CNET’s hands-on review found a secure, comfortable fit, richer and more detailed sound than the preceding Air Pro 4, and improved noise cancellation; its remaining everyday compromises are only average transparency and call performance plus a case that is less easy to use. The roughly $80–100 US price keeps it within this comparison’s budget while providing ANC for transit.
| # | Product | Recommended By | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus | 1/4 reviewers | Commuters who want a comfortable fit, strong sound and active noise cancellation under $100 | $80-100 |
| 2 | Soundcore Space A40 | 1/4 reviewers | Long commutes and listeners who prioritize a small, comfortable bud and long battery life | $55-75 |
| 3 | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | 1/4 reviewers | Riders who want adjustable ANC and long measured playback at a sale price | $70-100 |
| 4 | JLab GO Air POP | 1/4 reviewers | Very tight budgets and commuters who value a light, comfortable backup pair over ANC | $20-25 |
CNET’s reviewer found an ear tip that sealed securely and buds comfortable enough to stay in place while running. The reviewer heard a meaningful step up in richness and detail over the earlier Air Pro 4 and noted slightly better ANC. For a commute, the trade-offs are that calls could be better, transparency sounds merely average, and the upright case made inserting and removing the buds less convenient. CNET rated it 8.3/10 and described it as a strong sub-$100 option.
Best for: Commuters who want a comfortable fit, strong sound and active noise cancellation under $100 - $80-100
Scarbir’s hands-on review described the compact buds as comfortable for hours, secure in medium-sized ears and unobtrusive enough for side-sleeping; it also praised multipoint and the pocketable case. Crucially for a 2026 commuter, Scarbir’s October 2026 update lowered its score after readers reported unusually fast battery degradation and the reviewer judged its ANC weaker by current standards. The review gives it four stars, so this is a comfort-and-compactness option with a notable longevity caveat rather than the newest ANC leader.
Best for: Long commutes and listeners who prioritize a small, comfortable bud and long battery life - $55-75
SoundGuys rated the earbuds 8.2/10 after hands-on use and lab testing, praising their value, ANC controls and battery. Its test recorded almost ten hours on a charge with ANC enabled, and it found that ANC reduced traffic and transit hum. The reviewer says chatter and some high-pitched sounds can still get through, and the fit provides only average comfort; strong ANC can also feel pressurized to some users. Its case was described as chunky.
Best for: Riders who want adjustable ANC and long measured playback at a sale price - $70-100
SoundGuys spent two weeks with the GO Air POP and gave it 6.6/10. It measured 11 hours 4 minutes of playback, found the earbuds light and compact, and recommended them for tight budgets. This is not a noise-canceling commute option: passive isolation reduces some sounds, but voices and household noise remain audible. SoundGuys also noted occasional brief right-earbud dropouts and weak microphone performance around busy roads or wind.
Best for: Very tight budgets and commuters who value a light, comfortable backup pair over ANC - $20-25
We compared 4 products. EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus won overall — the rest are strong in narrower niches:
CNET’s hands-on review found a secure, comfortable fit, richer and more detailed sound than the preceding Air Pro 4, and improved noise cancellation; its remaining everyday compromises are only average transparency and call performance plus a case that is less easy to use. The roughly $80–100 US price keeps it within this comparison’s budget while providing ANC for transit.
$80-100
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