Since JLab’s GO Air Pop came out in mid 2021, it has become one of the most popular pairs of budget true wireless earbuds ever. The Jib True 2 is an aptly named 2nd gen version of the Jib True, which was also a very popular pair of budget true wireless earbuds in its heyday, from the popular brand that is none other than Skullcandy.
And at face value, these two products do look very similar. But how do they actually measure up to each other? Is one decidedly better than the other? I’ve fully reviewed them both, and will answer those questions here in this full comparison article.
JLab GO Air Pop vs Skullcandy Jib True 2 Specs and Features
| Spec | GO Air Pop | Jib True 2 |
|---|---|---|
| release date | Sep 2021 | Mar 2022 |
| price-tier ⓘbudget: around $30 or less value: around $30-$60 performance: around $60-$100 premium: around $100-$200 elite: more than $200 |
budget | budget |
| earbuds battery life | 8h | 9h |
| total + case battery life | 32h | 33h |
| weatherproofing | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| onboard controls | touch based | button based |
| warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
| active noise cancellation | no | no |
| transparency mode | no | no |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| EQ app compatibility | no | no |
| Multipoint 2+ device support | no | no |
The GO Air Pop and Jib True 2 are mostly similar spec and feature wise, but the GO Air Pop has 3 different EQ pre-sets you can choose from and the longer warranty. The Jib True 2 does have compatibility with Tile, which helps you find a lost earbud.
JLab GO Air Pop vs Skullcandy Jib True 2 Side by Side
The earbuds have a very similar shape and size, but the Jib True 2 earbud is slightly bigger and heavier.
JLab GO Air Pop vs Skullcandy Jib True 2 Charging Case
Despite both earbuds being almost the same size, the GO Air Pop case manages to be smaller and lighter, and it has a more compact and pocket friendly shape. The GO Air Pop case also has the USB charging cable built directly into it, whereas the Jib True 2 requires a separate USB mini cable for charging.
JLab GO Air Pop vs Skullcandy Jib True 2 Fit and Comfort
Both the GO Air Pop and Jib True 2 have a very solid and comfortable fit, and no issues with seal breakage. The Jib True 2 Fit is slightly deeper and firmer, but whether that’s better or not is a matter of personal preference here I think.
JLab GO Air Pop vs Skullcandy Jib True 2 Isolation
The GO Air Pop has relatively decent middle of the road natural isolation, but the isolation of the Jib True 2 is slightly better, which I think is mainly a function of the slightly deeper and firmer fit style.
JLab GO Air Pop vs Skullcandy Jib True 2 Controls
Both the GO Air Pop and Jib True 2 have comprehensive onboard control schematics that have all of the basic functions you’d expect a pair of wireless earbuds to have. The problem with the Jib True 2, though, is that the buttons are just not that good in my opinion – the feel and travel isn’t great, and they require a lot of force to press, enough so that it actually causes some pain and discomfort in and on my ear and for the bud to sometimes shift out of place.
JLab GO Air Pop vs Skullcandy Jib True 2 Sound Quality?
Preliminary note: this page explains how I evaluate the sound quality of headphones and earbuds.
The Jib True 2 sounds decent for the budget price-point, but the GO Air Pop sounds noticeably better. The GO Air Pop has better balance, clarity, and detail, particularly in the mid-highs. The Jib True 2, in comparison, is a little recessed in the mids and highs, lacks separation, and is a little muffled. Percussions sound more present and natural with the GO Air Pop than they do with the Jib True 2. JLab has done a nice job with their proprietary “JLab Signature” tuning.
Final Verdict: Is the JLab GO Air Pop or Skullcandy Jib True 2 Better?
I think the GO Air Pop is somewhat better all around than the Jib True 2. While the Jib True 2 has slightly better isolation, I don’t think that makes up for the GO Air Pop’s superior sound quality and better onboard controls. The GO Air Pop generally goes for a little cheaper too.
If you really want the Tile compatibility to help find a lost earbud, or you insist on having button based rather than touch based controls, the Jib True 2 is a perfectly decent alternative choice. But I will also say here that there are other budget alternatives with better feeling button based controls.
Get the GO Air Pop wireless earbuds on Amazon (affiliate link)
Get the Jib True 2 wireless earbuds on Amazon (affiliate link)
Relevant Articles
• Full GO Air Pop review
• Full Jib True 2 review
• The best budget tier (under $30) true wireless earbuds
