
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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C) | JLab Work Buds In-Ear Headset Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $125 | $80 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2022 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 6 mm dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 11 mm | 6 mm |
| Driver size | - | 6mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 100-10,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Latency | - | 200 ms |
| Wireless range | - | 9.1 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery incl. case | 30 h | 55 h |
| Full charge time | - | 120 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 minutes = 1.5 hours |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | 2-mic ENC |
| ANC type | adaptive | feedforward |
| Transparency mode | Yes | No |
| Companion app | Yes | No |
| Custom EQ | No | Yes |
| Wear detection | Yes | No |
| Controls | both | touch |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 10.6 g | 96.8 g |
| Case weight | 50.8 g | 81.5 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 | none |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | No | - |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| 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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