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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs JLab Work Buds In-Ear Headset Black: 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 Work Buds In-Ear Headset Black
Sound6.5
Noise cancelling4.0
Battery8.5
Calls8.0
Value7.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) vs JLab Work Buds In-Ear Headset Black
SpecApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)JLab Work Buds In-Ear Headset Black
TypeTrue WirelessTrue Wireless
Price (USD)$125$80
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great72 / 100 · Good
Released20222023
Audio
Driverdynamic6 mm dynamic driver
Driver size11 mm6 mm
Driver size-6mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response20 Hz - 20,000 Hz100-10,000 Hz
Impedance16 Ω300 Ω
Sensitivity100 dB/mW101 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth5.35.3
Bluetooth version5.35.3
CodecsSBC, AACSBC
Multipoint pairingNoYes
Latency-200 ms
Wireless range-9.1 m
Battery
Battery incl. case30 h55 h
Full charge time-120 min
Quick charge-10 minutes = 1.5 hours
Wireless chargingYesYes
Features
Active noise cancelling-2-mic ENC
ANC typeadaptivefeedforward
Transparency modeYesNo
Companion appYesNo
Custom EQNoYes
Wear detectionYesNo
Controlsbothtouch
Voice assistantSiriYes
Design
Weight10.6 g96.8 g
Case weight50.8 g81.5 g
Water resistanceIP54none
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CYesYes
Calls
Microphones-3
Call noise reduction-2-mic ENC
Microphone-MEMS

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 Work Buds In-Ear Headset Black

These earbuds are built for work-focused users, prioritizing clear calls and all-day endurance over audiophile sound. The detachable boom mic and long battery life make them a practical choice for meetings and commutes, though their audio range and durability are limited. They offer solid connectivity features like multipoint and wireless charging at a reasonable price.

  • Pro:Excellent call quality with detachable boom mic
  • Pro:Very long battery life with charging case
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended wear
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Bulky charging case
  • Con:Limited frequency response and audio detail

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

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