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Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I tested these $36 earbuds and now every other pair of budget earbuds are ruined for me
I'm going to start this nice and simple: the JLab Go Pods ANC earbuds are, hands down, the best earbuds you can get at this price. There's no doubt in my mind. The Go Pods ANC may be just $36/£29, but they perform like a pair of $99 earbuds. I know that doesn't sound like a massive deal, but be assured that most sub-$40 earbuds sound like… well, they sound like garbage. The JLab Go Pods ANC actually sound phenomenal for the price, with loud bass and non-tinny mids. No, they're not going to give Bose a run for its money, but for $36? These earbuds are by far the best bang-for-buck buds out there. I'll talk about everything in detail in this JLab Go Pods ANC review. Price $36 / £29 Connectivity Bluetooth 5.4 ANC Yes Durability IP66 Battery 26 hrs Weight 2.5 ounces Dimensions 5.5 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches Colors Lilac, black, sage Compatibility iOS, Android The JLab Go Pods ANC are some of the cheapest earbuds I've ever tested. They're just $36 on Amazon U.S. and £29 on Amazon U.K., making them $13 cheaper than the second-cheapest earbuds I've ever tested, the EarFun Air 2. EarFun is probably JLab's closest competitor here: the EarFun Air 2 NC earbuds are $69 and the Air Pro 4 are $99. Even though the EarFun models are crazy affordable, the performance and price of the Go Pods ANC just blow them out of the water. Other budget options are Soundcore's offerings, like the Soundcore Liberty 5s ($129) and the P20i buds ($39). The P20i earbuds are just $3 pricier than the JLab offering, but they don't have ANC. They're often on sale for around $20. In terms of baseline performance for price, the JLab Go Pods ANC blow the competition out of the water. I love when earbuds come in fun colors, and if you do too, you'll be pleased to know that the JLab Go Pods ANC are available in lilac, dark sage, and the more standard black. I tested the lilac shade and I was obsessed — it's so pretty!The charging case is quite plasticky, though, as are the buds themselves, but I don't think this is a major issue considering they're just $36. The lid of the charging case feels very stable. One of the most unique features is that the USB-C charging cable is built into the case itself. Now, I don't know how to feel about this. On the one hand, it's great that I'm never going to forget my charger again. Yet… on the other hand, I always carry a USB-C cable with me anyway (for my phone), and I know how volatile charging cables are. If that cable breaks, does that mean I have to buy a whole new set of earbuds? Well, seeing as some charging cables (by brands like Anker) can go for $10 on Amazon, I'm technically just spending $16 on the earbuds. Right? Hm. Anyway… JLab has a 2-year warranty anyway so this shouldn't be an issue in the long term. I like pretty much everything about the Go Pods ANC, except… Oh, they're kind of uncomfortable for long periods of wear. It's a massive shame, because I love everything about these earbuds. Except for this one thing. Why is the nozzle so big? Listen, I didn't think I had particularly small ears until I started testing earbuds. But for some reason, I evidently have tiny ears, or every manufacturer is just making massive earbuds for no reason. The nozzle of the Go Pods ANC is 2 ½ millimeters, so about 0.5mm longer than the AirPods Pro 2. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but considering it's about 25% larger, it feels like a lot on my cartilage. I gave the earbuds to my boyfriend to try and he said they were a little uncomfortable, but nothing major. This doesn't seem to be a JLab issue, though: the EarFun earbuds I've tried suffer from the same problem. I think it's a budget earbud issue: if you have really small ears but want to stick to a low budget, I'd recommend the JLab JBuds Mini, which I'm also testing as we speak. It brings me great pleasure to announce that the JLab Go Pods ANC have multipoint connectivity. This is majorly refreshing to see on a pair of budget earbuds. Connecting is easy: you just have to connect to the first device, turn off Bluetooth, connect to the second, turn on Bluetooth on the first device, and you're good to go. Unfortunately, the Go Pods ANC have no wear detection, but this is an acceptable sacrifice for a pair of $36 earbuds. They do stop playing when you place them in the charging case. Most budget earbuds (EarFun, Soundcore) have a waterproof rating of IPX5-IPX7, but the Go Pods ANC have an IP rating of IP66. This means the buds are protected against particles (so think dust, sand) as well as water. This is a really impressive IP rating for a $36 pair of earbuds. Actually, the existence of any features at all is impressive. Custom EQ, durability rating, multipoint connectivity… these are all features I would expect on a $50+ pair of earbuds. If they're present on a pair of $36, that's a bonus. Obviously there are no hi-res streaming codecs like aptX or LDAC, but I don't mind. For just $36, I'm happy with whatever I'm given. In the case of the Go Pods ANC, the EQ, durability, multipoint, and touch controls that actually work, are more than enough to please me. On top of my daily listening, I tested the JLab Go Pods ANC by listening to a range of genres on Qobuz, our best streaming service for audiophiles. I listened using the custom EQ, which you can read more about in the 'App' section below. I listened to 'Pockets' by Panic Shack, which is a DIY punk track. The stereo guitar riffs were prominent without overpowering the rhythm section of the track, and the bass was loud, albeit almost too loud. For a pair of $36 earbuds, though, I'm not complaining. Afterwards, I listened to 'In Degrees' and 'On the Luna' by Foals. 'In Degrees' has a looping synth section at the head of the track, with a house beat. While, yes, the bass was a little overpowering in some parts and a little anticlimactic in others, the Go Pods ANC performed considerably better than the Soundcore Liberty 5, which were too loud and quiet at the same time. 'On the Luna' has sharp synth peaks and a heavy bassline, and sounded surprisingly great through the Go Pods ANC. I found myself wanting more when the song finished. To give the Go Pods ANC a fair test, I switched up the genre next. I went for electronic with 'Slow Burner (Effy Remix)' by Interplanetary Criminal, which is an atmospheric, ethereal UKG track. The synth notes were loud and the percussion was impactful without being tinny, and I was really impressed. 'Tir Ha mor' by Gwenno is a folk-pop-indie track (sung entirely in the Cornish Celtic language, which is very cool), with twinkling keys and a dreamy soft vocal. While I wanted the bass to be a tiny bit louder, there was no tinniness, even in the glistening percussion. Tinniness is usually the main symptom of cheap earbuds, but in the Go Pods ANC's case, there's none of that whatsoever. For some bassy sass, I listened to 'Von Dutch' by Charli xcx. The bass was pumping and the drums were layered, albeit the tiniest bit tinny at the top of the treble (but I know this song well, and that's also a stylistic choice). Lastly, I played 'Cobra' by Megan Thee Stallion, which has a nu-metal guitar riff layered over a hip-hop beat. The vocals were clear and the production was deep, although I did long for a touch more bass. This could be easily rectified by adjusting the EQ, though. I definitely recommend playing around with the EQ settings in JLab's app based on what genres you commonly listen to. On the whole, though? Wow, I can't tell that these earbuds are so cheap. I would believe me if you told me they were $99. Obviously, they're not going to defeat the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in a battle to the death, but they can definitely hold their own. As I wrote above, the ANC is a little vacuum-like. However, it did a fantastic job of drowning out environmental noise. I couldn't hear myself typing that loudly, and all of the seagulls screeching outside my apartment were pleasantly silenced (as they all should be, controversial opinion). I couldn't hear any traffic noise from the busy road outside my apartment, even when I was sitting on the balcony. I don't get public transport much (I am a big fan of walking), but, judging from the ANC performance around the city and in shops, I would have faith in the Go Pods ANC's ability to silence bus and train rides. If I have one qualm with the ANC, it's that the buds don't announce which ANC mode you're in. I mean, it's kind of obvious when you're in each mode, but I'd like to have the reassurance that I'm not just imagining the seagull noise, you know? I love the JLab app. It's so simple, clean, and easy to use. I would recommend downloading the app as soon as you unbox the earbuds and fiddle with the EQ to find a setting you like. Here's what I went for. If you want to get the best out of your earbuds, this is the EQ you'll want. In my humble opinion, anyway. The JLab app has a huge range of functions: you can activate movie or music mode, do a HIIT workout with the built-in interval timer, and customize touch controls. If you're concerned about hearing health, there's even a volume limiter. Yes, you can even choose from a selection of ambient soundscapes to relax. This app is actually so useful. I tested the Go Pods ANC's mic and call quality on a work call. My colleagues all reported that they could hear me perfectly, and the mic was pretty good. Although it wasn't the best call quality they'd ever heard, it was better than alternatives. JLab says there are 2 mics in each earbud, but doesn't specify if these mics are loaded with an environmental-noise-reducing AI algorithm. I don't think it needs it, though, as the quality was already great. The JLab Go Pods ANC have great battery life. Obviously, these earbuds aren't going head-to-head with the big guns in the audio industry, but just for comparison: Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have just 24 hours of battery. The battery life is one of my least favorite aspects of my beloved Apple earbuds. While other budget buds have better battery lives (the EarFun Air 2 and EarFun Air Pro 4 I mentioned earlier are 40 hours each, at $49 and $99 respectively), I'm really not complaining for $36. I tested these buds for over a week and haven't charged them yet. There's no competition whatsoever. I am not afraid to come out and say it with confidence: the JLab Go Pods ANC are the best super-cheap earbuds on the market. Nothing else compares. Yes, EarFun earbuds are good, but they're priced at around $50-$100. For $36 earbuds? Sheesh, it's the Go Pods ANC or bust. There's no question about it: Go Pods ANC take the crown in every this vs. that budget earbuds contest. The sound quality is mind-blowing for the price, and the premium features have no right to be this good. I think I've found my favorite super-budget earbuds forever. Any other budget earbuds I test in the future have a lot to live up to — I'm not jealous of them right now. The JLab Go Pods ANC are the best value earbuds out there, and I'll fight anyone who disagrees.
Gizmodo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
It's Not Free, but These Soundcore P20i Earbuds Now Cost Only $18 for Prime Day
Anker is one of those companies that has mastered the art of delivering quality in more than a single area, and it's renowned for creating passionate brands for each one of its niches. From Solix for power banks, Anker for chargers, to Soundcore for audio, the company has established itself as something that delivers terrific value at great prices. This Prime Day, Soundcore's P20i true wireless earbuds are available for a new all-time low price on Amazon, one of the cheapest audio upgrades you can get. Right now, you can get them for $18, down from their typical price of $39 (53% off). For less than $20, you get a pair of true wireless earbuds from a well-established brand, with features and audio quality that punch way above their weight. See at Amazon Both of the earbuds feature big 10mm drivers that deliver rich and bass-driven sound so you can immerse yourself in your playlists or phone calls. The sound is sharp and detailed with a listening experience that's really premium. You can tailor your listen with 22 EQ settings through the Soundcore app, tuning the sound to your taste. The app also enables personalization of the settings of individual earbuds and even locating a lost earbud through the 'Find My Earbuds' feature which rings the earbuds so it is not difficult to locate them. Regarding battery life, you can get up to 10 hours of playback from one charge while the mini charging case elevates overall battery life to 30 hours. If ever you run low on batteries, a quick 10-minute top-up gives you two hours of playtime so you never need to leave your music behind. The earbuds and case are lightweight and compact, and they're simple to slip into the pocket or clip onto your bag. Bluetooth 5.3 provides a solid and stable connection that makes pairing easy and effortless. The earbuds are also waterproof so rain and sweat won't interfere with your tunes. On phone calls, two mics per earbud and AI noise reduction ensure your voice is heard loud and clear despite ambient noise. If you're looking for great true wireless earbuds, the Soundcore P20i is the deal to grab this Prime Day. See at Amazon
Tom's Guide
09-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I've made a list of all the things more expensive than these $18 earbuds for Prime Day — like a movie ticket or a drink at a bar — and I'd much rather have these
If you're after a pair of buds and you don't want to spend loads of money, Prime Day might just have given you the perfect thing. The Soundcore P20i are a cheap pair of buds made even cheaper in the Prime Day sale. The P20i are now just $18 after a $20 discount at Amazon, making them some of the cheapest buds I've ever seen. If you want something inexpensive, these are the earbuds for you. Look, don't go expecting anything earth-shattering from the P20i — they're 20 bucks. They sound fine, they're comfortable, and offer loads and loads of battery. What more could you want for less than a movie ticket? The P20i are cheap. Like, cheap cheap. So I've made a list of things I didn't think would be more expensive to drive home just how little the P20i actually cost. Still need some evidence that these are some of the cheapest buds around? Well, you could get nearly 20 of them for the same price as the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. You could buy a pair of these a month for the next year 12 and 5 months and only just have spent as much as you would on a pair of WF-1000XM5 earbuds. Look, I can't sit here and tell you these are the best sounding, most comfortable buds I've ever worn. They're $20. I can tell you that you get something that's easily worth the price, and that you absolutely should pick a pair up if you're looking to get a new pair of buds and you don't want to spend loads of money. Can you get better buds for more money? Of course you can. But this Prime Day deal makes affording portable music even easier, and that can only be a win in my book. They're solid buds at an incredible price — what more could you want? There are plenty more deals to be had this Prime Day — make sure you check out our Prime Day live blog to make sure you're staying on top of all the latest sales and offers.
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Gizmodo
Soundcore by Anker Earbuds Drops to Near-Free Price Ahead of Memorial Day, 60K Reviews Say Yes
You don't need to spend a small fortune to get a decent pair of wireless earbuds these days, but with so many budget options flooding the market, it's kind of difficult to know which ones are actually worth buying. They all have a variety of different options that sound good on paper, and they're all at such different price points. While there are tons of different ways to go about solving this problem, one easy way is to grab a pair of Soundcore headphones or earbuds. In fact, if you don't want to wait around to find the best deal you can think of, we've already done the work for you. You can head to Amazon right now to get a pair of Soundcore by Anker P20i earbuds for $20, down from their usual price of $40. Thats's $20 off and a discount of 50%. See at Amazon Budget Earbuds At just $20, these buds tick lot of boxes that are usually reserved for more expensive models. The sound is driven by oversized 10mm drivers that deliver punchy bass and clear midrange detail, which is really more than you need, but still a great option for a workout. They support Bluetooth 5.3 for a fast and reliable connection, and pairing is as smooth as you'd hope. The battery offers up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, and its included charging case extends that to a total of 30 hours. That's nearly a week of commuting or gym sessions without needing to plug in. And if you're short on time, all you need is 10 minutes to charge up for the next time you plan to use them. They're IPX5-rated for water resistance, which means they're safe to use in light rain or sweaty workout sessions. And for calls, the dual-mic system uses AI to reduce background noise, so even in noisy environments, your voice comes through clearly. You can use the Soundcore app for a few extras too. There are customizable EQ presets and a 'Find My Earbuds' feature that comes in handy should you happen to forget your earbuds somewhere. And you already know how frustrating it can be to lose something as small as an earbud These Soundcore P20i offers outstanding value for the price (50% off). They're lightweight, dependable, and sound good enough to compete with earbuds twice their cost. If you're looking for an affordable upgrade or a solid backup pair, this is a deal that's hard to beat. Just $20 is an insane value, if you ask us. See at Amazon
Dublin Live
07-05-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Amazon slashing price of earbuds rated '9.8/10' but the deal won't last long
In a world where we're always on the move - from commutes to coffee runs, daily strolls to late-night podcasts - wireless earbuds have become an essential for Irish listeners. Whether you're taking work calls, tuning out with music on a packed Luas or powering through a gym session, having a pair that's comfortable, long-lasting and won't break the bank is key. That's why shoppers are raving about the Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, now available at an even lower price on Amazon's new Irish website. There is 20% off for a limited time - until Sunday, May 25, or while stocks last. Already a best-seller with over 57,000 mainly glowing reviews, the P20i earbuds are loaded with premium features at an unbeatable price. They deliver powerful bass and clear sound with 10mm oversized drivers and 22 EQ presets via the Soundcore app for a personalised listening experience. With 10 hours of playtime on a single charge and an additional 30 hours from the compact charging case, they're perfect for on-the-go use. (Image: A quick 10-minute charge gives you two hours of playtime, while their AI-enhanced clear calls ensure you're heard clearly. The lightweight, portable design with a lanyard makes them easy to carry, and the Find My Earbuds feature helps you track any lost earbuds, reports the Irish Mirror. Normally priced at €29.90, these earbuds are now available for just €23.92 thanks to the 20% off voucher. And with five colours to choose from, there's a set for every style. Comfort, sound and value are the buzzwords in the thousands of 5-star reviews from chuffed customers. One Irish buyer was over the moon, saying: "Best BUDGET earbuds I've gotten, 100% recommended for those who want the best quality for a good price. The sound quality is amazing... They fit perfectly and don't fall off when running. I would give these earbuds a 9.8/10 for the price, and 9.2/10 for quality." Another Irish shopper couldn't contain their enthusiasm, simply stating: "Great is all I can say." A thrilled customer shared: "There's nothing more to say... A great product. Better, at this price, I doubt can be found. Very long battery life, great sound, they feel great both on calls and listening to music. Really a great buy." Another added: "Great headphones, I can't recommend them highly enough. For the price you pay for them, they're clear, good quality, you can use them on the phone and the voice and microphone is very clear. The sound quality is excellent and the battery life is pleasing too. It was weeks before I needed to charge them the first time. They fit well in my ears and are comfortable." And someone else chimed in with: "They are very comfortable and sound great. Clearly there are better quality ones but for the price they are worth they are very very good. They connect very easily and the battery lasts a lot. Highly recommended." Amazon shoppers have been raving about their finds, with one saying they're "surprisingly good and cheap headphones", another claiming they're "One of the best earphones I ever used, great sound" and a third expressing it's "a purchase that I don't regret making, exceeded my expectations". While most feedback is super positive, there's a customer who pointed out: "Comfortable, good quality sound, good quality charging case. My only note is that the charging cord is very short. Best quality for a reasonable price and I have tried many." Another buyer mentioned: "The only downside is that its case does not have a display, so you only know the condition by a small light that blinks more or less depending on the charge." This deal is vanishing after Sunday, May 25, or as soon as they're all snapped up. For more information or to buy, click here. Alternatively, Apple's ever-popular AirPods 4 are available from €149. Curry's also have €10 off the SONY WF-C510 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, which are now €49.99. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
