JBL believes that the future of gaming audio lies in being more intelligent, not merely wireless.

      At Gamescom 2026, I had a conversation with Gordon Tong, Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning, Gaming at JBL, regarding a crucial element of gaming sessions: audio.

      Varun Mirchandani / Digital Trends

      Our discussion, initially focused on wireless gaming, expanded to include JBL’s Quantum strategy, AI-enhanced audio, and the company’s belief that its greatest strength is not merely being the loudest brand in gaming. To spoil the surprise: it sees its advantage as being JBL.

      The Era of Wireless is Established

      Gordon noted that wireless gaming audio has significantly progressed beyond its initial testing stages. Gamers who once insisted on wired connections and “zero latency” are now increasingly at ease with low-latency wireless options. The market is clearly moving in that direction.

      “Gamers have mentally shifted from demanding wired, zero-latency connections to accepting low-latency wireless solutions. It's been a notable psychological change in the industry.”

      Wireless gaming audio, once viewed as a compromise for those unwilling to forgo wired connections, has now become a standard component of modern gaming setups. The technology has evolved, latency has drastically decreased, and gamers are increasingly prioritizing the convenience of wireless over the minutiae of milliseconds.

      Varun Mirchandani / Digital Trends

      As a gamer myself, I share Gordon’s sentiment. If I can’t perceive a difference while playing Valorant, I’m not particularly concerned about whether my audio is transmitted via a cable or wirelessly.

      JBL's Unique Advantage Isn’t RGB

      How does JBL stack up against Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries? Gordon views it less as a conventional rivalry. Instead, JBL is leveraging its decades of audio expertise, which competitors can’t replicate overnight.

      “Think of it this way: it’s not merely about competition. Each brand offers different solutions for gamer needs. When consumers choose our brand, they recognize JBL as a sound icon, so we inherently commit to that acoustic standard across all price ranges.”

      JBL

      This approach is especially notable when examining JBL’s revamped Quantum lineup. The newly introduced $49.95 Quantum 120 and $129.95 Quantum 520X both feature 50mm carbon dynamic drivers, as do the higher-end Quantum models.

      “Whether we’re producing a $400 headset or a $45 headset, we utilize the same driver — a 50mm carbon dynamic driver.”

      JBL clearly wants to highlight this driver. Carbon diaphragms are prized in dynamic-driver design for their stiffness and low mass, aiding in the control of unwanted diaphragm flex and resonance. JBL claims its specific carbon damping material is designed to minimize distortion and deliver detailed sound, while the latest Quantum 850 enhances high-frequency extension to improve sound localization.

      Varun Mirchandani / Digital Trends

      In simpler terms: the driver is essentially the component producing sound in your headset. A well-controlled driver can clarify subtle details, which is crucial when distinguishing between “I heard something” and “there’s a Jett behind me.”

      AI Aims to Detect Your Enemy Before You Do

      The standout element of our discussion was JBL’s AI Footstep Booster. Unlike a standard EQ that indiscriminately amplifies high frequencies and turns every nearby flashbang into a piercing sound, JBL’s system continuously analyzes game audio, dynamically pinpointing significant sounds like footsteps, voices, gunshots, and explosions.

      “Our algorithm actually analyzes and interprets game sounds to isolate and dynamically boost footstep frequencies.”

      Having spent considerable time adjusting EQ settings to hear footsteps in Valorant, I find this intriguing. The issue with traditional methods is that raising the frequencies of footsteps can also amplify all other sounds, leading to a harsher overall audio experience.

      Varun Mirchandani / Digital Trends

      If JBL can effectively isolate the important sounds without drowning the rest of the game in noise, that’s certainly more compelling than another EQ adjustment. This feature is currently anticipated for release in Q4 2026, primarily focused on top FPS games.

      TWS is Amazing… Until the Battery Runs Out

      We also discussed True Wireless earbuds, an area where JBL already has a foothold with its Quantum TWS range.

      Varun Mirchandani / Digital Trends

      This topic felt especially personal since I currently use the JBL Quantum TWS. I appreciate the comfort, sound quality, and immediacy of the in-ear design. My main complaint, however? Battery life. In Valorant, two matches can be sufficient for me to start reaching for the charging case.

      JBL

      Fortunately, Gordon was refreshingly honest about the trade-off. TWS makes sense for mobile gaming, while PC and console gamers often treat it as a versatile device. Ultimately, physics is still at play: small earbuds lack the battery capacity of larger headsets.

      JBL Isn’t Aiming to Imitate Razer

      One of the key insights from Gordon was that JBL is not attempting to outpace its gaming rivals by mimicking