A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP headphones are a midrange-priced on-ear option that offers good overall sound quality and is known for better durability, making them a solid choice for music listening but not as ideal for calls and meetings. If you are looking for a budget-friendly over-ear headphone with a high-quality microphone, ideal for gaming and excellent for podcasts and books, the JBL Quantum 100 might be your choice; however, it offers lower comfort and build quality compared to the Beats EP. Neither model has wireless capabilities or active noise cancelling, so consider this if freedom from cables or noise isolation are important to you. Both options provide similar sound isolation and neither is sweat or dustproof, which may affect their suitability for exercise or traveling. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Music
8.1
7.0
The Beats EP 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 Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.5
The JBL Quantum 100 and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
4.5
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Cost
$100
$23
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $23.
Build Quality
8.0
6.5
The Beats EP has very good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
7.6
7.1
The Beats EP and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Beats EP and JBL Quantum 100 are both poor for noise reduction.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Beats EP and the JBL Quantum 100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | JBL Quantum 100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $23 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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 Beats EP or the JBL Quantum 100
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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.
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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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