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JLab Go Pods ANC vs KZ S2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the JLab Go Pods ANC comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: JLab Go Pods ANC - Outstanding overall at around $30.

Score breakdown

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

JLab Go Pods ANC leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • JLab Go Pods ANC
  • KZ S2
HearWiki score
82
40
Sound
7.5
5.8
Noise cancelling
7.1
-
Battery
6.6
3.0
Calls
7.1
4.0
Value
9.8
-
Price (USD)
$30
$30

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

JLab Go Pods ANC (2024) against KZ S2 (2020). The JLab Go Pods ANC is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.0 and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • Go Pods ANC20244 yr newer
  • S22020
What differsGo Pods ANCS2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5

Level on: Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

Go Pods ANCS2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$30
$30
HearWiki score
82
40
Released
2024
2020
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10 mm dynamic
2-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
10 mm
7 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
-
v-shaped
Impedance
32 Ω
24 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
98 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
200 ms
-
Wireless range
9 m
20 m
Battery life
-
3 h
Battery life (ANC on)
5 h
-
Battery incl. case
26 h
18 h
Full charge time
120 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1 h
-
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
hybrid
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
8.4 g
-
Case weight
27.6 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
-
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-

What reviewers said

JLab Go Pods ANC

These budget true wireless earbuds deliver a surprisingly robust feature set for the price, including hybrid active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and multipoint connectivity. Sound leans slightly bass-heavy but remains clear and engaging, while the companion app offers a custom EQ to tailor the audio to your liking. They're a strong value pick, though battery life is shorter than some rivals and call quality has some limitations.

  • Pro:Excellent value for the price
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the cost
  • Pro:Useful app with custom EQ
  • Con:Bass-heavy sound may not suit purists
  • Con:Battery life is below average for the class
  • Con:Call quality is mediocre in noisy settings

KZ S2

The KZ S2 is an affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that offers a hybrid dual-driver setup, Bluetooth 5.0, touch controls, and IPX5 water resistance. Its sound is generally described as bass-forward and detailed, though some listeners find the treble slightly harsh or splashy. While it provides a comfortable fit and stable connection for many, its short single-charge battery life and inconsistent wireless performance have drawn criticism.

  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit
  • Pro:Strong bass and clear detail
  • Pro:IPX5 water resistance for workouts
  • Con:Short battery life per charge (3 hours)
  • Con:Treble can be harsh or splashy
  • Con:Wireless connection may be unstable

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonJLab Go Pods ANCKZ S2