JLab JLab - GO Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds - Slate Review
The JLab GO Air Pop delivers basic wireless audio for just $15. They're small, sweat-proof, and get the job done, but don't expect great sound or noise cancellation.
The 30-Second Version
For $15, you get small, functional wireless earbuds. Sound is average and there's no noise cancellation, but they work for calls and workouts. It's a solid buy if your budget is tight.
Overview
The JLab GO Air Pop is a budget-friendly set of wireless earbuds that gets the basics right. They're small, light, and come with a charging case that's smaller than a credit card. You get three EQ sound modes, touch controls, and IPX4 water resistance, which means they're fine for workouts or rainy walks.
Performance
Performance is squarely in the 'it works' category. The sound quality is middle of the pack, and there's no active noise cancellation, so you'll hear the world around you. The battery life is a weak spot compared to other buds, but the 8+ hours per bud and total 35+ hours is still plenty for most days. The mic and connectivity are solid, making them reliable for calls.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely affordable price. 97th
- Case and buds are very small and light. 75th
- You can use either earbud independently. 69th
- IPX4 rating makes them sweat and splash-proof.
Cons
- Sound quality is average. 17th
- No active noise cancellation. 34th
- Battery life lags behind most competitors.
- Build quality feels a bit cheap.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| Water Resistance | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At around $15, the value proposition is simple: you're getting functional wireless earbuds for peanuts. They do everything you'd expect from a basic pair, like playing music, handling calls, and surviving a workout. You're not getting premium sound or features, but for this price, it's a fair deal.
Price History
vs Competition
Compared to giants like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro, the GO Air Pop is in a totally different league. Those offer best-in-class sound and ANC, but cost over ten times more. Against other budget buds, the GO Air Pop's main draw is its tiny size and the ability to use one bud at a time. If you need better sound or battery, look at options from Anker or Soundcore around the $30-$40 mark.
| Spec | JLab JLab - GO Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds - Slate | Sony Sony - WF-1000XM6 Best Truly Wireless Noise | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation Apple - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Technics Technics - Premium HiFi True Wireless Earbuds with | Jabra Jabra - Evolve2 Earset - Stereo - USB Type C - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | True Wireless | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 12 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 12 | 25 | 18 | 16 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Yes | IPX4 | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | Water-Resistant | IP57 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: How good is the sound quality?
It's about average. You get three EQ modes (Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost) to tweak it, but it won't wow you compared to more expensive buds.
Q: Can I use just one earbud?
Yes, the DualConnect feature lets you use either the left or right bud independently, which is great for calls or listening while one ear is free.
Q: Are they good for running or gym workouts?
Yes, the IPX4 water resistance means they can handle sweat and light rain, and the small, light fit is comfortable for activity.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you care about sound quality or need to block out noise. The lack of ANC and mediocre audio scores mean commuters or audiophiles should look elsewhere. Also, if long battery life is critical, our data shows these lag behind most other options.
Verdict
Buy these if you need a cheap, no-fuss pair of earbuds for casual listening, calls, and light exercise. They're perfect as a backup set, for a kid, or if you just hate spending money on headphones. The tiny case is a nice bonus if you have tight pockets.