• Wed. Nov 29th, 2023

    Critical Thought

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    A Fresh Take on JBL Quantum TWS Gaming Earbuds: An Unmatched Auditory Experience

    BySam Figg

    Nov 21, 2023
    A Fresh Take on JBL Quantum TWS Gaming Earbuds: An Unmatched Auditory Experience

    The JBL Quantum TWS gaming earbuds have taken the market by storm, offering impeccable sound quality and a stylish design. These earbuds deliver an auditory experience that is simply unparalleled. With its solid build, impressive active noise-canceling capabilities, and ambient awareness modes, the JBL Quantum TWS is only fitting for those seeking top-of-the-line gaming earbuds. While they may not leave you in awe, they certainly establish themselves as one of the finest options available.

    Regardless of whether you’re gaming on a PC, Nintendo Switch, or the PS5, or simply using the JBL Quantum TWS for music on the move, these gaming earbuds perform exceptionally well in all scenarios. It’s important to note, however, that they are not compatible with the Xbox Series X. Nonetheless, for those with compatible platforms, the price-to-performance ratio of the JBL Quantum TWS is highly commendable.

    Price and Availability

    The JBL Quantum TWS gaming earbuds are available for $149.99 / £129.99 / AU$229 in the US, the UK, and Australia, positioning them within the mid-range of the market. It’s worth mentioning that these gaming earbuds frequently go on sale in the US, often directly from the manufacturer itself, so it’s possible to find them at a more affordable price.

    Design and Features

    The design of the JBL Quantum TWS gaming earbuds is reminiscent of the finest earbuds available. They feature a set of contoured buds that conveniently fit into a pocket-sized charging case when not in use. The manufacturer boasts up to eight hours of playback, with an additional 16 hours when considering the battery life of the case. This rivals other popular options such as the Apple AirPods 3 and the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed for PS5.

    These earbuds come with three sizes of rubber fittings to accommodate different ear shapes. They also showcase active noise canceling and offer dual connectivity options via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless through a USB-C dongle. For gaming purposes, the latter is preferred due to its lower latency. The JBL Quantum TWS buds are equipped with 10mm audio drivers in each bud, enabling powerful sound despite their compact size. However, they may not match the audio quality of high-end PS5 or Nintendo Switch headsets. On the other hand, the highlight of these earbuds is undoubtedly the beamforming microphones. With a total of six microphones, they excel at enhancing voice clarity during gaming and calls. These microphones cover a frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz, enabling them to capture a wide range of sounds with sensitivity and precision.

    Performance

    During my testing, the JBL Quantum TWS gaming earbuds proved to be one of the most consistent options I’ve come across. I extensively used them for gaming on both the PS5 and PC, utilizing both the USB-C dongle and Bluetooth connectivity. What immediately caught my attention was the exceptional bass presence. It added a whole new dimension to games like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, with gunshots standing out amidst the chaos, and Mortal Kombat 11 achieving bone-crunching violence with just the right amount of weight.

    Pairing these earbuds with the PS5’s 3D audio, specifically designed for supported games, was an absolute joy. Despite their small size, they managed to create a spatial audio experience that truly immersed me in the game world.

    One of the most impressive features of the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds is their dual connectivity. I experienced no significant deterioration in sound quality when switching between different activities, transitioning seamlessly between work, gaming, phone calls, and music. Although they may not rival top-tier options like the Sony WF-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 in terms of music playback, these JBL buds handle a wide range of genres exceptionally well, whether it be heavy metal tracks or calming melodies. I found that Ghost Bath’s “The Golden Number” particularly stood out, highlighting delicate guitar work and soaring vocals, while Father John Misty’s “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” showcased impressive percussion.

    The active noise canceling feature of the JBL Quantum TWS is easy to use and provides two modes: true adaptive noise canceling and ambient mode. The convenient tap controls allow for seamless switching between these modes. In terms of noise cancellation performance, the earbuds excel at eliminating unwanted background noise when indoors. However, their effectiveness varies slightly when on the move. While they successfully filtered out lower-level sounds and conversations, they were not always able to completely cancel out traffic noise when I was commuting between home and the office.

    JBL claims up to eight hours of playback time, and in my testing, the earbuds lived up to this promise. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy multiple multi-hour gaming sessions before needing to recharge them. The battery life was most impressive when connected via the 2.4 GHz dongle, providing around six hours of continuous use. When fully charged, the case offers an additional 16 hours of charging, eliminating the need to constantly carry a charging cable.

    Overall, the user experience with the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds is solid, but there’s no strikingly unique feature that sets them apart. Nevertheless, their attractive design, durability, and outstanding sound quality make them an excellent choice for both gaming and music. Considering their price point, these earbuds offer remarkable value for money.

    FAQs

    Are the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds compatible with Xbox consoles?

    No, the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds are not compatible with the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or the Xbox One.

    Can I connect the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously?

    Yes, the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds support dual connectivity, allowing you to pair them with two devices at once via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless.

    How long does the battery of the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds last?

    The earbuds offer up to eight hours of playback time on a single charge. When combined with the battery life of the case, you can enjoy a total of 24 hours of usage before needing to recharge.

    Does the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds’ active noise canceling effectively block out background noise?

    While the active noise canceling feature of the JBL Quantum TWS earbuds is effective at eliminating unwanted background noise indoors, it may be less consistent in canceling out noise when on the move.