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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for earbuds that are great for calls, meetings, and have optimized performance for Android devices, the Google Pixel Buds A Series would be a good choice. They are also more portable and suitable for exercise. However, if you prioritize microphone quality above all and need something for gaming, the JBL Quantum 100 would serve you better, with its boom microphone and emphasis on immersive gaming audio. Note that the Pixel Buds are wireless with a lower battery life, while the JBL are wired headphones, which might matter if you prefer the convenience of wireless use or the reliability of a wired connection. Also, the JBL Quantum 100 might be a superior choice for dedicated TV and video consumption due to a purportedly better soundstage. Keep in mind the price difference, as the Pixel Buds are typically pricier. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JBL Quantum 100
- Good for music
Key differences
Music
6.4
7.0
The JBL Quantum 100 is good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.5
5.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
4.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
7.1
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
4.6
5.3
The JBL Quantum 100 and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The JBL Quantum 100 does not have a battery.
Cost
$58
$40
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the JBL Quantum 100 costs $40.
Build Quality
7.4
6.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.6
8.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and JBL Quantum 100 are both very good for gaming.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the JBL Quantum 100 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | JBL Quantum 100 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 220 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
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 Google Pixel Buds A Series or the JBL Quantum 100
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android 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.
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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.
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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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