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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for premium features such as active noise cancellation, seamless integration with Apple devices, and a compact, wireless design for convenience and on-the-go use, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 may be worth the extra cost. However, if you are on a budget and primarily need headphones for gaming, the JBL Quantum 100, with its over-ear design and boom microphone, could offer better comfort and communication clarity, although it lacks the advanced features and wireless capabilities of the AirPods Pro 2. Keep in mind, the over-ear design of the JBL may also provide a more immersive experience and better sound isolation in noisy environments, compared to the in-ear design of the AirPods. 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 Pro 2
Good for phone calls
Very good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
The JBL Quantum 100 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro 2.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.8/10
5.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
4.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8/10
7.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
5.3/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The JBL Quantum 100 does not have a battery.
Cost
$199
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $20.
Build Quality
9.0/10
6.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
"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 Pro 2 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.