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Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT vs JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds

Both are budget true-wireless earbuds with similar ratings, but they trade off differently. The JLab Go Air Pop gives you more total playtime, newer Bluetooth, three EQ presets and a built-in case charger, and owners consistently praise its secure fit. The Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT leans on punchy bass tuning and a light in-ear design, but owners report weak call quality and earbuds that can slip out. Buy the JLab for battery life and fit; buy the Skullcandy if you want a bass-forward sound and touch controls.

  • Choose the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT if you want a bass-heavy sound, capacitive touch controls and a lightweight in-ear fit for workouts and casual listening.
  • Choose the JLab Go Air Pop if you want the longest total playtime, newer Bluetooth, adjustable EQ and a case that charges without a separate cable.

Prices

  • Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT: $15.00 at eBay (checked today)
  • JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds: $24.99 at Golf Galaxy (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT is $9.99 cheaper than the JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 9)
Skullcandy
Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds

Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT

Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds

4.4(10,632 ratings)
$15.00at eBayChecked 18 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Punchy bass-forward sound with passive noise isolation
  • Light in-ear design with three ear gel sizes
  • Capacitive touch controls
  • IPX4 sweat resistance for workouts
  • Rapid charge gives playback from a short top-up
Cons
  • Microphone is weak for calls, per owners
  • Sound described as only average by some buyers
  • Earbuds can fall out before you find the right fit
  • Older Bluetooth version and shorter total playtime
JLab
JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds

JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds

JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds

4.4(6,900 ratings)
$24.99at Golf GalaxyChecked 22 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Golf Galaxy
Pros
  • Longest total playtime of the two
  • Newer Bluetooth with Google Fast Pair
  • Three EQ presets to tune the sound
  • Charger built into the case, no cable needed
  • Owners praise a secure, comfortable fit
Cons
  • Sound falls short of premium earbuds, per some reviewers
  • No active noise cancellation, only isolation
  • Case charging is convenient but the case is basic
  • Some buyers report receiving used units from resellers

What separates them

Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XTJLab Go Air Pop Earbuds
Total battery playtimeUp to 20 hours with the case35+ hours with the case
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 5.3 with Google Fast Pair
Sound tuningFixed Skullcandy signature tuning with deep bassThree EQ presets: Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost
ControlsCapacitive touchTouch controls with volume, track and call handling
ChargingUSB-C cable requiredCharger built into the case
Water resistanceIPX4 sweat and water resistantIPX4 splash and sweat resistant
Fit and stabilityOwners report earbuds slipping until the right angle is foundOwners report a comfortable, secure fit that stays in
Call qualityMicrophone in each earbud, but owners call it poor for callsBuilt-in mic with call handling; not a strength either

Price history

$19.99$11.13
Nov 1Nov 10
  • Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT: lowest $12.99 on Nov 1 at eBay; $19.88 on Nov 9.
  • JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds: lowest $11.13 on Nov 6 at eBay; $14.19 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT

  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $15.00Checked 18 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Dannabys Distributors LLCReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $19.50Checked 44 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • MercariNew

    Availability unknown

    $16.00Checked Nov 1
    Visit Mercari
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $24.99Checked Nov 6
    Visit Target

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 21 stores and price history →

JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds

  • Golf GalaxyNew

    In stock

    $24.99Checked 22 h ago
    Visit Golf Galaxy
  • DICK'S Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $24.99+ $9.99 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit DICK'S Sporting Goods

Also available at

  • Micro CenterCheck price at Micro Center
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSkullcandy Smokin' Buds XTJLab Go Air Pop Earbuds
colorBlackBlue
actual_colorBlackLilac
Wireless technologyBluetoothBluetooth
Bluetooth versionv5.15.3
With MicrophoneYesYes
With Charging CaseYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
UseSportsSports
With Touch ControlsYesYes
Headphone Cup TypeIn-earIn-ear
Body Part UseEarEar
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSkullcandy Smokin' Buds XTJLab Go Air Pop Earbuds
Noise Cancellation TypePassive (Noise Isolating Fit)Sound Isolation
Max Battery Life20 hours (8 hours in buds, 12 hours in case)35+ hours (total playtime)
Recharge Time10 min = 2 hrs2 hours (case)
Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Standby Time8 h150+ hours
Driver Size6 mm6 mm dynamic driver
Frequency Response20Hz – 20KHz20-20kHz
Headphone Impedance16Ω ± 15%16 Ω
Sensitivity104dB ± 3dB103+/-3dB

What reviewers say

Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT

  • 4.4 / 510,632 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 10,632 ratings. Buyers call the battery surprisingly long and the setup easy, and say the sound is balanced without crackles. Complaints center on call quality, average sound and a fit that takes trial and error.

What people mention
  • BatteryPraisedBuyers say playtime lasts surprisingly long for the price.
  • SoundMixedDescribed as balanced and crackle-free, but only average overall.
  • FitCriticisedBuyers report buds falling out until they find the right angle and ear gel.
  • CallsCriticisedThe microphone is called poor for phone calls.

JLab Go Air Pop Earbuds

  • 4.4 / 56,900 ratings

With 4.4 out of 5 from about 6,900 ratings, owners treat the Go Air Pop as strong value for the money. Most praise the price, fit and battery life; complaints center on sound quality, touch controls and durability.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedOwners repeatedly say the earbuds deliver more than their price suggests.
  • Sound qualityMixedMany find the default tuning fine for podcasts and calls, but bass and clarity fall short for music lovers.
  • FitPraisedReviewers like the small buds and three tip sizes for a secure fit during workouts.
  • Touch controlsCriticised
Reviews
  • The best earbuds under $50 in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • Search | Product Finder - Product Finder

Questions and answers

Which is better for running and workouts?
Both are IPX4, so sweat is fine for either. The JLab has the edge because owners report a more secure fit, and a loose earbud is the bigger problem mid-run than sound tuning.
Which has longer battery life?
The JLab Go Air Pop. It offers 35+ hours total with the case against roughly 20 hours for the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT.
Which is better for phone calls?
Neither is strong. The Skullcandy has a mic in each earbud, but owners specifically complain it is poor for calls. The JLab handles calls but is not praised for clarity either.
Is the JLab worth stepping up to over the Skullcandy?
If battery life, fit and EQ control matter more than bass punch, yes. The JLab adds newer Bluetooth and a built-in case charger for a similar outlay.
Can I use either one earbud at a time?
JLab owners report using a single earbud at a time. Skullcandy does not advertise single-bud use, so treat that as unconfirmed for the Smokin' Buds XT.
Which sounds better?
The Skullcandy is tuned for deeper bass out of the box. The JLab lets you switch between Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost, so it adapts to more kinds of listening.

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Sound OutputStereoStereo
Audio HighlightsNoise Isolating FitBe Aware (to hear outside noises)
Water ProtectionIPX4IPX4
WaterproofNoNo
Water ResistantYesYes
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, BluetoothWireless, Bluetooth
Compatible DevicesiPhone, Android devicesAndroid, iOS, Mac
Ports And InterfacesUSB-CUSB-C
ConnectivityBluetooth, USB-C—
Battery playtimeUp to 20 Hours Playtime—
Water resistanceIPX4 Sweat and Water Resistant—
Rapid charge10 min = 2 hrs—
Charging cableUSB-C Charging Cable—
ControlsCapacitive Touch—
MicrophoneMicrophone in Each Earbud—
FitNoise Isolating Fit—
CompatibilityIOS/Android Compatible—
EarpiecesDouble—
Headphone FeatureWater-Resistant, True Wireless, Inner Ear—
Users report pausing or skipping tracks when adjusting the earbuds.
  • Best wireless earbuds under $50