If you want deep bass headphone for side sleepers with a secure in-ear fit that blocks out noise, choose JLab; if you need true wireless earbuds for side sleepers who swim or require open-ear awareness to hear their surroundings, choose MARLALL Soft Liquid Silicone.
• JLab Go Air Pop+ Tones: Offers 35+ hours of total playtime with customizable EQ presets and a compact, secure fit, but lacks active noise cancellation and is not designed for water immersion. Best for commuters, gym-goers, and listeners who prioritize battery life and sound customization.
• MARLALL Soft Liquid Silicone: Features an IPX8 waterproof rating, bone conduction technology, and a soft silicone design for swimming and outdoor safety, but operates in MP3 mode only underwater and has a shorter single-charge runtime. Best for swimmers, runners, and users who need situational awareness while listening.
The JLab Go Air Pop+ Tones are built for the listener who wants a traditional in-ear experience without the bulk of over-the-head gear. The design centers around a 6mm dynamic driver that delivers a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This spec sheet tells me this unit is engineered to handle the full spectrum of audio, from the thumping lows of a drum beat to the crisp highs of a vocal track. The inclusion of three distinct EQ presets—Signature, Bass Boost, and Balanced—means you can tailor the output to match your specific taste or the type of content you are consuming. If you spend your commute listening to podcasts, the Balanced setting likely offers clarity, whereas the Bass Boost option caters directly to those seeking a deep bass headphone experience during workouts or music sessions.
Comfort is a major selling point here, particularly for the side sleeper. The buds feature a slim profile with skin-tone inspired shades developed with Orly Color Labs, suggesting a design focus on discretion and aesthetic integration with the user. The package includes three sets of gel eartips, which is a critical detail for anyone struggling to find a proper seal. A proper seal is essential not just for sound quality, but for blocking ambient noise when you are trying to rest or focus. The touch controls allow you to manage music, calls, and EQ settings directly from the bud itself, eliminating the need to fumble with a phone. Furthermore, the Dual Connect feature lets you use either earbud independently, offering flexibility if you need to keep one ear free while still enjoying audio.
The battery performance is where this device truly shines for daily drivers. With a single charge delivering 9+ hours per earbud and an additional 26 hours provided by the USB-C charging case, the total playtime exceeds 35 hours. This means you can go a full workweek of commutes and workouts without hunting for an outlet. The integrated USB-C cable in the case adds a layer of convenience, allowing you to get an hour of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging. However, there are trade-offs. The specifications list "None" under noise control, meaning these rely solely on the passive isolation of the ear tips. They do not have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Additionally, while they are IPX4 sweat resistant and can handle light rain, they are not submersible. If you plan to wear these in the shower or take them for a swim, they will fail.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-24 · 9 min read · Independent comparison
Who should skip this? If your primary activity involves swimming or if you require absolute silence in a noisy environment without relying on physical fit, this might not be the right tool. The lack of underwater capability and the absence of electronic noise cancellation mean it is strictly a land-based, standard audio solution.
The MARLALL Soft Liquid Silicone headphones represent a fundamentally different approach to personal audio, specifically targeting the aquatic athlete and the outdoor enthusiast. The defining feature here is the bone conduction technology paired with an IPX8 waterproof rating. This specification goes far beyond simple splash resistance; it indicates the device can withstand complete water immersion, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The ergonomic ear-hook design ensures the pressure is distributed evenly across the ear, preventing the slipping or shifting that often plagues standard earbuds during vigorous movement. For the side sleeper who also swims, this is a game-changer because the open-ear design allows the ear canal to remain clear, reducing the risk of fluid buildup and discomfort while sleeping or resting near water.
The material choice is equally significant. The use of skin-friendly liquid silicone creates an ultra-soft overmold that feels gentle against the skin, even during extended wear. This is crucial for users who might wear the headphones for long durations during training or recovery. The open-ear design ensures you remain fully aware of your environment. Whether you are running on a busy street or hiking through nature, you can hear traffic and wildlife while still enjoying your playlist. This safety factor is often overlooked in traditional earbuds but is central to the MARLALL philosophy. The internal storage holds 32GB of media, allowing you to store playlists directly on the device. This removes the dependency on a smartphone connection while you are in the water, as Bluetooth does not transmit effectively underwater.
However, the limitations of this form factor are stark compared to traditional earbuds. You cannot stream from your phone while submerged; you must load tracks onto the device beforehand. The battery life is listed as up to 7 hours of continuous playback after a 1.5-hour charge. While 7 hours is sufficient for most training sessions, it falls short of the 35+ hours offered by the JLab alternative. Furthermore, the item weight is 22.68 grams, which is noticeably heavier than the 0.3-gram JLab buds, though the distribution helps mitigate this feeling. The warranty is also shorter at one year compared to the industry-leading two-year coverage found on the JLab.
Who should skip this? If you are looking for high-fidelity stereo sound with deep bass isolation or need a device that seamlessly switches between land and water without changing modes, this might frustrate you. The reliance on bone conduction means the sound signature will feel different than traditional drivers, and the inability to use Bluetooth underwater requires a workflow change involving file transfers.
When deciding between these two options, you must look past the surface features and consider how your daily routine aligns with the technical constraints of each device. The first consideration is the medium of use. If your primary environment is dry—offices, gyms, parks, or cars—the JLab offers a more versatile and powerful audio experience with its dynamic drivers and extensive battery life. The 6mm drivers and EQ presets provide a rich, immersive sound that bone conduction simply cannot replicate. Conversely, if your routine includes water exposure, the MARLALL is the only viable choice. Its IPX8 rating and bone conduction technology are not add-ons; they are the core function. Trying to use standard earbuds like the JLab for swimming would result in immediate damage, as they are only rated for IPX4 sweat and light rain.
Battery management is the second critical factor. The JLab is built for endurance. With 35+ hours of total playtime, it is designed to last days without charging. This is perfect for the traveler or the person who forgets to charge their devices frequently. The MARLALL, with 7 hours of playback, is designed for single-session usage, such as a swim practice or a long run. While 7 hours is ample for most activities, it requires more frequent recharging cycles if used daily. The charging method also differs significantly; the JLab uses a convenient USB-C cable built into the case, while the MARLALL utilizes a magnetic charging cable that connects directly to the device, requiring you to connect it to a computer for file management.
Finally, consider the fit and safety requirements. The JLab relies on a seal created by gel tips to block noise and enhance bass. This seal can be uncomfortable for some side sleepers who press their ears against a pillow, potentially causing pressure points. The MARLALL, with its open-ear design and soft silicone hook, avoids this issue entirely by leaving the ear canal open. This makes it superior for side sleepers who value comfort and safety over noise isolation. If you need to hear your alarm clock, a partner, or traffic while wearing headphones, the MARLALL is objectively safer. If you need to block out a crying baby or a loud construction site, the JLab provides better passive isolation.
• Best for battery life → JLab: With 35+ hours of total playtime, it lasts over five times longer than the MARLALL's 7 hours on a single charge cycle.
• Best for swimming → MARLALL: Only the MARLALL offers true IPX8 waterproofing and bone conduction necessary for underwater use.
• Best for deep bass and sound quality → JLab: The 6mm dynamic drivers and EQ presets offer a richer, more traditional stereo experience than bone conduction.
• Best for situational awareness → MARLALL: The open-ear design keeps your ears completely open, ensuring you hear traffic and nature sounds.
• Best for side sleepers seeking comfort → MARLALL: The soft liquid silicone and open design prevent ear canal pressure and irritation.
• Best for all-day commuting → JLab: The dual-connect feature and long battery life make it ideal for workweeks without constant charging.
• Best for durability warranty → JLab: Comes with a 2-year warranty, providing longer confidence than the 1-year limit on the MARLALL.
• Best for file portability → MARLALL: The built-in 32G MP3 player allows for standalone music playback without a phone.
After weighing the specs and use cases, I would personally buy the JLab Go Air Pop+ Tones for my daily life. As someone who values long battery life, deep bass, and a secure fit for general listening, the versatility of the JLab outweighs the specialized nature of the MARLALL. The ability to customize sound with EQ presets and the sheer convenience of 35 hours of playtime make it the superior choice for the average consumer. However, if I were a competitive swimmer or needed to run safely in heavy traffic where hearing ambient noise is non-negotiable, I would immediately switch to the MARLALL Soft Liquid Silicone. For the specific niche of a side sleeper who also enjoys swimming, the MARLALL is the only logical choice, but for everyone else, the JLab is the more robust and enjoyable daily driver.
Both products address comfort differently; the JLab offers a compact fit with multiple tip sizes for a secure seal, while the MARLALL uses an open-ear design with soft silicone to eliminate ear canal pressure.
Yes, the MARLALL is rated IPX8 waterproof and features bone conduction specifically designed for underwater use, though you must use the internal MP3 mode rather than Bluetooth while submerged.
No, the JLab Go Air Pop+ does not feature active noise cancellation; it relies on the passive isolation provided by the included gel eartips to reduce background noise.
The MARLALL comes with 32GB of internal storage, allowing you to load playlists directly onto the device for offline listening without needing a connected phone.
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