TL;DR
JLab's JBuds Pods ANC pack impressive features for their mid-range price, including active noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth, wireless charging, and excellent battery life. While not audiophile-grade, they deliver enjoyable sound with customizable EQ via the app. ANC is decent for low-frequency noise, and call quality is good in quiet environments. A few quirks exist, like no wear detection, but the overall value proposition is strong. Read on to discover if these budget-friendly buds are the right fit for you!
We recently tested the JBuds Lux ANC and observed that they demonstrated significant value for their price point, despite minor limitations. Building on that assessment, we now turn our attention to JLab’s mid-range in-ear offering: JLab JBuds Pods ANC.
The specifications are compelling. Active noise cancellation, Multipoint support, wireless charging, and impressive battery life. These features are offered at a competitive price point, well under one thousand Swedish kronor. This review explores whether they deliver on these promised features.
Design and Comfort
The package includes the charging case, a notably short USB-C cable, and silicone ear tips in two additional sizes (a total of three pairs, including those pre-fitted on the earbuds).
The case features a matte black finish, offering a compact and pocket-friendly form factor. While it may not project a premium aesthetic, the matte surface effectively resists visible fingerprints, and the construction feels robust. Its design firmly positions it within the mid-range segment, balancing cost-effectiveness with quality.
The earbuds themselves feature the classic stem design, familiar from many manufacturers. They are lightweight and provide a stable fit in the ear. Thanks to the IP55 rating, the earbuds offer reliable protection against sweat during workouts or light rain.
Overall, the fit is commendable, particularly for individuals with average-sized ears. However, for users with very small ears, the earbud’s housing might feel somewhat substantial in size, potentially impeding a secure and comfortable fit.
Sound Quality and App
We commenced our audio evaluation with the factory settings. Consistent with the JBuds Lux ANC, the earbuds are preset to “JLab Signature,” which offers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. The accompanying app includes a 10-band equalizer and various preset modes. When switching to a neutral curve, the sound becomes thin, flat, and noticeably lacks dynamism. However, reverting to “JLab Signature” or customizing the equalizer settings manually significantly enhances the audio vibrancy and presence.
The 11 mm drivers are capable of delivering strong performance under optimal conditions. After careful adjustment within the application, we achieved an engaging soundstage with commendable bass response and clarity. While not reaching audiophile-grade HiFi standards, and lacking support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC (a feature found in competitor EarFun Air Pro 4+), users are limited to SBC and AAC codecs.
Beyond this, the application functions effectively. It offers a “Spatial Audio” mode designed to create a more immersive spatial audio experience; however, it largely functions as a novelty rather than a genuinely desirable feature, as its sonic output is suboptimal. Conversely, the intuitive and comprehensive settings for the touch controls allow for extensive customization, including EQ curve adjustments, volume control, and ANC management.
Another feature meriting mention, particularly relevant for younger users, is “Safe Hearing.” This in-app setting limits the maximum volume to protect hearing over time. This is a straightforward yet valuable safety feature that merits wider adoption.
A “Movie Mode” is also available. This mode slightly lowers sound quality to significantly reduce latency (down to <200ms), resulting in noticeably improved lip-sync accuracy when watching movies or playing games.
A notable omission is the absence of “Wear Detection” functionality. If an earbud is removed from the ear, music playback continues. While seemingly minor, the lack of automatic playback pausing upon earbud removal can be inconvenient for users accustomed to this common feature, often necessitating manual intervention via the connected device.
Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Mode
The ANC function performs competently. It is effective at filtering out low-frequency rumble, such as the sound of a bus engine or train noise. It effectively mitigates such disruptions, creating a more tranquil listening environment. However, it struggles more with voices and sudden mid-range sounds.
The ambient mode, or “Be Aware” as JLab terms it, offers adjustable levels within the app, which is a significant advantage. However, it exhibits a somewhat noisy and artificial character. While functional for hearing announcements at a station or during checkout, its quality is not conducive to continuous activation.
Call Quality and Connectivity
The earbuds incorporate a total of six microphones, engineered to optimize call sound. In quiet environments, such as at home or in a calm office, call quality is very good. The voice is clear, and the recipient hears us without issues.
However, in windy outdoor conditions, the algorithms face increased challenges. Occasionally, they become overly aggressive in their attempt to remove background noise, potentially leading to instances where the user’s voice may cut out or acquire a “boxy” resonance for the recipient.
Connectivity is facilitated via Bluetooth 5.4, with excellent support for Multipoint. We also appreciate the integration of Google Fast Pair, which streamlines the pairing process with Android smartphones.
Battery Life and Charging
JLab advertises over 10 hours of playtime from the earbuds without ANC, and a total of 56 hours including the charging case. In our tests with ANC activated, we achieved approximately 7 hours, which is commendable. Without ANC, we nearly reached the advertised 10 hours.
A particularly appreciated detail, noteworthy for this price segment, is that the case supports wireless charging.
Conclusion
Overall, we are generally satisfied with the JLab JBuds Pods ANC. The recommended retail price is 990 SEK, but at the time of testing, they were available for 690 SEK.
They offer impressive battery life, wireless charging, Multipoint, and competent noise cancellation. Naturally, there is no support for high-resolution audio, and the sound quality does not rival premium audiophile offerings. Nevertheless, at this price point, the overall package remains compelling.
The closest competitor is the EarFun Air Pro 4+. While priced a few hundred kronor higher, they offer superior sound quality and high-resolution audio support. JLab’s significant advantage, however, lies in its accessibility. They are readily available on shelves in Swedish stores, unlike EarFun products, which typically requires international ordering.
Consequently, our evaluation yields a score of 7, provided they can be purchased for 700-800 SEK. At the recommended price, the rating would have decreased, as numerous strong competitors exist within that price bracket.
Jlab sent review samples for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; instead, we always write independently with our readers and consumers in focus.
