JLAB GO AIR POP Review 2024: Are These the Best Earbuds Under $25?

ONE MINUTE REVIEW – JLAB Go Air POP Review

Here’s a quick, 1-minute review for those who just want the highlights! If you want a deeper dive and more detailed thoughts, stick around for the rest of the blog post.

Sound Quality:

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• Solid for the price: After using the JLAB GO AIR POP for over a year, I can say the sound quality is fantastic for under $25.
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• Lacks a bit of bass: Sometimes the bass could be stronger, but overall it’s pretty impressive.
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• Occasional bugs: Every now and then, one earbud might stop working, which is pretty annoying but doesn’t happen often.
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• Volume control: One issue is that you can’t fine-tune the volume well. It’s either too soft or too loud with minimal adjustment in between.
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Fun fact: Did you know that over 70% of listeners value sound quality over brand when choosing earbuds? That’s why these hit the sweet spot at this price!

Hinge Durability:

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• Built to last: The hinge is still rock solid after over a year of daily use.
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• No rattling: It feels premium and doesn’t wobble at all.
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• Minor nitpick: It makes a bit of a loud click when you close it,but for $22, that’s no big deal!
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Price:

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• Incredibly affordable: Priced at just $24.99 on Best Buy, these earbuds dominate their price range, offering better sound and durability than 90% of the competition.
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If you’re looking for affordable earbuds that don’t sacrifice too much, the JLAB GO AIR POP might be your perfect match!

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• 8,4/10 Overall Score
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Comfort and Fit: Will They Stay Put?

When it comes to earbuds, finding the right fit is everything. The JLAB GO AIR POP earbuds come with three different ear tip sizes, which is awesome because everyone’s ears are different. Personally, I’ve had earbuds in the past that just wouldn’t stay in my ears, no matter how much I adjusted them. But with these, the variety of tips lets you pick the perfect size for a snug and comfy fit. The right size isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about getting the best sound. Fun fact: Did you know that poorly fitting earbuds can reduce sound quality by up to 30%? So, making sure they fit right is essential for both comfort and performance.

Speaking of comfort, I’ve worn these for hours on end, whether I’m studying, gaming, or just binge-watching YouTube, and they don’t start to feel uncomfortable. The soft silicone tips do a great job of staying gentle on your ears even after extended use. Some earbuds can feel like they’re digging into your ears after a while, but not these. If you plan on using them for long periods, you’ll definitely appreciate how comfortable they are, even if you’re wearing them all day.

Now, if you’re like me and enjoy running or biking, stability is just as important as comfort. These earbuds stay in place really well, even during exercise. I’ve had other cheap earbuds pop out every time I moved too much, which is super annoying. But with the GO AIR POP, once you find the right ear tip size, they sit securely. Whether you’re hitting the gym or just going for a walk, they stay put.

Here’s a quick comparison of how they stack up against others in this price range:

In this price range, the GO AIR POP really stands out. While some other budget earbuds might be a bit more expensive, they don’t always offer the same level of fit and stability. Whether you’re lounging at home or out for a jog, these earbuds are a solid choice for under $25.

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• Comfort and fit rating: 9/10
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Sound Quality: Punching Above Its Weight?

Let’s talk about sound quality, starting with the bass response. For earbuds under $25, the bass on the JLAB GO AIR POP’s are surprisingly solid. It’s not going to blow your mind if you’re used to high-end earbuds like a pair of Sony’s will. But, for this price, it packs a decent punch. I’ll admit, sometimes it can feel a bit meh, especially if you’re into bass-heavy music like EDM or hip-hop.

But overall, the bass doesn’t distort, and it holds up well for most music genres. Fun fact: Bass frequencies are usually the first to suffer in cheaper earbuds. So the fact that these hold their ground is pretty impressive.

Next up, the mids and highs. This is where these earbuds really shine. Vocals and instruments come through really clearly, and you can easily pick up on the little details in your music. Whether I’m listening to podcasts, watching videos, or just chilling to some acoustic tracks, the mids and highs are consistently strong. Some cheaper earbuds can sound muffled or muddy in this range, but the GO AIR POP delivers crisp, clear audio.

In terms of the overall sound signature, I’d say these are more balanced than you’d expect for the price. Sure, they don’t have the super-deep bass you might find in pricier models. But the clarity of the mids and highs make up for it.

They’re great for general listening and casual use, and they also don’t overpower any particular frequency range. This makes them versatile for different types of content, from music to podcasts.

So, how do they compare to pricier alternatives? Well, you get what you pay for, right? If you’re used to high-end earbuds like the AirPods Pro or Sony’s WF-1000XM4. Then you’ll notice the difference in bass depth and noise cancellation.

However, for casual listeners who don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars for some earbuds. Then the GO AIR POP holds its own pretty well and is overall a great option. They’re not trying to compete with premium earbuds, but they offer a solid listening experience for a fraction of the price.

Here’s a quick comparison of the sound quality across different price points:

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• Overall Sound Quality Rating: 8/10
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Durability: Can These Budget Buds Take a Beating?

When it comes to the build quality of the JLAB GO AIR POP, they’re honestly pretty impressive for earbuds in this price range. The materials feel durable, with a smooth, matte finish that makes them look and feel more expensive than they are.

The charging case is compact but sturdy, even after a year of tossing it into bags and dropping it many times. The hinge is also still intact, which is rare for budget earbuds. Sure, you’re not getting luxury materials, but for under $25, you get a surprisingly robust product.

While official stress testing results aren’t available, I’ve definitely put these earbuds through some personal stress tests. They’ve been dropped countless of times, gotten a little wet during rainy bike rides, and they’re still going strong.

The IPX4 rating also give them a decent amount of water resistance. So you won’t have to worry about sweat or light rain ruining them. Most budget earbuds tend to wear out quickly after heavy use, but these have been remarkably resilient.

Compared to other earbuds in this price range, the durability of the JLAB GO AIR POP stands out. I’ve had other cheap earbuds that barely made it past six months before the sound quality dipped or the charging case hinge broke. But the GO AIR POP has held up really well.

Most long-term user report a similar experience, with most users saying they’ve had barely any problems. All of them said that these buds have some solid durability, even after a few years of consistent use. While there are occasional issues like one earbud losing sound, it’s pretty rare.

On top of that, JLAB’s warranty and customer support are a huge plus. You get a 2-year warranty, which is almost unheard of at this price. And if you do run into any issues, their customer support is generally responsive and helpful. For budget earbuds, having a reliable warranty and support is a big game-changer. Especially considering that most competitors offer limited to no protection.

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• Overall Durability & Support Rating: 9/10
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Battery Life and Charging

Let’s start things off with the single charge duration of the JLAB GO AIR POP earbuds. On a full charge, these earbuds give you around 8 hours of continuous playtime! Which is super solid for budget earbuds. Most earbuds in this price range usually only last 4-5 hours before needing a recharge, so getting 8 hours is a real bonus.

It’s perfect for long listening sessions, whether you’re binge-watching your favorite show or going on a day trip. Fun fact: The average person spends about 4 hours a day using audio devices. Meaning these earbuds can last you almost two full days on just a single charge!

Now, let’s talk about the total playtime with the charging case. Including the case, the JLAB GO AIR POP can give you up to 32 hours of playtime. That means you can get three additional charges out of the case before you need to charge it.

The compact size of the case makes it super easy to carry around, so you’re never too far from an extra charge. For comparison, a lot of budget earbuds max out at 20-24 hours total playtime with their cases. Making these definitely on the higher end of the spectrum.

In terms of charging time and methods, the JLAB GO AIR POP comes with an integrated USB charging cable. Which I personally find super convenient because you don’t need to carry an extra cable around all the time.

It takes about 2 hours to fully charge both the earbuds and the case, which is pretty standard. Quick charging isn’t available, but for the price, that’s not too surprising. Still, the relatively short charging time means you won’t be waiting around too long before they’re ready to go again. However, these earbuds aren’t able to charge wirelessly. Which can be pretty important if you’re used to charging your buds with a wireless charger.

When you look at battery life compared to competitors, the GO AIR POP definitely holds its own. While some more expensive models like the Anker Soundcore Life P2 offer around 7 hours of playtime per charge and 40 hours total with the case. The GO AIR POP delivers close to the same for a much lower price. Many cheaper options often top out at 5 hours per charge, so getting 8 hours from these is a huge win for budget-conscious buyers.

Here’s a quick comparison of battery life across different earbuds:

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• Overall Battery Life Rating: 8.5/10
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Pros and Cons: The Good, The Bad, and The Budget-Friendly

Let’s start with the pros of the JLAB GO AIR POP earbuds. At their price point, these earbuds offer some seriously impressive features that make them a top pick for budget-conscious buyers. Here’s the quick list:

Pros:

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• Affordable price: At around $22, these earbuds are hard to beat in terms of value.
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• Good sound quality for the cost: While they may not compete with some higher-end models like AirPods or Sony’s. They do offer surprisingly solid audio for the price, with clear mids and highs.
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• Long battery life: 8 hours on a single charge and 32 hours total with the case is excellent. Especially consider these buds are in the budget category.
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• Durable build: The materials and sturdy case design make these earbuds more durable than most budget options.
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• Comfortable fit: With multiple ear tip sizes and a lightweight design, they’re extremely comfortable, even for extended use.
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• IPX4 water resistance: Perfect for light exercise or use in the rain without worrying about sweat or water damage.
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Of course, there are also some cons that you should consider:

Cons:

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• Lacks strong bass: The sound can feel a bit flat in the bass department. Especially if you prefer bass-heavy music like Hip-Hop or Dubstep.
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• No quick charge feature: While the battery life is great, there’s no option for quick charging. Which can be a bit of a drawback if you’re in a rush.
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• Limited volume control: The volume settings can feel a bit unbalanced, as it often jumps from too soft to quite loud without much in between.
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• Occasional connectivity issues: Some users report that one earbud may randomly lose connection, though this seems to happen infrequently.
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• Basic touch controls: While functional, the touch controls are a bit limited compared to more expensive models.
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Now, who are these earbuds best suited for? The JLAB GO AIR POP earbuds are ideal for students, casual listeners, and anyone on a budget really. If you’re looking for solid sound quality without dropping a bunch of cash, then these earbuds are perfect for you.

They’re also a great choice for commuters or gym-goers who want something affordable but reliable for everyday use. Plus, with their lightweight and comfortable design, they’re ideal for long listening sessions, whether you’re studying, working, or just chilling.

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• Overall Rating: 8/10
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Value for Money: How Do They Stack Up?

When diving into a comparison with other sub-$25 earbuds, the JLAB GO AIR POP stand out as a strong contender. There are many alternatives in this price range, like the Skullcandy Dime or Anker Soundcore Mini. However, most offer decent sound quality but often skimp on battery life or build quality.

For instance, the Skullcandy Dime has a more compact design but only provides about 4.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is significantly less than the GO AIR POP’s impressive 8 hours.

While the Anker Soundcore Life P2 might give a slightly better bass response, it typically retails closer to the €30 mark. Which makes it a less attractive option for budget buyers. Overall, the GO AIR POP excels in delivering a balanced sound profile and robust battery life, making it hard to ignore.

With this table, you can easily see how the JLAB GO AIR POP compares with other popular options in the same price range. It’s clear that while the GO AIR POP shines in terms of single charge duration and warranty. Other models may offer advantages like deeper bass or longer total playtime with their cases.

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• Overall Value For Money Rating: 8.5/10
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Jlab Go Air Pop Price Comparison:

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Jlab Go Air Pop Navy Blue

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n $24.99 on Amazonn

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no discount found

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Jlab Go Air Pop Lilac

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n $34.99 on Amazonn

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no discount found

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Jlab Go Air Pop Black

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n $24.99 on Best Buyn

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no discount found

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Jlab Go Air Pop Review – FAQ’s