Disclosure: I’d like to thank iFi for loaning me the GO pod Air for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and iFi had no say or input on the contents of this review.

The iFi GO pod Air takes on one of audio’s most persistent challenges: making high-quality wired IEMs work wirelessly without destroying their sound quality. At $249 USD, these lightweight adapters promise to bridge the gap between audiophile performance and true wireless convenience.

This isn’t iFi’s first foray into this product category, though, as the original GO pod has been around since 2023 (see my review of it here). So, the real question then is, does the GO pod Air deliver enough improvements over the original GO pod to justify choosing it? The original model has been well-regarded for its power output and battery life, but the Air version promises better portability and comfort.

I’ve been testing the GO pod Air with various high-performance IEMs to see how it handles real-world use, as I wanted to find out if these adapters actually deliver on their promise of audiophile-quality wireless sound, and whether they’re worth considering over the more powerful (but more expensive) original model. So, let’s get into it.

---

---

• Two sets of ear hooks (MMCX, 0.78mm 2-pin)
• Compact charging case
• USB-C to USB-A charging cable
• Quick start guide and warranty information

---

iFi clearly prioritized portability with the GO pod Air, and it shows in every design decision. Each pod weighs just 10 grams, which makes them barely noticeable during long listening sessions. The shift from glossy to matte finish was smart, no more constantly wiping fingerprints off the touch surfaces. The geometric design language remains, just lighter with a slightly different color scheme. The touch controls are located in the exact same spot as the original, the lower portion of each pod, and work exactly the same way as before. The very top of each pod has the connector for the ear loops, and the bottom is where the microphone is located. Again, exactly the same design as the original GO pod.

The build quality doesn’t feel compromised despite the weight reduction compared to the original GO pod. The Air still feels like a premium audio product, not a cheap plastic accessory. The lightweight textured polymer provides better grip than the original’s smoother finish, and is also opaque, so you can see the inside of the pods.

Ear Loop System: Much More Flexible

This is where iFi really got it right. The ear loops are significantly more flexible than the original version, making them much easier to work with when connecting different IEMs. If you’ve ever struggled to get the original GO pod’s rigid loops to fit your earphones properly, you’ll immediately notice the difference. The improved flexibility means you can position IEMs at slight angles when needed, which helps with compatibility across different earphone designs. The rubber material feels softer, too, which makes it more comfortable when the loop is sitting on your ear.

The ear loops are designed so that they can only go in one way, which is indicated by a small notch. The ear loops and the pods are all labeled with L and R markings, so it is easy to discern which side is which. The package includes both MMCX and 2-pin connectors, covering most popular IEMs. For more specialized gear, iFi offers T2 and Pentaconn options.

Charging Case: Finally Portable

The charging case represents the biggest improvement over the original, in my opinion. Where the first-generation case was bulky and awkward to carry, this new square-shaped design actually allows you to fit it in a jacket pocket or a small bag. The EVA composite material feels premium and soft to the touch, a noticeable upgrade from the plastic construction of the original.

You can still store your IEMs while they are connected to the pods inside the case, just like the original GO pod case, but there is less room inside now, and larger IEMs can prevent the pods from sitting correctly in their charger.  Most of my IEMs were fine after some maneuvering of the ear loop, but it’s something to consider. Most of the time, I would simply disconnect the ear loops from the pods when storing them.

The case does sacrifice some battery capacity for this improved portability, providing 15 hours total versus the original’s 35 hours. That’s a significant trade-off, but one that makes sense given the focus on everyday carry.

Inside the case, there is a set of 4 indicator lights to indicate the battery life of the case. There’s also a small compartment where you can store cables or IEMs. On the outside, the front of the case is where the USB-C charging connector is located, and the bottom is where the battery (non-removable) is.

---

After weeks of testing with different IEMs, I can say these adapters handle the practical stuff surprisingly well.

iFi kept the touch controls refreshingly straightforward. Each pod has a responsive touch area that handles the basics: play/pause, volume adjustment, call management, and voice assistant activation. No complex gestures or confusing combinations to memorize, although sadly, you cannot remap the controls.

What I really appreciate is the option to disable touch controls entirely. This solves one of my biggest frustrations with touch-sensitive earbuds, accidental volume adjustments, and track skips during workouts or when adjusting the fit. The panels respond reliably even with sweaty fingers, which is fantastic. My biggest issue with the touch controls, though, is that they are too easily activated due to the location and sensitivity. Adjusting the touch latency in the iFi Nexis app helps a bit, but I do wish that iFi had opted for a physical button instead.

When swapping IEMs or ear loops, the process is dead simple: disconnect your IEM cable, attach the earpieces to the pod connector, then pair with your source. The system works with recessed sockets, flush mounts, or protruding connectors. I tested this with several different IEMs and haven’t found one that wouldn’t fit properly yet.

The GO pod Air also has an IPX5 rating, the same as the original. I’ve worn these through unexpected downpours and gym sessions without any issues. The protection lets you use expensive IEMs in situations where you’d normally never risk them.

Honestly, the whole user experience with the GO pod Air is great, from swapping IEMs to device pairing, it all just works. I’ll go into more details about the Bluetooth performance and codec experience in the next section, but generally, I had almost no issues in this area.

Lastly, functions are controlled through the iFi Nexis app. From here, you can control which Bluetooth codecs are allowed to be used, perform firmware updates, select various filters, and see the battery life of the pods. Touch control settings are limited in that you can modify the touch latency, enable or disable the touch controls, and enable or disable the button combination for disabling the touch controls. I really wish there were an option to remap the button combinations to our own liking. Maybe that could come in a future update.

Here are some screenshots of that app and the various options:

The GO pod Air uses a Qualcomm QCC5144 chipset for its wireless connectivity. The Bluetooth 5.2 connection has been rock solid in my testing. I can walk around my entire apartment without any audio dropouts, and the range extends well beyond what I need for daily use. The connection stays stable at distances up to 20 meters even with walls in between, which means I can leave my phone or DAP in one room and move freely throughout the house without worrying about losing signal.

This kind of reliability makes a huge difference, as there’s nothing worse than having your music cut out randomly when you’re trying to enjoy a good track.

For codec support, we get LDAC and LHDC (HWA) for “high-res” Bluetooth, aptX variants (aptX, Adaptive), AAC, and SBC. This means, regardless of what device you’re using, you’ll be able to pair the GO pod Air to it. The aptX codec, classic and Adaptive, performed flawlessly, as did LHDC (HWA). LDAC is where I had some issues, though. Almost every single device I tried I could not get a stable connection using the Optimized for Audio setting, which gives you the full 990kbps bitrate of LDAC. The majority of the time, I had to fall back to Balanced, which reduces the bitrate to 660kbps, which is still higher than aptX Adaptive, but that’s not what you are paying for here, right?

Here are my device results for LDAC performance:

FiiO JM21 – Optimized for Audio (990kbps) works great.

HiBy R3Pro II – Optimized for Audio (990kbps) is extremely choppy and stuttery, unplayable. Need to use Balanced (660kbps) for smooth playback.

HiBy R4 – Optimized for Audio (990kbps) is extremely choppy and stuttery, unplayable. Need to use Balanced (660kbps) for smooth playback.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 – Optimized for Audio (990kbps) works mostly great when inside. Outside or in a busy environment (coffee shop, etc) need to use Balanced (660kbps) for smooth playback.

Sony NW-A306 – Optimized for Audio (990kbps) is extremely choppy and stuttery, unplayable. Need to use Balanced (660kbps) for smooth playback.

Sony NW-ZX707 – Optimized for Audio (990kbps) is extremely choppy and stuttery, unplayable. Need to use Balanced (660kbps) for smooth playback.

Sony NW-WM1AM2 – Optimized for Audio (990kbps) is extremely choppy and stuttery, unplayable. Need to use Balanced (660kbps) for smooth playback.

Out of 7 devices, only one can consistently do Optimized for Audio (990kbps), while the others need to fall back to Balanced. When outside, or in a busy area, it is forgivable that LDAC performance suffers as it is highly affected by RF interference. But when at home and sitting still at a desk or couch, it should be flawless. LHDC (HWA) performs much better than LDAC in this regard, but unfortunately, many devices and adapters do not support it.

Battery life can make or break any wireless device, especially when you’re dealing with high-resolution codecs that demand more power. The GO pod Air takes a different approach compared to its predecessor, with the charging case prioritizing compact size over maximum runtime.

Each pod houses a 180mAh battery that delivers up to 7 hours of continuous playback. That matches the original GO pod’s runtime per charge, but the Air achieves this with a much lighter design. The charging case contains a 580mAh battery, bringing total playtime to approximately 15 hours.

This represents a significant shift from the original GO pod’s approach. That model packed a hefty 1500mAh case for 35 hours total, but the bulk made it less practical for daily carry. The Air version clearly targets users who value portability over maximum battery capacity.

With LDAC and LHDC, I found the advertised 7 hours mostly hold up well in real-world use, where I am able to get roughly 6 hours and 40 minutes. Even power-hungry codecs don’t seem to dramatically impact runtime, which is impressive for such a compact design. The aptX codecs got me to almost exactly 7 hours.

Both pods recharge in under 1.5 hours, while the case itself hits full capacity in less than 2 hours. The case uses standard USB-C with 5V/1A charging, so any modern charger will work fine.

One notable omission is wireless charging support. The original GO pod case included Qi wireless charging, but iFi dropped this feature to reduce size, weight, and probably cost. Given the compact design goals, this makes sense in my opinion.

Each pod houses a Qualcomm QCC5144 chip that handles Bluetooth. The digital signal then gets passed to a Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DAC, which iFi selected specifically for its dynamic sound profile and low power consumption.

After digital-to-analog conversion, the signal goes through a balanced amplification stage. There’s even a dedicated clock to keep timing perfect between all components. This separation mirrors how high-end desktop systems work, where each stage gets optimized independently rather than being compromised by a single chip doing everything.

Power and Volume

The pods also include intelligent impedance matching at 16, 32, and 64 ohms, automatically adjusting when you connect the IEMs. The maximum output power of the GO pod air is rated at roughly 57mw@16 ohms. What this translates to in practical terms is that the GO pod Air is able to drive the majority of IEMs. You will most likely only run into issues when using higher-end IEMs, but of all the IEMs I have (check my IEM review section for a complete list), I had zero problems.

Sound Profile

How do they actually sound, though? The GO pod Air maintains most of your IEMs’ original character while adding a subtle warmth that makes longer listening sessions more enjoyable. There’s a slight bass elevation that adds musicality without making things muddy. EDM and electronic music benefit from this tuning, but it never overwhelms acoustic tracks.

Testing with various IEMs, the midrange consistently impressed me with its clarity and natural vocal reproduction. Even at moderate volume levels, you get full-bodied dynamics with solid punch. The treble stays articulate without any harshness, preserving the detail and extension that made you choose those particular IEMs in the first place.

The GO pod Air doesn’t heavily color your sound, but only subtly enhances dynamic range and transient response while keeping each IEM’s core signature intact. That’s exactly what you want from adapters like these.

From my entire IEM collection, my favorite pairings with the GO pod Air are the Simgot EA1000 “Fermat”, KBEAR Cepheus KB16, 7Hz Timeless II, and the Juzear x Z Reviews Defiant. They all sound fantastic with the GO pod Air, and it was a pleasure to be able to use them wirelessly.

Gaming and Media Consumption

The GO pod Air does not support any low-latency codecs, so naturally, there will be latency when using these to watch videos or movies, or when gaming. What I have found, though, is that if you use something like the Sennheiser BTD 700 Bluetooth adapter, the built-in gaming mode does an excellent job, making the GO Pod Air extremely viable for everything except competitive gaming.

Call quality benefits from a microphone in each pod. Qualcomm’s cVc noise suppression handles background noise effectively during conversations. I was able to take calls in moderately noisy environments without issues. The person on the other end said I came through clearly in quiet environments, and mostly clear with some traffic noise in the background. I do wish it could do a better job at voice isolation, but being able to make calls is more of a secondary function, really.

Now that we’ve covered the individual aspects, let’s talk about how the GO pod Air stacks up against the original model. This comparison gets to the heart of what you’re really choosing between: maximum performance versus improved portability.

The physical differences hit you immediately. Each GO pod Air weighs just 10 grams per pod, compared top 12 grams with the original. 2 grams doesn’t sound like a lot, but combined with the more flexible and softer feeling ear loops, it’s a dramatic improvement in comfort, especially for longer listening sessions.

The charging case for the Air is 40% lighter and 20% smaller than the original, with a much nicer texture in my opinion.

Both models use the same Qualcomm and Cirrus Logic architecture, but the power delivery differs slightly. The original GO pod pushes up to 60mw at 16 ohms (120mW at 32 and 64 ohms, 53mw at 300ohms), while the Air delivers around 57mW at 16 ohms. For most mainstream IEMs, the Air has plenty of power. But if you’re running higher-end IEMs, you’ll notice the difference. In my opinion, there is no sound quality difference between the Air and the original

Battery life shows the clearest compromise. The Air gives you 7 hours per charge with 15 hours total from the case. The original? Same 7 hours per charge, but 35 hours total. That’s a significant drop, though 15 hours still covers most daily use scenarios.

The good news is that both models support the same codec lineup: LDAC, LHDC, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, and SBC. You’re not giving up wireless audio quality by choosing the Air version.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The GO pod Air costs $249 versus $399 for the original. That $150 difference changes the entire value equation.

To be honest, the original GO pod remains the better choice if you need maximum power output and extended battery life. But for most users, the Air version delivers all that you would need.

The decision comes down to your priorities. Need to drive power-hungry headphones all day? Stick with the original. Want something genuinely portable that still sounds great with your favorite IEMs? The Air version makes more sense.

On a final note here, during my testing of the GO pod Air, iFi announced and released the GO pod Max. It is comparable to the original GO pod but adds aptX Lossless support, K2HD technology, and is now made from an aluminum shell. The price is $599 USD, which is $200 more than the original GO pod and $350 more than the GO pod Air. While I think that iFi should have announced both the Air and the Max at the same time, they are in such different price categories that the use cases are much different.

The iFi GO pod Air has spent the last few weeks as my primary way to use high-quality IEMs wirelessly, and it’s proven to be a solid evolution rather than a revolutionary leap. These adapters successfully address the biggest complaints about the original GO pod, mainly size and weight, while keeping the sound quality that made the original worth recommending.

What impressed me most was how much the size reduction matters in daily use. The charging case is actually portable now, and the lighter pods and improved ear loops don’t cause discomfort during long listening sessions.

The sound quality holds up well despite the reduced power output. All of the IEMs I tested received plenty of power from the GO pod Air. The Bluetooth codec support means you are getting excellent sound quality as well as compatibility with the majority of source devices.

Battery life is the clearest compromise here. You’re giving up about 20 hours of total playtime compared to the original. That said, 15 hours total has been more than enough for my typical use. The improved portability makes this trade-off worthwhile for most people.

iFi has created something genuinely useful here, a way to turn your expensive wired IEMs into practical everyday wireless earbuds without destroying what makes them special. The GO pod Air isn’t perfect, but it solves the right problems and does so without the usual wireless audio compromises. That’s exactly what this product category needed. At $249, the price is just right in my opinion. If they could solve the LDAC performance issues, that would just be icing on the cake.

The above links may be affiliate links. All commission earned through them goes directly to maintaining this site and bringing you more audio reviews.

---

I’m not always able to cover all the details of a product, both hardware and software, in our reviews. If you have any specific questions about this product, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

Be sure to check out our excellent Buyer’s Guides, as well as our other Reviews.