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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) offer convenience with their wireless design and a charging case providing extensive battery life, suitable for those prioritizing portability and ease of use for on-the-go situations including exercise, and they are optimized for Apple devices. Meanwhile, the JBL Quantum 100, with its over-ear design, has a superior microphone quality which is excellent for calls and gaming, and offers better sound isolation. The JBL is wired, which may limit mobility but eliminates latency issues, making them a strong choice for gaming and TV. Consider your primary use: wireless convenience and integration with Apple ecosystem with AirPods, or budget-friendly, strong microphone and sound isolation for stationary use with the JBL Quantum 100. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
Good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
Good for music
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
7.0/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8/10
8.5/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
5.5/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
4.5/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
5.4/10
7.1/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
5.3/10
The JBL Quantum 100 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The JBL Quantum 100 does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$23
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $23.
Build Quality
7.6/10
6.5/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
"I appreciate a functional piece of tech as much as I do gear on the bleeding edge, and the JBL Quantum 100 certainly falls in the former category. The sound is reasonably good, the built-in microphone is surprisingly reliable and it has a thoughtful design for the price. It lacks the convenience of Bluetooth, sure, but sometimes it’s nice not to have to worry about the finicky nature of wireless communication and go with good old hard-wired tech."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the JBL Quantum 100
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.