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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and the JBL Quantum 100 depends on your priorities. AirPods are wireless, compact, better for exercise, and optimized for Apple devices, with support for AAC codec and features like ear detection. However, they have limited noise isolation. JBL Quantum 100 headphones, on the other hand, provide superior microphone quality, are excellent for gaming and podcasts, but are bulkier, wired, and less portable. If convenience and seamless use with Apple products are important, AirPods may justify the higher cost. For the best gaming experience, meetings, and a tighter budget, the JBL Quantum 100 is a strong contender. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
8.5
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
4.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
5.5
7.1
The JBL Quantum 100 is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The JBL Quantum 100 and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL Quantum 100 does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $20.
Build Quality
9.0
6.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.1
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for music.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the JBL Quantum 100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | JBL Quantum 100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
JBL Quantum 100
See more
Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Wes Davis | July 2023
"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 (3rd 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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.
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