JLab JBuds ANC 3 vs JLab JBuds Air ANC – Side By Side Comparison

In the world of wireless earbuds, JLab has made a name for itself by providing affordable options that still deliver important features and performance. In this thorough comparison, I’ll break down two choices from JLab: the JBuds ANC 3 and the JBuds Air ANC. These models offer strong active noise cancellation (ANC), good sound quality, and handy features, all at prices that compete well. Let’s explore what they have in common, what sets them apart, and how they perform overall to assist you in making a smart choice.

JLab JBuds ANC 3	JLab JBuds Air ANC
PROS	PROS
Affordable price. Decent noise-canceling performance. Good battery life.	IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. Impressive battery life. Balanced sound quality.
CONS	CONS
Design may feel cheap to some. Limited noise cancellation for higher frequencies.	Built-in charging cable may not suit everyone’s preferences. Limited noise cancellation effectiveness for higher frequencies.
CHECK ON AMAZON	CHECK ON AMAZON

JLab JBuds ANC 3

The JLab JBuds ANC 3 caught my attention with its impressive features and budget-friendly price tag. Priced at $59, these earbuds offer solid noise-canceling capabilities, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and a multi-point connection feature, allowing me to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. The inclusion of an IP55 rating ensures durability against water and dust, making them suitable for outdoor use. One standout feature is the built-in USB-C charging cable, eliminating the need for an external cable and adding convenience. The 10mm dynamic drivers deliver balanced sound with a tight punchy bass, clear mids, and detailed treble. With a battery life of 9 hours on a single charge and up to 42 hours with the case, they are perfect for extended listening sessions. The JLab app enhances customization options, allowing me to fine-tune EQ settings and update firmware. Overall, the JBuds ANC 3 offers an excellent value proposition with its impressive features and performance, making it a top choice in the budget ANC earbud market.

JLab JBuds Air ANC

The JLab JBuds Air ANC stands out with its impressive active noise-canceling capabilities and rich feature set at an affordable price of $69. With an IP55 rating, they offer water and dust resistance, making them suitable for outdoor activities. The inclusion of foam ear tips alongside silicone tips adds versatility and comfort for users. The built-in EQ settings allow easy switching between three sound modes without the need for an app. The touch controls provide intuitive playback control, although the inability to skip back to the previous track is a minor drawback. The earbuds offer exceptional battery life, with up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and 40 hours with the case, making them ideal for all-day use. The active noise-canceling feature effectively blocks out low rumble noises, enhancing the listening experience. Despite some limitations, such as the lack of skip-back control and the built-in charging cable, the JLab JBuds Air ANC delivers impressive performance and value for budget-conscious consumers, making them a compelling choice in the crowded ANC earbud market.

JLab JBuds ANC 3 vs JLab JBuds Air ANC Specifications Comparison

Specifications	JLab JBuds ANC 3	JLab JBuds Air ANC
AUDIO
Speaker	10 mm dynamic driver	Φ12mm Dynamic, Neodymium Magnet
Frequency Response	20Hz – 20kHz	20Hz-20kHz
Impedance	32Ω	28Ω
Output	105 +/-3 dB	104±3dB
Microphone	3 MEMS -42dB+/-3dB	2 left earbud (FF Mic+FB Mic), 2 right earbud (FF Mic+FB Mic)
BLUETOOTH
Version	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2
Range	30+ ft.	30+ ft.
BATTERY
Battery Life	9+ hours in each earbud	40+ Hours
Total Playtime	42+ hours total	–
ANC Battery Life	–	24+ Hours
Earbud Battery	43 mAh lithium polymer	55mAh lithium polymer rechargeable
Case Charge Battery	500 mAh lithium polymer	500mAh lithium polymer rechargeable
Earbud Charge Time	1.5 hours (in case)	<2 Hours
Case Charge Time	2 hours	<2.5 Hours
Charge Plug	USB-C	USB Type A
GENERAL
Warranty	2 year warranty	2 year warranty
IP Rating	IP55 (earbuds only)	IP55
Weight Earbuds	4.8g	5.7g
Weight Case	29.5 g	51.9g

Design and Build Quality

JBuds ANC 3

With the JBuds ANC 3, JLab sticks to its usual budget-friendly design, featuring a lightweight build and a small size. What stands out is the built-in USB-C charging cable, which adds convenience for those who like everything integrated. Some might feel the design looks a bit cheap, but that’s understandable considering its low price.

JBuds Air ANC

Coming in at a slightly higher price compared to the ANC 3, the JBuds Air ANC keeps JLab’s signature design while bringing in some notable upgrades. The addition of 12mm drivers and extra ear fin accessories improves both sound quality and fit. However, the built-in charging cable could be a downside for those who prefer more flexibility in cable length.

Winner: Both models offer sturdy builds and designs that are easy to use. Choosing between them might boil down to personal preference regarding the built-in charging cable.

ANC Performance

JBuds ANC 3

I’m impressed with the ANC 3’s noise-canceling abilities given its price. While it doesn’t quite match up to premium ANC earbuds, it does a good job of reducing low-frequency noises like engine rumblings and AC unit sounds. However, it’s not as effective with higher frequency sounds, which might affect its performance in some situations.

JBuds Air ANC

Similar to the ANC 3, the JBuds Air ANC delivers impressive ANC performance considering its price. It’s effective at blocking out low-frequency disturbances, making it suitable for travel and daily commutes. However, like its counterpart, it struggles with higher frequency noises, which can limit its effectiveness in certain environments.

Winner: Both models provide solid ANC performance for everyday use. While they don't match up to premium ANC earbuds, they offer great value for their price range.

Sound Quality

JBuds ANC 3

I’m quite pleased with the sound of the ANC 3. JLab’s signature sound tuning provides a well-balanced audio experience, with noticeable bass and clear midrange and treble. The soundstage feels dynamic, offering an immersive listening journey across different music genres. Despite its affordable price, the ANC 3 delivers satisfying sound quality.

JBuds Air ANC

I’m impressed with the sound quality of the JBuds Air ANC, thanks to JLab’s signature sound tuning and the inclusion of 12mm drivers. It offers a balanced audio profile with strong bass, clear midrange, and detailed treble. While it may not satisfy audiophiles, it certainly provides an enjoyable listening experience for daily use.

Winner: Both models deliver impressive sound quality, showcasing JLab's signature sound tuning. The decision between them may hinge on personal preferences regarding bass response and overall sound balance.

Additional Features and Battery Life

JBuds ANC 3

With the ANC 3, I get Bluetooth 5.2 support, the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, and an IP55 rating for protection against water and dust. Its battery life is solid, giving me 9 hours of playback on a single charge, extendable to 42 hours with the case. Using the JLab app, I can customize EQ settings and keep the earbuds updated with the latest firmware.

JBuds Air ANC

The JBuds Air ANC also boasts an IP55 rating for durability against water and dust, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Its battery life is impressive, providing me with 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with up to 40 hours available with the case. Additionally, it features touch controls, a low latency mode, and EQ presets for added convenience.

Winner: Both models offer similar additional features and remarkable battery life. The decision between them may hinge on individual preferences regarding touch controls and customization options.

Which One you Should Buy JLab JBuds ANC 3 or JLab JBuds Air ANC?

Between the JLab JBuds ANC 3 and the JLab JBuds Air ANC, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with good noise-canceling capabilities and impressive battery life, I’d recommend the JBuds ANC 3. Coming in at $59, or even less if you catch them on sale, these earbuds offer Bluetooth 5.2, multi-point connection, IP55 water and dust resistance, and up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 42 hours using the case. The noise-canceling is effective for blocking out lower frequency sounds like engine noises, making them suitable for travel or noisy environments. Plus, the aware mode is a nice touch for staying aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds. The sound quality, especially in JLab’s signature sound mode, offers a dynamic balance of bass, mids, and treble, making them versatile for various genres. While they may feel lightweight and slightly cheap in build quality, they deliver where it counts for the price.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a bit more at $69 and prioritize additional features like awareness mode and low latency mode for videos, along with slightly larger 12mm drivers, then the JBuds Air ANC might be worth considering. These earbuds also offer IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, along with impressive battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, and 40 hours with the case. The active noise-canceling, while not on par with higher-end models, still does a commendable job, particularly for low rumble noises like engines or appliances. The sound quality, especially in JLab’s signature sound mode, provides a balanced mix of bass, mids, and treble, although some users may find the lack of ability to skip back to the previous track and the built-in charging cable as minor drawbacks.

Ultimately, both options offer solid performance and features for their respective price points, so the decision depends on your specific preferences and budget.