Reveal the ultimate JBL Quantum TWS earbuds review: Are they worth it?

Description

Design & Build Quality

The sleek design of these earbuds caught my attention right away. They’re compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around in their stylish charging case. The matte black finish adds a modern touch, making them look premium without being overly flashy. I appreciated the rounded tips, which seemed to have been designed with comfort in mind. The magnetic slots in the case securely hold the earbuds and even the USB-C dongle, which is a thoughtful touch for those of us prone to losing small items.

That said, the plastic material used feels a bit less durable than I’d hoped for something meant to endure regular use. While I haven’t had any mishaps yet, I do wonder if the case could hold up to a drop or two.

Sound Quality & Performance

These earbuds deliver exceptional sound quality, especially for gaming. The JBL Quantum TWS offers punchy bass, clear treble, and a balanced midrange, ensuring an immersive experience whether you’re playing an FPS game or streaming your favorite show. The QuantumSURROUND feature felt like a game-changer—playing online shooters with these made me feel like I was right in the middle of the action.

However, I noticed slight distortions at the highest volume levels. While this didn’t bother me much (since I rarely listen to anything at full blast), audiophiles might find it worth noting.

Fit & Comfort

I have to say, these earbuds are incredibly comfortable. With three sizes of ear tips included, I found the perfect fit for long gaming sessions. They stayed secure even when I moved around, which is a huge plus. My sister, who borrowed them for a workout session, mentioned the same thing—they didn’t budge even during intense cardio.

However, wearing them for more than three hours at a stretch made my ears feel slightly fatigued. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning marathon gaming sessions.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling works impressively well. I tested these while working in a noisy café, and they blocked out most of the chatter and background clatter. On the flip side, the Ambient Aware mode is equally effective. It allowed me to remain aware of my surroundings when needed, like when the barista called out my order.

Yet, the noise cancellation isn’t perfect in extremely loud environments. For instance, during a subway ride, some noise still crept in. It’s not a massive issue, but rivals in the same price range might offer slightly better noise isolation.

Battery Life & Charging

The advertised 8-hour playtime, coupled with an additional 16 hours from the charging case, initially sounded promising. Real-world use, however, was a mixed bag. On a full charge, I got about 7 hours with moderate volume and noise cancellation turned on. Though this is close to the claimed duration, switching to the USB-C dongle for low-latency gaming noticeably drained the battery faster—closer to 2-3 hours.

Charging was straightforward via USB-C, and the LED indicators on the case kept me informed about the battery levels. Still, I found myself wishing for a wireless charging option, which is absent here.

Durability & Water Resistance

Rated IPX4, these earbuds are water-resistant enough to handle light splashes or sweat. I used them during a rainy walk and had no issues. However, they’re not designed for heavy water exposure, so swimming with them is out of the question.

My only concern lies with the longevity of the battery. Several users have reported a decline in battery performance after months of use. While mine are holding up fine for now, I’ll be keeping an eye on this.

Warranty

The earbuds come with a standard warranty, but here’s where things get a little inconvenient. If you encounter an issue, you’ll have to ship the product to JBL at your own expense before receiving a replacement. For a premium product, I expected better customer service, and this could be a dealbreaker for some.

Highlights

• Low-latency gaming mode: The included USB-C dongle ensures seamless connectivity and a lag-free experience.
• Comfortable fit: The earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes for a secure, personalized fit.
• High-quality audio: The QuantumSURROUND feature provides immersive sound, perfect for gaming.
• Convenient case design: Magnetic slots keep everything organized, including the dongle.

Areas for Improvement

• Battery life with dongle: Drains quickly when using the low-latency mode for gaming.
• Durability of materials: The build quality could feel sturdier for the price.
• Customer service: Warranty claims require you to cover shipping costs, which isn’t ideal.

Peer Products

Comparing these to other gaming earbuds, such as the ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless, helps put things into perspective. While the JBL Quantum TWS excels in sound quality and comfort, the ASUS ROG Cetra offers slightly better noise cancellation and longer battery life during low-latency gaming sessions. However, the JBL earbuds take the lead with their seamless Dual Source feature, allowing me to switch between gaming and taking calls effortlessly.

In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro also come to mind. They boast a sleeker look and better water resistance (IPX7), but they lack the dedicated gaming features that make the JBL Quantum TWS stand out.

Worth Every Penny

Given its feature set, these earbuds sit comfortably in the mid-premium range of gaming accessories. While not the cheapest option, the balance of sound quality, comfort, and low-latency performance makes them a worthwhile investment for gamers and casual users alike.

Potential buyers should weigh the slightly faster battery drain in gaming mode and warranty drawbacks against the compelling audio and build quality. For me, they’ve become my go-to pair for gaming and everyday use.

Additional information