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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X offers superior overall sound quality and is better suited for listening to music and watching TV or videos. However, it falls short in the microphones category because it does not have one, making it less suitable for calls or gaming. Conversely, the JBL Quantum 100, while not matching the Audio Technica in sound quality, boasts an excellent microphone, making it ideal for gaming and clear conversations during calls or online meetings. The JBL is also less expensive, which could be an important factor if your budget is tight. Both headphones are wired, have a closed-back design for better noise isolation, and are not specifically optimized for exercise or travel due to their larger size and lack of folding capability. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the JBL Quantum 100.
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
7.6
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for music, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.2
8.5
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.5
The JBL Quantum 100 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
4.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
7.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Cost
$49
$20
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $20.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
6.9
6.5
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and JBL Quantum 100 both have only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the JBL Quantum 100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | JBL Quantum 100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
JBL Quantum 100
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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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the JBL Quantum 100
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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