The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a built-in microphone for clear calls and gaming, the JBL Quantum 100 is the better choice as it offers excellent mic quality. However, if you're seeking superior overall sound quality, especially for music listening, the KZ ZSN Pro stands out with its higher score in that area. Both options are wired and offer similar levels of noise isolation and comfort, but the JBL Quantum 100 scores higher in gaming, while the KZ has a detachable cable and better build quality, which might be important if you're looking for durability. Neither has active noise cancelling or wireless capabilities, so consider these tradeoffs based on your specific needs such as gaming, calls, music, or durability. 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
Very good for gaming
Advantages of the KZ ZSN Pro
The KZ ZSN Pro has no clear advantages over the JBL Quantum 100.
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
7.7/10
The KZ ZSN Pro and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for music, though the KZ ZSN Pro is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.5/10
6.0/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.5/10
3.1/10
The JBL Quantum 100 and KZ ZSN Pro are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Build Quality
6.5/10
9.0/10
The KZ ZSN Pro has excellent 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."
"Undoubtedly the focus and the star of the show, the ZSN Pro’s bass is big, bold and bangin’. The amount of gusto in the low end should satisfy anyone who likes a large lick of bass and even certified bassheads will probably get a kick out of this."
Get a great deal on the JBL Quantum 100 or the KZ ZSN Pro
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
111,200
Recommendations made
16,680
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.