The JLab Go Pop ANC wireless earbuds have shaken the market by offering active noise cancellation (ANC) at an unbeatable price. At less than $30, these earbuds deliver solid sound quality, impressive noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, making them a top contender in the ultra-budget category. Here’s an in-depth look at why these affordable earbuds are so popular.
Pros
- Incredible low price
- Solid ANC performance
- Energetic bass and treble
Cons
- Basic design and cheap feel
- Mids could be more pronounced
- Limited color options
JLab Go Pop ANC Review: Price and Availability
At just $29.99 in the US, the JLab Go Pop ANC is easily one of the most affordable noise-cancelling earbuds available. They launched in the US on October 15 and are expected to hit UK and Australian markets by early 2025, with prices around £29.99 and AU$69.99, respectively.
Available in three color options—Black, Fuchsia, and Teal—these earbuds offer variety, but if you’re not into bold colors, the Black option is likely your best bet.
JLab Go Pop ANC Review: Key Features
One of the standout features of the JLab Go Pop ANC is its surprising ability to deliver noise cancellation at such a low price. While it doesn’t offer total silence, the ANC does an excellent job of muting background noise, making it ideal for use in busy environments or during commutes. These earbuds also come with a customizable app, which is rare for this price point.
In the app, you can adjust touch controls for play/pause, volume, EQ settings, and even select music or movie modes. The app also allows you to toggle between full noise cancellation and the “Be Aware” mode, which lets in more ambient sound for safer listening when you’re out and about.
JLab Go Pop ANC Review: Sound Quality
The JLab Go Pop ANC delivers a satisfying audio experience for budget earbuds. Bass and treble are energetic, although the mids could be stronger, especially when listening to vocal-heavy content like podcasts. The narrow soundstage might disappoint audiophiles, but for casual listeners, the bass has a solid punch, and there’s minimal distortion even at higher volumes.
During testing with various music tracks like I Want You by Moloko, the earbuds delivered a punchy, lively sound, especially in the low-end frequencies. However, if you’re looking for intricate instrumental separation or high-fidelity sound, these earbuds may fall short. Still, for the price, they outperform many competitors.
JLab Go Pop ANC Review: Comfort and Design
With a lightweight build of just 4.1 grams per bud, the JLab Go Pop ANC are comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without any irritation. Their compact size also makes them easy to carry, and the IP55 water resistance rating means they can handle sweat and light rain, making them a good option for workouts.
The design, however, could be a bit better. While functional, the plastic casing and JLab logo give off a budget vibe. The color options, particularly the Fuchsia and Teal, aren’t the most stylish either, though the classic Black version offers a more subdued look.
JLab Go Pop ANC Review: Battery Life
With up to 24 hours of total battery life (including the charging case) and seven hours of continuous playback per earbud with ANC on, these earbuds offer excellent battery life for the price. This means you can easily get through a full workday without needing to recharge, which is a major plus for anyone who’s constantly on the move.
JLab Go Pop ANC Review: Value for Money
Without a doubt, the JLab Go Pop ANC shines in the value department. It’s rare to find earbuds that offer ANC, customizable features, and decent sound quality for under $30. The combination of affordability and solid performance makes these an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice too much in terms of quality.
Should You Buy the JLab Go Pop ANC?
Buy them if:
- You want affordable noise-canceling earbuds: With ANC priced at just $29.99, the JLab Go Pop ANC are a steal, offering features typically found in higher-priced models.
- You prefer small, lightweight earbuds: These buds are incredibly compact and lightweight, making them perfect for extended wear.
Don’t buy them if:
- You’re an audiophile: The sound quality, while good for the price, won’t satisfy users seeking rich, detailed audio with a wide soundstage.
- You care about fashion-forward design: The basic look and plastic finish may not appeal to those who prioritize aesthetics over functionality.
JLab Go Pop ANC Review: Conclusion
The JLab Go Pop ANC delivers exceptional value, with a surprising amount of features packed into a budget-friendly package. Whether you’re looking for a backup pair of earbuds, something to use on your commute, or just want a budget option with noise cancellation, these are a fantastic choice. For the price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better in terms of ANC performance and overall quality.