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JLab Go Pods ANC vs Wavefun X-Pods 3: 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
  • Wavefun X-Pods 3
HearWiki score
82
48
Sound
7.5
5.4
Noise cancelling
7.1
-
Battery
6.6
4.6
Calls
7.1
4.3
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?

Mixed generations

JLab Go Pods ANC (2024) against Wavefun X-Pods 3 (2019). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the JLab Go Pods ANC brings Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.0, while the Wavefun X-Pods 3 answers with Top codec aptX against AAC. The JLab Go Pods ANC answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP55 against IPX7.

  • Go Pods ANC20245 yr newer
  • X-Pods 32019
What differsGo Pods ANCX-Pods 3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
Top codec
AAC
aptX

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP55
IPX7

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

Go Pods ANCX-Pods 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$30
$30
HearWiki score
82
48
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
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
98 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Latency
200 ms
-
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
-
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
5 h
-
Battery incl. case
26 h
30 h
Full charge time
120 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1 h
-
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
-
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
IPX7
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
4
1
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Mic sensitivity
-38 dBV
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
cVc 8.0

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

Wavefun X-Pods 3

The Wavefun X-Pods 3 are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that stand out for their aptX codec support at a very low price. They deliver a balanced sound signature, comfortable fit, and solid battery life, making them a well-rounded option for cost-conscious listeners. While they perform well for the price, newer competitors have since emerged with better sound quality.

  • Pro:Affordable price with aptX support
  • Pro:Balanced and pleasant sound
  • Pro:Good battery life with charging case
  • Con:Sound quality is good but not top-tier
  • Con:Older Bluetooth 5.0 version
  • Con:No wireless charging

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 ANCWavefun X-Pods 3