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JLab Go Pods ANC vs QCY ArcBuds: 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • JLab Go Pods ANC
  • QCY ArcBuds
HearWiki score
82
72
Sound
7.5
6.7
Noise cancelling
7.1
6.5
Battery
6.6
7.4
Calls
7.1
5.5
Value
9.8
6.8
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?

Half a step newer

JLab Go Pods ANC (2024) against QCY ArcBuds (2023). The JLab Go Pods ANC edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.2. It also adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • Go Pods ANC20241 yr newer
  • ArcBuds2023
What differsGo Pods ANCArcBuds

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.2

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5

Level on: Top codec, ANC type, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Go Pods ANCArcBuds
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$30
$30
HearWiki score
82
72
Released
2024
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10 mm dynamic
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
99 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
200 ms
80 ms
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
-
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
5 h
6 h
Battery incl. case
26 h
32 h
Full charge time
120 min
90 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1 h
-
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
8.4 g
4.4 g
Case weight
27.6 g
25 g
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
-
BH22HT07A
Microphones
4
6
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
ENC

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

QCY ArcBuds

The QCY ArcBuds are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that pack hybrid active noise cancellation, a transparent mode, and six microphones for clear calls. With around eight hours of playback per charge (six with ANC) and a total of 32 hours with the case, they offer solid endurance for the price, though they lack multipoint and wireless charging. The sound is enjoyable for everyday listening, and the IPX5 rating adds some sweat resistance.

  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
  • Pro:Good battery life with the charging case
  • Pro:Decent call quality thanks to six mics
  • Con:Case feels a bit flimsy
  • Con:No quick-charge support
  • Con:Fit can be slightly bulky for some

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonJLab Go Pods ANCQCY ArcBuds