There’s a familiar story many of us share: the endless, frustrating quest for a pair of true wireless earbuds that don’t break the bank. We’ve all been there—scouring product pages, reading conflicting reviews, and ultimately taking a gamble on a cheap pair only to be met with disappointment. The sound is tinny, the battery dies halfway through a commute, one earbud mysteriously stops pairing, and the fit feels like a constant battle against gravity. This cycle of buying, breaking, and replacing isn’t just a drain on our wallets; it’s a barrier to enjoying our music, podcasts, and calls on the go. Finding a reliable audio companion that delivers on its promises without demanding a premium price feels like searching for a needle in a haystack, but our exhaustive testing suggests that haystack might have just gotten a lot smaller.
- 🎶AUTO ON & CONNECT: The Go Pop+ True Wireless earbuds turn on and connect to each other automatically. Just take them out of their USB charging case for seamless, hassle-free connection. Then just...
- 🤏 SMALLER FIT EARBUDS: Smaller than a credit card, the Go Pop+ buds case fits in your pocket and the Bluetooth earbuds are our smallest yet; 15% smaller and 40% lighter with the small case, than...
- 📱🔊 CUSTOM SOUND: Download the JLab app to tailor your listening experience further. Control touch functions, adjust Be Aware settings, and personalize sound preferences with EQ presets including...
What to Consider Before Buying In-Ear Headphones
A pair of Earbud & In-Ear Headphones is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for integrating audio seamlessly into our lives. They offer the freedom to move without tangled wires, whether we’re navigating a crowded subway, pushing through a tough workout at the gym, or taking a hands-free call while multitasking. The primary benefit is liberation—from the constraints of cables and the noise of the outside world. A good pair can transform a mundane commute into a private concert, a workout into a motivated session, and a busy home office into a focused workspace. They are personal sound bubbles that we can take anywhere, enhancing our daily routines with a soundtrack of our choosing.
The ideal customer for a product like the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime is someone who values practicality, performance, and price in equal measure. This includes students who need reliable audio for online classes and study sessions, daily commuters, fitness enthusiasts who need a secure fit that can handle sweat, and anyone who’s prone to losing things and shudders at the thought of misplacing a $200 pair of earbuds. It’s for the pragmatic user who wants 90% of the premium experience for 20% of the cost. Conversely, this product might not be suitable for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity, lossless audio reproduction or business professionals who require a best-in-class microphone for critical conference calls in noisy environments. Those users might consider high-end models with advanced codecs and multi-mic noise cancellation arrays.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Comfort: This is arguably the most critical factor. Poorly fitting earbuds are not only uncomfortable but also produce thin, lifeless sound because they can’t create a proper seal. Look for products that include multiple sizes of silicone or foam ear tips. The earbuds’ physical size and weight also matter; a lighter, more compact design, like the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime, is less likely to cause ear fatigue over long listening sessions.
- Battery Life & Performance: Pay attention to two numbers: the playtime per charge for the earbuds themselves and the total playtime including the charging case. A good benchmark is 5-7 hours in the buds and over 24 hours total. For performance, consider the driver type and any sound customization options, like EQ presets, which allow you to tailor the audio to your personal preference, whether you love booming bass or crisp, clear vocals.
- Build Quality & Durability: Most earbuds are made of plastic, but the quality can vary. Look for a solid feel in both the buds and the case hinge. Critically, check for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, such as IPX4 or higher. This indicates resistance to sweat and light rain, making the earbuds a far more durable choice for workouts or all-weather use.
- Connectivity & Ease of Use: Modern earbuds should feature at least Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable, efficient connection. Features like touch controls, automatic pairing when you open the case, and the ability to use either earbud independently (Dual Connect) significantly enhance the user experience. Also, consider the charging method—while USB-C is standard, some designs offer unique solutions that can be either a convenience or a hassle depending on your setup.
While the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【Sports Comfort & IPX7 Waterproof】Designed for extended workouts, the BX17 earbuds feature flexible ear hooks and three sizes of silicone tips for a secure, personalized fit. The IPX7 waterproof...
- 2-in-1 Charging Case and Phone Stand: Enjoy hands-free viewing without the hassle. Simply open the back panel of the case, place your phone on the stand, and catch up on your favorite shows—watching...
- [Ultra Lightweight and Compatible for Small Ear] The surface and Angle of A1 earbuds in-ear part have been polished and refined repeatedly to achieve a balance between beauty and comfort and make it...
First Impressions: A Tiny Case with a Big Secret
Unboxing the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime is a refreshingly straightforward affair. The packaging is minimal, containing the essentials: the charging case with the earbuds nestled inside, two extra sets of silicone ear tips (small and large, with the medium pre-installed), and a quick-start guide. The first thing that struck us was the size. Both the earbuds and the case are impressively tiny and lightweight—JLab claims they’re 15% smaller and 40% lighter than their predecessor, and it shows. The case fits effortlessly into the small coin pocket of a pair of jeans.
Picking up the case, we immediately noticed its most talked-about feature: the integrated USB-C charging cable. It’s a short, sturdy cord that tucks neatly into a channel on the bottom of the case. Our initial reaction was mixed—a brilliant solution to the “forgot my cable” problem, yet potentially limiting. The earbuds themselves feel well-constructed for their price point. They are made of a matte black plastic that resists fingerprints and feature a subtle JLab logo that doubles as the touch-sensitive control surface. Pairing was instantaneous with our Android phone, thanks to Google Fast Pair, and equally simple with our iPhone. They arrived with a substantial charge, allowing us to dive right into testing, a small but appreciated touch that many users also noted with satisfaction.
Key Benefits
- Phenomenal total battery life of 35+ hours
- Excellent sound quality for the price with customizable EQ3 Sound
- Extremely compact, lightweight, and comfortable design
- Modern Bluetooth 5.3 for a fast and stable connection
- Integrated USB-C charging cable means you’ll never be without it
Potential Drawbacks
- Integrated USB-C cable is a male connector, limiting charging options without an adapter
- Built-in microphone quality is mediocre for phone calls in noisy environments
Deep Dive: Analyzing the JLab Go Air Pop+ Performance
A budget price tag often implies significant compromises. To see if that held true, we put the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime through weeks of rigorous daily use, from long work sessions and gym workouts to noisy commutes and relaxed listening at home. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how they performed.
All-Day (and All-Week) Power: Deconstructing the 35+ Hour Battery Life
The headline feature of these earbuds is the staggering 35+ hours of total playtime, and we’re thrilled to report that this is not an exaggeration. The buds themselves are rated for over 9 hours on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 26+ hours. In our testing, this translated to real-world performance that redefines expectations for a budget product. We started a Monday morning with both the buds and case fully charged. After using them for an average of 3 hours per day during commutes and work, we didn’t need to plug the case in until the following week. This is a game-changer for anyone who regularly forgets to charge their devices. One user confirmed our experience, stating that after a full week of daily use, their phone still reported the battery as “full.” This level of endurance removes charging anxiety entirely. For travelers, students, or anyone with a busy lifestyle, the ability to grab the case and know you have days, if not a week, of listening time is an incredible advantage that products costing five times as much often can’t match. The exceptional battery performance is, without a doubt, its most impressive feat.
Sound That Punches Far Above Its Price: EQ3 and Audio Fidelity
Let’s be clear: these aren’t audiophile-grade earbuds. But for their price, the sound quality is nothing short of exceptional. Out of the box, they default to “JLab Signature” mode, which provides a V-shaped sound profile with boosted bass and treble. It’s a fun, energetic sound that works well for pop, rock, and electronic music. Where the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime truly shines is with its EQ3 Sound, easily cycled by triple-tapping an earbud. The “Balanced” mode flattens the curve, offering a more neutral and clear presentation that’s perfect for podcasts, audiobooks, and acoustic tracks. The “Bass Boost” mode does exactly what it says, adding a satisfying low-end thump for hip-hop and dance music without becoming overly muddy. This onboard customization is a feature rarely seen at this price. We found the audio to be surprisingly detailed, powered by their 6mm balanced armature drivers that deliver crisp mids and highs. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, one of whom claimed they “beat out my air pods” in sound quality, while another called it “top tier” for the price. Furthermore, achieving a good seal with the included tips provides excellent passive noise isolation. As one happy customer at an office noted, they couldn’t hear coworkers calling their name from the next cubicle over, demonstrating just how effective the sound isolation can be.
Designed for Life on the Go: Fit, Comfort, and Everyday Usability
JLab’s focus on a smaller, lighter design pays huge dividends in comfort. These earbuds are feather-light at just 0.3 grams each and sit snugly in the ear without protruding. During our tests, which included brisk walks and jogging, they remained securely in place, never feeling like they were about to fall out. Finding the right fit is key, and the inclusion of three tip sizes makes this easy. The touch controls are responsive, handling play/pause, volume, track skipping, and EQ changes reliably once you learn the tap combinations. However, we can confirm one user’s feedback that they are quite sensitive; we accidentally paused music a few times just by adjusting the fit. A standout feature for usability is the “Be Aware Mode.” Activated with a triple tap, it uses the built-in microphones to pipe in ambient sound, allowing you to hear traffic, announcements, or a conversation without removing the earbuds. This is an essential safety feature for runners and city dwellers, and as one user who discovered it by accident exclaimed, it’s a “pleasantly surprising” and highly useful addition. The combination of secure fit, light weight, and situational awareness makes these buds a fantastic companion for an active lifestyle, and you can see all the available colors and styles to match your own.
The Double-Edged Sword: Connectivity and That Integrated Charging Cable
Connectivity is flawless. The use of Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a rock-solid, low-latency connection. We experienced no dropouts while walking around our office with our phone left on the desk. The Dual Connect feature, which lets you use either earbud independently while the other charges, worked seamlessly. However, the most divisive feature of the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime is its charging system. The integrated male USB-C connector is a stroke of design genius for some and a source of frustration for others. On one hand, you can never lose or forget your charging cable. You can plug it directly into a modern laptop, a power bank, or a USB-C charging brick. We found this incredibly convenient. On the other hand, as multiple users passionately pointed out, it’s not a standard female port. You cannot use any of the dozens of USB-C cables you likely already own. To charge it from a traditional USB-A wall adapter, you’ll need a different adapter. This design choice drastically polarizes opinion, and it’s something potential buyers must be aware of. It’s a bold move that prioritizes one type of convenience over universal compatibility, and whether it’s a pro or a con depends entirely on your existing tech ecosystem.
What Other Users Are Saying
After analyzing dozens of real user reviews, a clear consensus emerges. The overwhelming majority of buyers are astounded by the value offered by the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime. One user sums up the general sentiment perfectly, saying, “Honestly for the price you’re getting something real good here!” Many, like the self-proclaimed “ADHD girlie,” praise them as the perfect affordable, good-quality headphones that aren’t a financial catastrophe if lost. The stellar battery life and surprisingly robust sound quality are consistent points of praise.
However, the feedback isn’t universally positive, and the criticisms are just as consistent. The two most common complaints center on the integrated male USB-C charger and the microphone quality. One frustrated user wrote, “these ‘geniuses’ decided to use the MALE USB-C connector instead of the female which means you can’t plug it into any cord you have.” Another user confirmed our findings on call quality, stating, “when it comes to taking a call, your caller will hear your background noise more than they hear you.” This feedback is crucial: if your primary use case is taking important calls in busy places, you may want to look elsewhere. For music and media consumption, however, users agree they are an incredible bargain.
How Does the JLab Go Air Pop+ Compare to the Alternatives?
While the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime dominates its price bracket, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other options with different strengths.
1. Apple EarPods USB-C Wired Earbuds
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style...
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
For those who prioritize absolute reliability and simplicity over wireless freedom, the Apple EarPods with USB-C are a classic choice. There are no batteries to charge, no Bluetooth pairing to worry about, and the microphone quality for calls is consistently clear. They offer a direct, plug-and-play solution, particularly for users within the Apple ecosystem. However, you sacrifice the immense convenience of wireless movement, making them less ideal for the gym or active use. They are a great pick for someone who needs a dependable pair of earbuds for their desk or for travel and never wants to worry about battery life again.
2. TAGRY True Wireless Earbuds 60H Playback Waterproof
- LED Power Display and 60H Playback: Dual digital LED power display outside of the case is to show the power level for charging case and earbuds. When charging for the case, the LED light will start to...
- Wireless Charging and IPX5 Waterproof: The charging case of these bluetooth earbuds support wireless charging and USB C cable charging. These wireless headphones are rating at IPX5 waterproof, the...
- One-Step Pairing and Easy Touch Control: TAGRY X08 bluetooth earphones adopts hall switch. After first connection, these wireless earphones will connect with your device once you open the charging...
The TAGRY earbuds compete directly with JLab in the budget wireless category, attempting to beat them on pure specs. They boast an even longer 60-hour total playback time and feature a charging case with a convenient LED digital display that shows the exact battery percentage of the case and each earbud. They also come with an IPX5 waterproof rating. While these features are compelling on paper, the TAGRY may not have the same level of audio tuning and brand reputation as JLab. These are an excellent alternative for the user who is obsessed with metrics—valuing the absolute longest battery life and the clarity of a digital display above all else.
3. Jxrev Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.4 40H Playback IP7 Waterproof
- 13mm dynamic speakers for a richer audio experience and ENC noise cancelling for clearer call: The larger driver delivers the Hi-Fi stereo sound with crisp, clear high notes and deep, rich bass. So...
- Small size, big possibilities: 3g single earbud, pocket design charging case with LED power display, and 40H playtime: The wireless ear buds feature a portable design and an improved LED display that...
- Bluetooth 5.4, simple and high-speed automatic connection with your iOS or Android devices: With the improved Bluetooth technology, our noise cancelling earbuds can transmit devices' signals quickly...
The Jxrev earbuds are another strong budget competitor that focuses on durability and the latest technology. Their key advantages are an upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 chip, promising an even more stable connection, and a robust IP7 waterproof rating, which means they can be fully submerged in water. This makes them a superior choice for swimmers or anyone who frequently gets caught in heavy rain. While their 40-hour playback is slightly higher than JLab’s, the main reason to choose the Jxrev is for its superior water and sweat protection, making it the go-to option for intense athletes or outdoor adventurers on a budget.
Our Final Verdict: Should You Buy the JLab Go Air Pop+?
After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds 35H Playtime represents one of the best values in personal audio today. They shatter the long-held belief that affordable earbuds must come with crippling compromises. The battery life is simply phenomenal, the sound quality is rich and customizable, and the compact, comfortable design makes them a joy to use every day. They get the core fundamentals of a great wireless earbud experience so right that it’s easy to forgive their flaws.
Yes, the integrated charging cable is a polarizing design choice, and the microphone is not suitable for professional calls. But for the vast majority of users—students, commuters, gym-goers, and budget-conscious music lovers—these drawbacks are vastly outweighed by the sheer performance and convenience on offer. If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that deliver marathon battery, surprisingly great sound, and a worry-free user experience without emptying your wallet, your search is over. We wholeheartedly recommend them as a top-tier choice in the budget category. To experience this incredible value for yourself, you can check the current price and user reviews right now.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API