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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a primary concern and you require a headset with a boom microphone, which is particularly advantageous for clear communication in online gaming or calls, the JBL Quantum 100 is a cost-effective choice. However, if you prefer truly wireless convenience, the Sony LinkBuds offer a cable-free experience with potentially better sound isolation and portability, although they tend to be pricier. The Sony's may also have additional features like touch controls and may be more suited for casual listening or sports-related activities due to their secure fit and lack of cables. Consider how you plan to use your headphones most often to guide your decision. 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 Sony Linkbuds
- Good for exercise
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
8.5
5.5
The JBL Quantum 100 is very good for gaming, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Phone Calls
5.5
6.8
The Sony Linkbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.5
7.8
The Sony Linkbuds is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
TV and Video
7.1
5.4
The JBL Quantum 100 is good for TV and video, while the Sony Linkbuds is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The JBL Quantum 100 and Sony Linkbuds are both poor for noise reduction, though the JBL Quantum 100 is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The JBL Quantum 100 does not have a battery. The Sony Linkbuds has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$40
$178
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The JBL Quantum 100 has a price of $40 and the Sony Linkbuds costs $178.
Build Quality
6.5
9.3
The Sony Linkbuds has excellent build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.0
6.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers JBL Quantum 100 to be good for music, while the Sony Linkbuds is only fair.
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How the JBL Quantum 100 and the Sony Linkbuds compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Quantum 100 | Sony Linkbuds |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$40 | $178 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2020 | February 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.5/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.2/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4/10 | 7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 17.5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
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 | 9.3/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 4.5 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."
Sony Linkbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Sam Moore | February 2022
"The Sony LinkBuds is definitely the most unique audio product to release so far in 2022, and it largely executes well on it's unoccluded design. However, it's hamstrung by all the same things as other unsealed earbuds."
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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.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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Why trust us
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.
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.
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