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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize a microphone for clear calls and gaming, consider the JBL Quantum 100 as they have excellent mic quality and are good for gaming. However, if music listening is your focus, the KZ ZSN Pro X with their very good build quality and decent sound may serve you better, especially if you're looking for a budget-friendly option. The KZ ZSN Pro X also has a detachable cable, which adds to their durability. For comfort, both are rated as good, but the over-ear design of the JBL may be more comfortable during long sessions for some users. Neither option supports wireless connectivity, so if this is important to you, neither would be suitable. Keep in mind, the JBL is tailored to provide a virtual surround sound experience which could enhance gaming and movie-watching, whereas the KZ lacks this feature. 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 X
Good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.5/10
5.9/10
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the KZ ZSN Pro X is poor.
Phone Calls
5.5/10
3.1/10
The JBL Quantum 100 and KZ ZSN Pro X are both poor for phone calls, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
6.0/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X is only fair for noise reduction, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Cost
$20
$24
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The JBL Quantum 100 has a price of $20 and the KZ ZSN Pro X costs $24.
Build Quality
6.5/10
8.5/10
The KZ ZSN Pro X 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."
"The KZ ZSN PRO X offers superb sound for very little money, like under $30 USD. It has some rough edges with a plastic seam on the cable that can rub on your ear, and the bud is a bit large. The tech isn't cutting edge, but new doesn't always equal better. You should try it."
Get a great deal on the JBL Quantum 100 or the KZ ZSN Pro X
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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