A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a built-in microphone for clear communication, the JBL Quantum 100 excels with a full score in that aspect, making it ideal for calls and gaming. However, for overall comfort and build quality, the Steelseries TUSQ outperforms the Quantum 100, which might be essential for prolonged use. The TUSQ also has a superior portability score thanks to its smaller earbud form factor, which is a plus if you're on the move often. Neither offers wireless connectivity or active noise canceling, so if those features are crucial for you, you may want to consider other options. Consider the Quantum 100 for gaming or calls, but choose TUSQ if you need more durability and better comfort for extended listening sessions. 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 Steelseries TUSQ.
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- Good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.0
7.6
The Steelseries TUSQ and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for music, though the Steelseries TUSQ is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
6.0
The Steelseries TUSQ is only fair for noise reduction, while the JBL Quantum 100 is poor.
Cost
$20
$40
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The JBL Quantum 100 has a price of $20 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $40.
Build Quality
6.5
8.0
The Steelseries TUSQ has very good build quality, while the JBL Quantum 100 has only fair build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Gaming
8.5
8.5
The JBL Quantum 100 and Steelseries TUSQ are both very good for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.5
5.2
The JBL Quantum 100 and Steelseries TUSQ are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.5
4.7
The Steelseries TUSQ and JBL Quantum 100 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.1
7.3
The Steelseries TUSQ and JBL Quantum 100 are both good for TV and video.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the JBL Quantum 100 and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Quantum 100 | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Steelseries | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2020 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.6/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Boom | |
Shopping
JBL Quantum 100
See more
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."
Steelseries TUSQ
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the JBL Quantum 100 or the Steelseries TUSQ
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 Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
124,400
Recommendations made
18,660
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.
Featured in
