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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The JBL Quantum 100 headphones, being significantly less expensive, are wired and might be preferable if you're on a budget and need something primarily for gaming with good microphone quality. They provide an immersive experience for listening to books or podcasts but are less suited for exercise and not optimal for portability. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds offer better overall sound quality, portability, and versatility, with features such as wireless connectivity and active noise cancelling. They are also sweatproof and dustproof, making them more suitable for exercise and air travel. However, their superior features come with a higher price tag. 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
- The JBL Quantum 100 has no clear advantages over the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
5.5
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.5
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.1
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the JBL Quantum 100 is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.7 Hours
The JBL Quantum 100 does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The JBL Quantum 100 has a price of $20 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
6.5
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.0
7.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for music.
Gaming
8.5
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) and JBL Quantum 100 are both very good for gaming.
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How the JBL Quantum 100 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Quantum 100 | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2020 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.2/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the JBL Quantum 100 or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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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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.
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