pro 4+ cost more and add features like better sound or ANC, but if you just need something that works and won't break the bank, the JLab undercuts them all. You're not paying for premium materials or fancy codecs, and that's the point.

The JLab GO Air POP sits in that ultra-budget true wireless earbud bracket, the kind of thing you grab for around $20 when you don't want to stress about losing a $200 pair. It's a no-frills in-ear with a 6mm dynamic driver, Bluetooth 5.1, and an IPX4 rating that'll shrug off sweat and light splashes. JLab leans hard into the value pitch here: 8 hours per bud, 35 total with the case, and three EQ presets you can cycle through with touch controls.

Is the JLab GO Air POP good for working out? Mostly, yes. The IPX4 rating means gym sessions and runs are fair game, and the compact case slides into a pocket without drama. But the fit isn't for everyone. Some owners say the earbud shape feels less secure during rigorous exercise than an AirPods Pro-style design, so if you're doing burpees or heavy jump rope, you might find yourself adjusting them more than you'd like.

For the price, the feature set is almost silly. Dual Connect lets you use either bud solo, there's a mic in each earbud for calls, and the integrated USB cable on the case means you never have to hunt for a charger. It's not going to wow audiophiles, but it's not trying to.

Skip the JLab GO Air POP if you need active noise cancellation for commutes or flights, since the passive isolation is weak and the commute score in our database is the weakest area at 44.7 out of 100. If you do a lot of high-intensity interval training or running on rough terrain, the loose fit will drive you nuts, so look at the Soundcore P31i or a hook-style earbud instead. Audiophiles and anyone who cares about detailed sound should also pass, as the 6mm drivers and basic tuning won't satisfy critical listening. For better sound and mic quality in a similar price range, the Sony WI-C100 is worth a look if you can live with a neckband.

Should you buy the JLab GO Air POP? If you want true wireless earbuds for under $25 and don't care about ANC, yes. They're reliable, the battery lasts long enough for a full workday plus a workout, and the connectivity is genuinely impressive for the price. The sound won't blow you away, but the EQ presets let you nudge it toward your preference, and the IPX4 rating means you don't have to baby them at the gym.

But if you're picky about fit or sound, or you want something that stays locked in during high-intensity training, you'll probably outgrow these quickly. The shallow fit and average mic are the main trade-offs. For most people who just need cheap, dependable earbuds for podcasts, calls, and casual listening, the GO Air POP is an easy recommendation.