Upon gazing at the JLab JBuds Mini, your initial pondering will revolve around their remarkable compactness. Subsequently, you’ll marvel at their ability to encompass an array of features within their modest price point.
Advantages:
- Exceptionally petite in size.
- Boasts practical attributes, such as multipoint connectivity.
- Offers customizable sound profiles.
Drawbacks:
- Support for codecs is somewhat restricted.
- Quick charge functionality is rather modest in capacity.
JLab JBuds Mini Review
| Size and Portability | Impressively Compact |
|---|---|
| The JLab JBuds Mini earbuds are remarkably small, 30% smaller than their predecessor, Go Air Pop, and the case is 50% smaller. | This diminutive size makes them exceptionally portable, and the added keyring attachment ensures you won’t misplace them. |
| Performance and Features | Budget-Friendly Excellence |
|---|---|
| These earbuds, priced at just $39.99 / £39.99, offer impressive value for their cost. | While codec support is somewhat limited, they excel with Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, customizable settings through the JLab app, and a Be Aware mode to compensate for the lack of active noise cancellation. |
| Durability and Battery Life | Resilient and Sufficient |
|---|---|
| With an IP55 rating, they can handle sweaty workouts. | The quick charge feature, providing one hour of playtime in 15 minutes, is decent. The compact charging case offers a total of 20 hours of playback. |
| Design and Comfort | Sleek and Discreet |
|---|---|
| The JLab JBuds Mini is not only compact but also stylish. | A wider range of skin tone options would be a welcome addition, as they blend seamlessly with your appearance. |
| Pricing and Availability | Affordable Worldwide |
|---|---|
| Released in September 2023, these earbuds are competitively priced at $39.99 / £39.99 and available in Europe, the UK, and the USA. | They come in five colors, with the black variant likely to see early discounts. |
| Competition | Choosing Wisely |
|---|---|
| JLab competes with its own Go Air Pop, priced at $20 / £20 but slightly larger. | For those seeking active noise cancellation, the EarFun Air Pro 3 is a bulkier yet viable alternative. |
JLab JBuds Mini Review: Specifications
- Drivers: 6mm
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- Battery Life: 5.5 hours per earbud, up to 20 hours with the charging case
- Weight: 3.3g per earbud, 18.5g charging case
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
- Waterproofing: IP55
JLab JBuds Mini Review: Features
JLab JBuds Mini, despite their tiny size, offer several notable features. Multipoint support allows simultaneous connection to two devices, a feature lacking in some pricier earbuds.
You can opt for single-earbud use, and the Be Aware mode enhances situational awareness, useful for staying vigilant in your surroundings. While there’s no active noise cancellation, their snug fit provides better passive noise isolation than expected.
The JLab app enables EQ adjustments with preset options and custom settings. While not immediately necessary, it adds versatility.
The seamless connectivity ensures the JLab JBuds Mini are always ready, even when you only need one earbud by your side. These subtle conveniences make them a compelling choice.
Battery Life
The JLab JBuds Mini offers typical earbud battery life, delivering approximately 5.5 hours on a single charge, with a total of 20 hours when the charging case is factored in.
Quick charge support is available, although it’s not particularly robust. A 15-minute charge provides an additional hour of playback, which is adequate but not extraordinary.
These aspects collectively earn the JLab JBuds Mini a solid 4 out of 5 for battery life.
JLab JBuds Mini: Sound Quality
- Adaptable EQ
- Effective noise isolation
- Energetic sound
The JLab JBuds Mini excel at noise isolation, exceeding expectations given their size and price. They offer vibrant sound, and while not overpowering, the bass is lively. The soundstage is unexpectedly broad, even with standard codecs. Vocal clarity is consistent, although dance-heavy tracks may lose some oomph.
Design
- Exceptionally compact
- Convenient keyring attachment
- Touch-sensitive earbud surface
The JLab JBuds Mini’s small size and keyring accessory make them ideal for portability. They snugly fit in your ears without discomfort during prolonged use. On-earbud controls are sensitive, a double-edged sword, as mistaps can occur easily.
Value
- Affordable
- Abundance of essential features
Despite the plasticky case, the JLab JBuds Mini offer budget-friendly pricing and essential features. They compete well with bulkier rivals like the EarFun Air Pro 3 and Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0.
Should I Buy the JLab JBuds Mini?
Buy them if:
- Portability is paramount
- You’re on a budget
- You appreciate cute design
Don’t buy them if:
- You crave heavy bass
- You require active noise cancellation
- You tend to misplace small items
Also Consider
| JLab JBuds Mini | JLab Go Air Pop | Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 6mm | 6mm | 6mm |
| Active noise cancellation | No | No | No |
| Battery life | 5.5 hours per bud, up to 20 hours with case | 8 hours per bud, up to 32 hours with case | 10 hours via earbuds, up to 70 hours with the case |
| Weight | 3.3g per bud, 18.5g case | 3.7g per bud | 99g |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C | Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Waterproofing | IP55 | N/A | IPX7 |
These concise evaluations paint a comprehensive picture of the JLab JBuds Mini’s sound quality, design, value, and what to consider before purchasing.
