I tested the unexpected follow-up to top-rated budget earbuds, and was impressed by their solid noise-cancelling capabilities under $30.

For the last few years, TechRadar’s audio team has been singing the praises of the JLab Go Air Pop – these ultra-cheap earbuds have consistently exceeded expectations with their performance and build quality. They have been a staple in all our guides, from the best budget earbuds list to our comprehensive list of the best wireless earbuds on the market.

However, these earbuds have become increasingly difficult to find recently, prompting us to explore alternative options to recommend. Little did we know, the reason for their scarcity was that their successor, the JLab Go Air ANC, was gearing up for a surprise release at IFA 2024.

While JLab has been relatively quiet about the Go Air ANC, they are more than happy to showcase them at their booth. I had the opportunity to try them out, and here’s what you need to know about these earbuds: they feature active noise cancellation, are incredibly small and lightweight, boast a battery life of six hours in the buds and 24 hours with the case, come with a built-in USB-C charging cable, support multi-point pairing, and will be available in cool 2000s-inspired translucent cases in the future (they currently come in solid black, green, and pink). Additionally, they are IP55 waterproof and still offer exceptional value at an asking price of $29.99.

During my time at IFA, I tested the Go Air ANC and was amazed by the quality of sound they delivered at such an affordable price point. While they may not match the depth of bass or sharpness of details found in more expensive earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2, the value they offer is undeniable.

The active noise cancellation on the Go Air ANC is surprisingly effective. In my testing, they performed admirably at 60% volume during a flight, a feat that more expensive earbuds have struggled with. The ANC does falter slightly when listening to podcasts due to the softer mid-range and less detailed sound, but there is a transparency mode that provides a basic yet functional alternative.

The design of the buds is sleek and discreet, making them ideal for those who prefer a minimalist look. The touch controls, including on-ear volume control and quick access to ANC modes, add convenience to the user experience. The buds also support EQ mode switching with a triple tap, offering additional customization options.

In terms of comfort, I found the Go Air ANC to be very comfortable with the medium ear tips. However, the in-ear seal may weaken depending on head position, allowing outside sounds to creep in. This is something we will delve into further in our comprehensive review.

The slim case is another standout feature, maintaining the compact form factor of the buds. JLab has retained the built-in charging cable feature from the previous version, this time opting for a USB-C cable. While this may cater to some users, it limits the flexibility of being able to use different power sources.

If you are like me, living in an all-USB-C household, the USB-C charging cable may not be an issue. However, for those without USB-C chargers readily available, this could be a potential drawback.

While a more detailed evaluation is still pending, I can confidently say that the JLab Go Air ANC offers incredible value thus far. On multiple occasions during my testing, I found myself sticking with the Go Air ANC instead of switching back to my AirPods Pro 2. The fact that these affordable earbuds performed so well speaks volumes about their quality.

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Conclusion: The JLab Go Air ANC earbuds are a testament to the fact that you don’t always have to break the bank to enjoy quality audio. With features like active noise cancellation, long battery life, and a compact design, these earbuds offer exceptional value at an affordable price. Whether you’re a music aficionado or a casual listener, the JLab Go Air ANC is definitely worth considering for your next audio upgrade.