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Deal.ai › Compare

JLab Smokin' Buds vs Anker Soundcore R50i NC

Buy the Anker Soundcore R50i NC if you want active noise cancelling, bigger 10mm drivers and longer battery life. Buy the JLab Smokin' Buds if you want a lighter, sport-focused fit with touch controls and EQ modes at the entry level. The Anker wins on features and sound hardware. The JLab wins on weight and a simpler sports design. Owners rate the JLab 4.2 out of 5 across 1,737 ratings, a solid but not exceptional score; the Anker's ANC and BassUp tuning are the bigger step up for most listeners.

  • Choose the Smokin' Buds if you want light in-ear buds for workouts with touch controls, EQ modes and a mic in each earbud.
  • Choose the Soundcore R50i NC if you want active noise cancelling, deeper bass and longer battery life for daily listening and calls.

Prices

  • JLab Smokin' Buds: $14.00 at DEPRIME (checked today)
  • Anker Soundcore R50i NC: $20.00 at Syriaphone (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the JLab Smokin' Buds is $6.00 cheaper than the Anker Soundcore R50i NC at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 15)
JLab
Smokin’ Buds

JLab Smokin' Buds

Smokin’ Buds

4.2(1,737 ratings)
$14.00at DEPRIMEChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit DEPRIME
Pros
  • Light at about 40.6 g for workouts
  • Touch controls and EQ modes
  • Mic in each earbud for calls
  • USB-C charging
Cons
  • No active noise cancelling
  • Small 6mm drivers limit bass depth
  • Shorter 20-hour total battery
  • Older Bluetooth 5.2
Anker
Anker Soundcore R50i NC True Wireless Earbuds

Anker Soundcore R50i NC

Anker Soundcore R50i NC True Wireless Earbuds

$20.00at SyriaphoneChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Syriaphone
Pros
  • Active noise cancelling
  • 10mm drivers with BassUp for deep bass
  • 30 hours total with the case
  • IPX5 water resistance and Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
  • Heavier with the charging case
  • ANC is entry-level, not flagship
  • Buds alone last 10 hours, so the case matters

What separates them

JLab Smokin' BudsAnker Soundcore R50i NC
Noise cancellingNo active noise cancelling; passive seal onlyActive noise cancelling
Driver size6mm drivers10mm dynamic drivers with BassUp
Battery life20 hours total10 hours in the buds, 30 hours with the case
Fast chargingNot stated10 minutes gives 2 extra hours
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.3
Water resistanceWater-resistant, no IP rating givenIPX5 against sweat, rain and splashes
Weight and fitAbout 40.6 g, light in-ear build aimed at sportsStandard in-ear build, heavier with the case
Controls and tuningTouch controls and EQ modes, mic in each earbudTouch controls, 2 mics with AI call noise reduction

Price history

  • JLab Smokin' Buds: lowest $24.99 on Nov 6 at Amazon.
  • Anker Soundcore R50i NC: lowest $11.23 on Nov 9 at Microless.com.

Prices at every store

JLab Smokin' Buds

  • DEPRIMENew

    In stockReturn policy

    $14.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit DEPRIME
  • DPRIMESNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $27.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit DPRIMES
  • Exodus Ride ShopNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $27.95Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Exodus Ride Shop
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $24.99Checked Nov 5
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • SunaCheck price at Suna
  • Frederick Gunn BookstoreCheck price at Frederick Gunn Bookstore
  • Hotchkiss School StoreCheck price at Hotchkiss School Store

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 7 stores and price history →

Anker Soundcore R50i NC

  • SyriaphoneNew

    In stock

    $20.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Syriaphone
  • Zaytoun SolutionsNew

    In stock

    $38.30Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Zaytoun Solutions
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $42.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Microless.comNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may apply

    $11.23+ $32.50 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Microless.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecJLab Smokin' BudsAnker Soundcore R50i NC
With MicrophoneYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Battery Life20 Hours—
Product Weight40.59 g—
Product Height81 mm—
Product Length127 mm—
Product Width32 mm—
Charging TypeType-C—
Connection TypeTrue Wireless—
Headphone TypeIn-Ear—
Model NumberS2TAW-R954—
Show all 21 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJLab Smokin' BudsAnker Soundcore R50i NC
Bluetooth Version5.2—
Driver Diameter6mm—
Impedance16Ω ± 15%—
With Touch ControlsYes—
UseSports—
Water-ResistantYes—
Noise Canceling—Yes
Color—Black, Blue, Green
With Charging Case—Yes

What reviewers say

JLab Smokin' Buds

  • 4.2 / 51,737 ratings

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 1,737 ratings, the Smokin' Buds are received as good value for the money. Owners like the sound and price; complaints center on battery life and fit.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners say the sound is full and clear for the price.
  • BatteryCriticisedSeveral owners say real-world playtime is shorter than the 20-hour rating.
  • FitMixedComfort is fine for some ears, loose for others.
  • Touch controlsCriticisedControls register accidental taps during movement.

Anker Soundcore R50i NC

Owners treat the R50i NC as a strong value pick: real ANC, long battery life and a secure, sweat-resistant fit for the money. Criticism centers on noise cancelling that only softens steady background sound and on bass that overpowers vocals for some listeners.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingMixedOwners say ANC dulls engine and fan noise but does little against speech and sharp sounds.
  • Battery lifePraisedReviewers report close to the claimed 10 hours per charge and appreciate the quick top-up.
  • SoundMixedThe BassUp tuning pleases bass fans but some find vocals and treble pushed back.
  • FitPraisedThe in-ear design stays put during workouts and everyday wear.

Questions and answers

Which is better for the gym?
The Anker, because of its IPX5 rating against sweat and splashes. The JLab is lighter and water-resistant, but it gives no IP number, so the Anker is the safer pick for hard workouts.
Does the JLab Smokin' Buds have noise cancelling?
No. It relies on the in-ear seal for isolation. The Anker R50i NC has active noise cancelling, which cuts steady background noise like engines and fans.
Which has better bass?
The Anker. Its 10mm drivers with BassUp produce deeper, stronger bass than the JLab's 6mm drivers, which favor a clean, balanced sound.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Anker. It gives 10 hours in the buds and 30 hours total with the case, plus a 10-minute fast charge for 2 extra hours. The JLab is rated at 20 hours total.
Is the Anker worth stepping up to?
Yes for most people. You get noise cancelling, bigger drivers, longer battery and a proper IPX5 rating. Pick the JLab only if you want the lightest possible sports bud.

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