JBL Quantum 100 VS 200
The JBL Quantum series offers a wide range of gaming headsets designed for every budget and setup. In the lower end of the range, there are JBL Quantum 100 and JBL Quantum 200, which are available for less than a hundred bucks. In this article, we will compare JBL Quantum 100 vs 200 to determine which model gives the best value for the money.
Key points of the comparison:
- Both JBL Quantum 100 vs 200 have very comfy memory foam padding
- JBL Quantum 100 is unique because of the detachable mic design
- JBL Quantum 200 offers more versatility and ease of use with its additional features
- Both models here have impressive microphone quality
- However, JBL Quantum 100 can’t beat JBL Quantum 200 in the overall output sound quality
JBL Quantum 100 vs 200: Design
Design-wise, JBL Quantum 100 and JBL Quantum 200 are similar that they both have an all-black color scheme and large, thickly padded over-ear earcups. On JBL Quantum 100, the earcups’ back panels are matte, whereas on JBL Quantum 200 those things are glossy. They look simple yet quite elegant. They both are also very lightweight, which is a good thing as they won’t put pressure and fatigue on your head.
Both the padding on the headband and the one on each earcup is made from memory foam. The earcups are also given a leatherette finish. The comfort is actually awesome, and both JBL Quantum 100 and JBL Quantum 200 can provide surprisingly good noise isolation due to the thick padding. The only downside is that, in a long gaming session, you will want to remove the headphones from time to time, otherwise they can get a bit warm and sweaty.
There is a notable difference in the mic design between these two models. JBL Quantum 100 comes with a detachable microphone. This is quite nice if you are looking for a pair of portable headphones that you can wear when commuting. JBL Quantum 200 is better for a dedicated gaming headset, as it comes with a swinging non-detachable mic.
| JBL Quantum 100 | JBL Quantum 200 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 9.65 x 3.54 x 9.06 inches | 9.65 x 3.94 x 9.06 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 7.8 ounces | 8.6 ounces |
| Best Offer | click here | click here |
The audio cable that comes with each headset here has a very good quality. It is braided, and it is flexible yet durable. This audio cable should be able to withstand any stress and abuse related to wired gaming. With a length of about 1.2 meters, it also provides decent mobility and cross-platform functionality.
JBL Quantum 100 vs 200: Features
JBL Quantum 100 does not have many things to discuss in terms of features. It has on-board buttons for increasing or decreasing the volume and for the mute function. These buttons are solid and functional, but they are a little bit difficult to find. As a result, you will need to fumble a bit to find the right button that you want to access.
JBL Quantum 100 only includes the braided 3.5mm audio cable, which can be used on a PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or mobile device. However, in order to use both the mic and the headphones on a computer, you need a PC splitter to separate the audio input and output. You need to buy this accessory separately.
JBL Quantum 200 also has on-board buttons for volume adjustment, but there is no mute button. This is because the swinging mic has a built-in mute function – if you flip the mic upwards, it will automatically mute. This is very nice because you won’t need to fumble with any button when you want to quickly mute or unmute the mic.
JBL Quantum 200 also comes with a similar braided 3.5mm audio cable that is compatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices. In addition to that, however, there is a PC splitter included, so you will be able to use this headset on your computer right away. The PC splitter can also help to extend the total length of the connection to about 3 meters. Read also: Corsair Void RGB Elite vs HS70 Pro.
JBL Quantum 100 vs 200: Software
As part of the JBL Quantum series, both of these headsets are compatible with the JBL QuantumEngine software. However, unlike the pricier models, there are just a few features available for JBL Quantum 100 and JBL Quantum 200.
On the JBL QuantumEngine software, you can enable a 10-band equalizer. Of course, there are several built-in EQ presets that you can use, but you can also tweak the EQ by yourself to achieve your preferred sound characteristics.
In the microphone menu, you can adjust your mic’s volume. More importantly, you can also adjust how much sidetone that you hear – this will allow you to hear your own voice in the headphones when you talk. This is a very useful feature in a multiplayer game, as it will help you monitor your own voice and avoid talking too loudly or shouting.
Both JBL Quantum 100 and JBL Quantum 200 have stereo sound. However, both are compatible with Windows Sonic Spatial, which can emulate surround sound on Windows and Xbox. It is quite effective for enhancing immersion in your game.
Unfortunately, JBL Quantum 100 and JBL Quantum 200 can’t produce or emulate surround sound on other platforms. For that, you need the JBL QuantumSurround Sound technology, which is only available in the higher models of the series like JBL Quantum 300, 400, 600, 800, and ONE.
JBL Quantum 100 vs 200: Performance
Both models have decent microphone quality. The mic comes with JBL’s echo-canceling technology, which ensures that environmental noise are filtered away from your voice. When tested, the mics of JBL Quantum 100 and JBL Quantum 200 sound clear and articulate.
When it comes to the output sound quality, JBL Quantum 100 is pretty good. It is not exactly impressive, but it gives a fair performance for its price. This headset works with 40mm audio drivers which deliver accurate mids and highs. There is enough clarity to hear different things clearly in a game.
But the bass performance of JBL Quantum 100 is particularly bad. The lows come out subdued and without any definition. Thus, explosions and rumbles won’t sound good at all. This also makes the headset unsuitable for listening to music, especially for songs with plenty of bass.
JBL Quantum 200 is definitely better in terms of sound quality. It comes with 50mm audio drivers that are custom-tuned to produce a natural sound with a wide sound stage and great clarity. The mids and highs are bright, clear, and accurate. You can hear audio cues like footsteps and distant gunfires easily.
The bass performance of JBL Quantum 200 is not very impressive, but it is better than JBL Quantum 100. The lows definitely have more definition here. While still lacking sufficient punch, low-frequency sound effects like explosions and rumbles will at least sound okay and JBL Quantum 200 won’t make you frown.
Conclusion
Between these two models, JBL Quantum 200 is better and more recommended. Although the mic is non-detachable, there is a flip-up mute function that is very handy to use. It also includes a PC splitter. More importantly, it provides superior sound quality.
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