JLab JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds, in Ear Review
The JLab Go Air Pop+ pack 35 hours of battery into a $25 package. We tested them to see if that's all you get, or if they're a genuine budget gem.
The 30-Second Version
For $25, the JLab Go Air Pop+ offer insane battery life and solid basics. Sound is decent, calls are mediocre, but you can't beat the value. If your budget is super tight, these are a no-brainer.
Overview
The JLab Go Air Pop+ are true wireless earbuds that cost about $25. For that price, you get a tiny case, Bluetooth 5.3, and a frankly ridiculous 35 hours of total battery life. They're aimed at folks who want a simple, no-fuss pair of buds for the gym or commute without spending a fortune.
They're not fancy. There's no active noise cancellation, just a basic noise isolation fit and a 'Be Aware' transparency mode. But they connect fast, have a companion app for some sound tweaking, and come in fun colors. It's a classic 'you get what you pay for' scenario, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Performance
Let's be real, at $25, expectations need to be set. The sound is decent for the price, landing in the 78th percentile in our database. The bass boost EQ preset is popular if you like a punchier low end. The mic quality is the weakest link, scoring in the 61st percentile, so calls are fine for quick chats but don't expect studio clarity. Battery life is the star here, hitting the 95th percentile. You'll get 9 hours from the buds and a total of 35 with the case, which is genuinely impressive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Battery life that puts pricier buds to shame. 98th
- Bluetooth 5.3 provides a stable, fast connection. 94th
- The tiny case is incredibly pocketable. 76th
- The JLab app lets you tweak EQ and controls. 74th
Cons
- Microphone quality is just okay for calls. 24th
- Some users find the fit can be tricky to get right.
- No active noise cancellation, only passive isolation.
- Touch controls can be finicky, especially with sweaty hands.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | True Wireless |
| Wearing Style | Rounded Tips |
| Ear Tips | s |
Audio
| Driver Type | Balanced Armature |
| Codecs | Microphone Included, Noise Isolation, Sweatproof, Volume Control |
Noise Control
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Wired Connector | Bluetooth |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 35 |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant |
Value & Pricing
For twenty-five bucks? It's a steal if your priorities are battery life and basic functionality. You're not paying for premium materials or cutting-edge tech, but you are getting a reliable set of buds that work. When the battery score is this high and the price is this low, it's hard to argue with the value proposition. Just don't buy them expecting $200 performance.
vs Competition
Stacked up, the Pop+ crushes on battery and price. The Nothing Ear (a) offers better sound and ANC for about twice the price, but less battery. The CMF Buds Pro 2 has more features like ANC and a smart dial, but again, costs more. The JBL Tune Buds 2 are a closer competitor in the budget space, often going for $50-$80 on sale. If your budget is absolutely locked at $30, the Pop+ is a frontrunner. If you can stretch to $50-$80, you open up a world of better sound and ANC from brands like Nothing and JBL.
| Spec | JLab JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds, in Ear | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Balanced Armature | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | 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 | 35 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | — | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: How is the call quality?
It's the weakest area. The mic is fine for quick calls in quiet places, but don't expect great clarity in noisy environments like a busy street.
Q: Do they have noise cancellation?
No active noise cancellation (ANC). They rely on a snug fit for passive noise isolation and have a 'Be Aware' mode to let ambient sound in.
Q: How's the fit for small ears?
JLab says the buds are 15% smaller than their previous model. They come with three tip sizes, so most people should find a fit, but comfort scores are average in our data.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if call quality is your top priority. The mic just isn't great. Also, if you need serious noise cancellation for flights or busy offices, you'll need to spend more on something like the Nothing Ear (a) or CMF Buds Pro 2.
Verdict
Buy these if you're on a tight budget, lose earbuds constantly, or just need a reliable backup pair with marathon battery life for the gym or travel. They're perfect for someone who thinks, 'I just need sound in my ears that doesn't die.'