Everyday Audio on a Budget: JLab Earbuds or a Bose Speaker?
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to products on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Smart World Global Technologies LLC may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
We use both of these, and they do different jobs. The simple way to choose is to ask whether you listen alone or with other people.
Earbuds: for just you
The JLab Go Air Pop+ is a compact, budget-friendly pair of true wireless earbuds with dual-connect and EQ3 custom sound settings. They suit calls, workouts, and commutes, and they fit in a pocket.
Speaker: for everyone nearby
The Bose SoundLink Plus is a portable speaker that is waterproof and dustproof, with up to 20 hours of battery. It's built for the beach, the backyard, or the bathroom, and it fills a room with sound.
Quick way to decide
- Mostly on the move or at the gym: earbuds.
- Gatherings, outdoors, or at home: speaker.
- Both situations: get both; together they cost less than many single premium headphones.
Before you buy
- Check the charging cable type and how long a full charge lasts.
- For earbuds, make sure the ear tips fit comfortably; a good seal improves sound.
- For speakers, look at the water and dust ratings in the listing.
Our picks
JLab Go Air Pop+ Earbuds
Compact dual-connect earbuds with EQ3 custom sound for calls, workouts, and commutes.
View on Amazon ↗
Bose SoundLink Plus Speaker
Waterproof, dustproof portable speaker with 20-hour battery and room-filling sound.
View on Amazon ↗