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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize overall sound quality and music listening experiences, the Audio Technica M50x is the better choice with its reputation for precise sound. However, it is less suitable for calls and meetings, as it lacks a microphone, unlike the JBL Quantum 100, which is designed with a boom mic that scores perfectly for call quality. Gamers may prefer the JBL Quantum 100, as it's rated higher for gaming use. The M50x is not optimal for exercise due to its size and lack of sweatproof features, while the JBL headset, although not specifically sweatproof, is lighter and could be a bit more accommodating. Both headphones are wired and do not have active noise cancelling, but if cost is a significant factor, the JBL Quantum 100 would be the more economical choice and offers better portability due to its lighter weight. 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 M50x
- Very good for music
- Good for air travel
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.5
7.0
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the JBL Quantum 100 is good.
Gaming
6.3
8.5
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.5
The JBL Quantum 100 and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
4.5
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
7.1
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Cost
$149
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $20.
Build Quality
8.5
6.5
The Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Audio Technica M50x and JBL Quantum 100 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the JBL Quantum 100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | JBL Quantum 100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
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 Audio Technica M50x 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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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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