JLab Audio JBuds Air review: Possibly the best true-wireless headphones under $50USD

Like them or not, true-wireless headphones are here to stay. It wasn’t so long ago that the technology was very buggy and expensive. But advancements in tech have made them much more reliable and affordable. The JLab Audio JBuds Air are possibly the best true-wireless headphones I’ve used that are priced under $50USD. I was thoroughly impressed with these little guys so much that they are a Techaeris Top Pick for 2018. Read on for the full review of the JLab Audio JBuds Air true-wireless headphones.

Specifications

The JLab Audio JBuds Air have the following features and specifications:

• Bluetooth 5.0
• 8mm drivers
• Auto on & connect
• 3 EQ settings without needing software or app
• 500 mAh charging case
• 3-4 hours of battery life
• 10 hours extra battery life with case
• Earbud controls

What’s In The Box

• JLab Audio JBuds Air headphones
• Charging case
• Cush fins
• Gel cushion tips
• Manuals and documentation

Design

The design of the JLab Audio JBuds Air isn’t that exciting. They’re basic-looking earbuds with some nice, subtle JLab branding on the outside. They are super light and not overly huge like some other true-wireless headphones. They are very neutral in their approach and should appeal to a broad audience with different aesthetic tastes.

The charging case is pretty slick. It’s very similar to the JLab Epic Air earbuds case we reviewed a while back. The biggest difference and improvement is JLab built the charging cable into the case this time. Previously they wrapped the charging cable around the case which just wasn’t the best design. This time the cable is integrated into the case and tucks nicely under. There are 3 LED lights on the outside that show how much charge you have left.

As for comfort, these buds are as comfortable as any others I’ve tried. The optional cush fins will help some keep them more secure in your ears. I had no issues with them falling out or getting loose.

Overall, the buds are a nice, simple design that should appeal to most people. The charging case is really small, easy to pocket, and the integrated charging solution is handy. They are also very comfortable and don’t fall out or get loose.

Ease of Use

The JBud Air headphones are super easy to use. No apps, no software, just take them out and pair via Bluetooth. I would suggest you plug the case in with the buds to charge first.

When you remove them for the first time they will go into pairing mode. Just choose them from your Bluetooth settings and pair. Once that’s done the JBud Air headphones will auto connect to your device every time. These are also auto on and auto off. So no need to turn them on or off, removing them from the case will turn them on and putting them back in will turn them off.

The JLab Audio JBuds Air also have controls integrated into both the left and right buds.

• Adjust volume down: Left bud 1 click
• Adjust volume up: Right bud 1 click
• Track back: Left bud press and hold for 1 sec
• Track forward: Right bud press and hold for 1 sec
• Play/Pause: Left bud 2 clicks
• Siri/Google Assistant: Right bud 2 clicks
• EQ Settings: Left or right bud 3 clicks will cycle through 3 presets

Overall, I love the ease of use here. It’s refreshing to not have to use an app for control and deal with software. Sometimes simplicity is the best design factor.

Sound

I’ve always enjoyed JLab sound and the JLab Audio JBuds Air are no different. The sound here is well balanced, with a slight favoring to the low-end of the frequency range. I found that the 3 EQ setting should provide a nice listening experience for most users.

Noise isolation is pretty good as well. These aren’t noise cancelling, but turning up the volume at a reasonable level, you are isolated fairly well. I’m a fan of JLab’s tweaking of sound. There are more expensive true-wireless headphones that sound a bit better, but they’re also four or five more times expensive.

Overall, for the price point here, you cannot go wrong with these earbuds. The JBuds Air are simply the best sounding true-wireless headphones I’ve used at this price point!

Reception/Call Quality

Bluetooth reception is pretty much standard here, 30-50 feet away from source before you get signal loss. The same standards apply around corners and walls as well. It’s fine and what you would expect from a Bluetooth product.

Call quality is decent, the buds have a mic for phone calls and it does a good job. People I talked to said they could hear me clearly with some echo from time to time. Callers sounded fine on my end with no problems there.

Battery Life

JLab claims 3-4 hours per bud for battery life. You can use one bud at a time if you want, but I used them together all of the time. I was able to get about 3.5 hours of battery with them paired. You have an additional 10-hours of battery with the included case and the buds charge fairly quickly in the case. Battery life will depend on distance from the source device and volume.

Overall, the battery life seems to be about standard for true-wireless earbuds.

Price/Value

The JLab Audio JBuds Air are priced at an astonishing $49USD. That’s just an amazing price for what you’re getting here. The price is spot on, the value is there, and we scored this a 10/10!

Wrap Up

This wrap up is going to be short. Basically, the JLab Audio JBuds Air are the best true-wireless earbuds I’ve used under $50USD. These would make a great tech gift for the holidays or even a stocking stuffer.

*We received a sample of the JLab Audio JBuds Air for the purposes of this review.

Last Updated on February 3, 2021.