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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods offer an open design that may provide a more natural listening experience, and they are very portable, which is great for use on the go. However, they provide minimal noise isolation, which might not be ideal for noisy environments. The JBL Quantum 100 headphones have a closed design that offers better noise isolation and a superior microphone for calls or gaming, but they are less portable and may not be as comfortable for long periods. If you frequently make calls or play games, the JBL Quantum 100 may be more suitable, whereas the Earpods could be better for casual, on-the-go listening. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
- The JBL Quantum 100 has no clear advantages over the Apple Earpods.
Key differences
Music
7.8
7.0
The Apple Earpods and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for music, though the Apple Earpods is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.5
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
4.5
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The JBL Quantum 100 and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Cost
$20
$40
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $40.
Build Quality
7.6
6.5
The Apple Earpods has good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.3
8.5
The JBL Quantum 100 and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.4
7.1
The Apple Earpods and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the JBL Quantum 100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | JBL Quantum 100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4/10 | |
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 | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
JBL Quantum 100
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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 Earpods 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.
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