The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're on a tight budget and primarily need headphones for gaming or calls, the JBL Quantum 100 would be a good choice due to its excellent mic quality and very good gaming performance. However, if you value the convenience of wireless technology, better build quality, and active noise cancelling for environments like air travel, and don't mind spending more, the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC would be suitable. Keep in mind that the JBLs are wired and might not be the best option for exercise or portability, whereas the JLabs offer wireless capabilities, a longer battery life, and are foldable for easier carrying. 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 JBL Quantum 100
Good for music
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC
Excellent for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
6.0/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is good for music, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is only fair.
Gaming
8.5/10
5.4/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.5/10
5.8/10
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC and JBL Quantum 100 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.1/10
5.6/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is good for TV and video, while the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
7.0/10
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC is good for noise reduction, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Battery
N/A
70.0 Hours
The JBL Quantum 100 does not have a battery. The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC has 70 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$80
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The JBL Quantum 100 has a price of $20 and the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC costs $80.
Build Quality
6.5/10
8.5/10
The JLab Jbuds Lux ANC has very good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
"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 JBL Quantum 100 or the JLab Jbuds Lux ANC
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
124,100
Recommendations made
18,615
Consumer hours saved
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.