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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs JLab JBuds Air ANC: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) - Great overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling9.0
Battery7.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5
JLab JBuds Air ANC
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling4.5
Battery8.0
Calls5.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs JLab JBuds Air ANC
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)JLab JBuds Air ANC
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$125$70
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great66 / 100 · Good
Released20222021
Audio
Driverdynamicdynamic neodymium
Driver size11 mm12 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance16 Ω28 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW104 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.2
Bluetooth version5.35.2
CodecsSBC, AACAAC, SBC
Multipoint pairingNoNo
Latency-200 ms
Wireless range-9.14 m
Battery
Battery life-40 h
Battery life (ANC on)-24 h
Battery incl. case30 h40 h
Full charge time-120 min
Quick charge-15 min = 1 h
Wireless chargingYesNo
Features
Active noise cancelling-Yes
ANC typeadaptivehybrid
Transparency modeYesYes
Companion appYesNo
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionYesNo
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSiriYes
Design
Weight10.6 g5 g
Case weight50.8 g55 g
Water resistanceIP54none
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNoNo
USB-CYesNo
Calls
Microphones-6
Call noise reduction-ENC

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

These wireless earbuds deliver strong active noise cancellation and a natural-sounding transparency mode, making them a solid pick for Apple users. With around 6 hours of playback per charge and a case that boosts total listening time to 30 hours, they offer dependable daily use. The IP54 rating adds some protection against sweat and splashes, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection for most devices.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Natural transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Pro:Decent battery life with case
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Limited to AAC codec
  • Con:No custom EQ in app

JLab JBuds Air ANC

These budget-friendly true wireless earbuds offer a bass-forward sound signature with adjustable EQ, along with a hybrid active noise cancellation system that provides moderate isolation. They feature a long battery life, a useful transparency mode, and a comfortable fit, though their noise cancellation and call quality are not the strongest in the class. Overall, they are a decent value pick for everyday listening rather than a top-tier performer.

  • Pro:Powerful bass-heavy sound with customizable EQ
  • Pro:Long battery life with charging case
  • Pro:Effective transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Con:Noise cancellation is weak and not very effective
  • Con:Call quality is below average
  • Con:Bulky fit may not suit all ear shapes

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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