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JLab Go Pods ANC vs QCY QS1: 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • JLab Go Pods ANC
  • QCY QS1
HearWiki score
82
50
Sound
7.5
6.4
Noise cancelling
7.1
-
Battery
6.6
3.0
Calls
7.1
3.8
Value
9.8
-
Price (USD)
$30
$32

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 QS1 (2019). The JLab Go Pods ANC edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.0. It also adds Multipoint pairing, USB-C and Water resistance (IP55).

  • Go Pods ANC20245 yr newer
  • QS12019
What differsGo Pods ANCQS1

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.0

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
USB-C
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
Not rated

Level on: Top codec.

Specifications

Go Pods ANCQS1
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$30
$32
HearWiki score
82
50
Released
2024
2019
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10 mm dynamic
6 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
108 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
200 ms
-
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
-
4 h
Battery life (ANC on)
5 h
-
Battery incl. case
26 h
20 h
Full charge time
120 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1 h
-
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
touch
buttons
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
8.4 g
4.3 g
Case weight
27.6 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
none
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
No
Microphones
4
1
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

QCY QS1

The QCY QS1 is a budget-friendly pair of true wireless earbuds that delivers solid audio performance for the price, especially with AAC support for iPhone users. It includes active noise cancellation, though battery life is modest at 4 hours per charge, with the case extending total playtime to 20 hours. Physical buttons and a lightweight build make them a practical, no-frills option for those seeking an inexpensive wireless listening experience.

  • Pro:Good value for the price
  • Pro:AAC codec support for better iPhone audio
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation included
  • Con:Short battery life without case (4 hours)
  • Con:No USB-C or wireless charging
  • Con:No water resistance rating

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

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New comparisonJLab Go Pods ANCQCY QS1