JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point.

JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point.

      The newly updated JBL Quantum series starts at $50, providing budget-conscious buyers with quality audio without settling for small drivers and minimalistic sound.

      While affordable gaming headsets can offer great value, it's unreasonable to expect them to deliver superior sound or decent microphones. At the entry level, wireless options become a rare luxury. However, JBL has made it clear that powerful audio doesn’t have to be sacrificed even if you're on a budget.

      Priced at $49.95, the JBL Quantum 120 is the entry-level option in JBL’s revamped Quantum gaming range, featuring 50mm carbon dynamic drivers instead of weaker alternatives. These drivers are the same as those used in the higher-end Quantum 520X, which retails at $129.95. The Quantum 120 also includes JBL Quantum Spatial Sound, Hi-Res Audio support, QuantumENGINE customization, and a detachable noise-canceling 6mm cardioid boom microphone.

      What does spending an additional $80 really get you?

      The major advantage of the premium JBL headset is its convenience, courtesy of wireless functionality. The Xbox-focused Quantum 520X can connect via a low-latency 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth 5.4, and a wired USB-C connection. This allows pairing with PCs, Xbox, PlayStation, smartphones, and other devices. JBL claims a battery life of up to 37 hours, and a five-minute charge offers an extra hour of use.

      Additionally, the 520X features a silicone headband and breathable fabric ear cushions to enhance comfort during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Quantum 120 opts for a straightforward design with a standard 3.5mm connection, eliminating the need for a battery or dongle. JBL cites compatibility with Windows, macOS, mobile devices, and various gaming consoles. While the Quantum 120 comes in black or Ice, the 520X is only available in black. Both models support JBL QuantumENGINE customization for sound, microphone, and profile settings.

      Affordable gaming headsets are becoming more intriguing.

      At this price point, the Quantum 120 has the potential to stand out as a viable budget gaming headset. Typically, options under $50 compromise on build quality, microphone performance, or sound fidelity. It appears JBL is steering clear of the usual compromises. Their announcement confirms that the Quantum 120 and its pricier counterparts share the same 50mm carbon drivers and detachable 6mm cardioid microphone.

      Currently, the JBL Quantum 120 is available for preorder at $49.95, with the Quantum 520X set to launch on October 18 at $129.95. I would need to test both to determine if they genuinely sound similar. Recently, we've witnessed numerous gaming audio products from well-known gaming peripheral brands, and it's encouraging to see JBL maintain its dedication to gaming audio.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a technology journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience focusing on consumer hardware.

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      ASUS’s $600 ROG soundbar enables trash-talking without a headset, and it’s finally available in the US. The ROG Gjallar has arrived in the US, making voice-chat possible without the need for a headset.

      Gaming headsets are wonderful until I've worn one for three hours and long for relief. ASUS believes it has found a solution with the ROG Gjallar, the brand's inaugural gaming soundbar to launch in the US, priced at $599.99. Best Buy currently shows it as sold out, while ASUS is accepting notifications for stock updates, indicating that availability may be initially limited. For that price, this is a premium soundbar. However, the Gjallar offers more than just the standard soundbar experience.

JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point. JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point. JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point. JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point. JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point. JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point. JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point.

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JBL's refreshed Quantum gaming headsets maintain their impact, even at a lower price point.

JBL's latest $50 Quantum 120 features the same 50mm carbon drivers, Spatial Sound, Hi-Res support, and detachable boom microphone as the $130 wireless Quantum 520X.