Our Favorite Budget Earbuds Are Literally $19
Recorded: March 24, 2026, 2:22 a.m.
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Our Favorite Budget Earbuds Are Literally $19 | WIREDSkip to main contentMenuSECURITYPOLITICSTHE BIG STORYBUSINESSSCIENCECULTUREREVIEWSMenuAccountAccountNewslettersBest LaptopsApple MacBook NeoHome Security CamerasBest Coffee Subscriptions Best Camera BagsDeals DeliveredSecurityPoliticsThe Big StoryBusinessScienceCultureReviewsChevronMoreExpandThe Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED ConsultingNewslettersPodcastsVideoLivestreamsMerchSearchSearchBrad BourqueGearMar 23, 2026 1:49 PMOur Favorite Budget Earbuds Are Literally $19Do you need a pair of cheap earbuds? These JLabs are the ones.Courtesy of JLab AudioCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyLooking for an inexpensive pair of earbuds to toss in your gym bag? You can snag our favorite budget wireless earbuds, the JLab Go Pop ANC, for a shockingly low $19 on Amazon, an $11 markdown from their usual price. Don't let the cost fool you, these earbuds have surprised multiple WIRED writers with their clear sound, water resistance, and ANC performance.Photograph: Ryan WaniataPhotograph: Ryan WaniataChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistJLab AudioGo Pop ANC$30 $19 (37% off) Amazon$30 JLab AudioThese earbuds have all the features you'd expect from a pair five times the price. They sport IP55 water and dust resistance, perfect for a sweaty trip to the gym or a long run on the beach, and multipoint pairing in case you want to use them for a quick call on your laptop. The included app has an adjustable equalizer, something not even all expensive earbuds can claim, plus programmable controls in case you don't like the default button layout. Battery life is even pretty decent for the category, with eight hours of juice in the buds and up to 32 hours total with the included charging case.When you've got the tunes going, the JLab Go's active noise-canceling is surprisingly effective, easily tuning out the hum of an HVAC system and other annoyances. Like other ANC-capable earbuds, they also come equipped with a transparency mode for letting in important sounds, and it works surprisingly well given how little these earbuds cost. You might want to consider something more serious for your next long-haul flight, but these work in a pinch for some yard work or a quick workout.If you're sold on a pair of these extra inexpensive earbuds, you can swing over to Amazon to grab the JLab Go Pop ANC in fuchsia for $19. While most of the other colors were listed for their full $30 price, which is still a steal by the way, you can also grab the transparent neon green or transparent teal for just $20, which may be worth the dollar depending on your aesthetic preferences. For more upgraded picks, check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds, with hand-tested picks by WIRED writers.CommentsBack to topTriangleBrad Bourque is a contributor for WIRED with a focus on computing hardware and peripherals. He’s a lifelong Oregonian and an avid Portland Thorns and Timbers supporter. On his days off, you can find him riding his ebike around Portland or taking his dog to the park. ... Read MoreContributorTopicsShoppingDealsHeadphonesRead MoreThere Are More Headphone Options Than Ever. Here’s What I’d BuyThe portable listening revolution is fully underway. 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The JLab Go Pop ANC earbuds, currently priced at $19 on Amazon, represent a compelling entry-level option for consumers seeking wireless earbuds with surprisingly robust features. Brad Bourque, a contributor for WIRED with a focus on computing hardware and peripherals, highlights these earbuds as a standout choice within the budget category. The primary appeal lies in their combination of functionality and affordability, frequently exceeding the performance expectations of more expensive models. These earbuds feature IP55 water and dust resistance, making them suitable for active lifestyles such as gym workouts or outdoor activities. Furthermore, they incorporate multipoint pairing, enabling simultaneous connectivity with a laptop and a mobile device, alongside an adjustable equalizer within the included app and programmable control buttons. Battery performance is also noteworthy, offering eight hours of playback for the earbuds and an additional 32 hours when combined with the charging case. Notably, the Go Pop ANC demonstrates effective active noise-canceling (ANC) capabilities, successfully attenuating ambient sounds like HVAC systems, a feature often absent in similarly priced devices. A transparency mode further enhances usability by allowing users to maintain awareness of their surroundings. While not a replacement for premium, long-haul flight headphones, these earbuds provide adequate performance for more casual uses such as yard work or light workouts. The availability of different color options, including fuchsia, neon green, and teal, adds to the appeal, with discounts offered on these colors compared to the standard price. The JLab Go Pop ANC’s value proposition is further emphasized by WIRED’s recommendation, specifically noting the inclusion of features typically found in significantly pricier earbuds, delivered at a remarkably low cost. |