The JBL Quantum ONE are a decent pair of wired gaming headphones. They’re the current flagship model of JBL’s range of Quantum-branded gaming headsets and have quite a bit in common with the JBL Quantum 800 Wireless and wired-only JBL Quantum 400, with the main difference being the inclusion of the QuantumSphere 360 virtual surround sound feature. They aren’t an especially versatile pair of headphones when it comes to casual use, but they do feature a range of gaming-oriented configuration options in the feature-packed JBL Quantum Engine app. They also have a very well-balanced sound profile as well as a detachable boom microphone that offers a good overall performance.
Our Verdict
The JBL Quantum ONE are decent for neutral sound. They offer well-reproduced bass, mids, and treble, so your entire listening experience will be well-balanced, with no part of the mix overwhelming another. This can be further adjusted with a graphic EQ or audio presets in the dedicated JBL Quantum Engine app. Unfortunately, they don’t provide a consistent listening experience, as almost all sounds across the audible spectrum will be heard differently based on the headphones’ fit and positioning.
- Very well-balanced sound profile.
- Companion app provides a large array of configuration options.
- Lack of call/music controls.
- Listening experience is inconsistent and heavily dependent on fit and positioning.
The JBL Quantum ONE are inadequate for travel and commuting. While their boom microphone is detachable, they’re quite large and lack a case, so carrying them around when not in use is a bit of a hassle. Their ANC system isn’t bad at blocking out ambient speech, but it struggles with low-frequency sounds like bus engines. They also lack dedicated call and music controls, making it difficult to answer your phone or change songs on the go.
- Very well-balanced sound profile.
- ANC does a decent job of blocking out background chatter.
- Bulky gaming-oriented design.
- Lack of call/music controls.
- Unstable fit.
- Total lack of wireless compatibility.
The JBL Quantum ONE are a poor choice for sports and fitness. They’re quite bulky, don’t offer an especially stable fit, and lack dedicated call and music controls, which is annoying if you don’t want to disrupt your pace when you’re out on a run. Their wired-only connection also presents a potential snagging hazard.
- Very well-balanced sound profile.
- ANC does a decent job of blocking out background chatter.
- Bulky gaming-oriented design.
- Lack of call/music controls.
- Unstable fit.
- Total lack of wireless compatibility.
The JBL Quantum ONE are mediocre for office use. Their gaming-oriented design is pretty comfortable and reasonably sturdy but doesn’t look very subtle. They don’t leak too much audio and should block out most background chatter, but them being wired-only severely limits their connectivity options.
- Very well-balanced sound profile.
- ANC does a decent job of blocking out background chatter.
- Bulky gaming-oriented design.
- Lack of call/music controls.
These headphones are wired-only and can't be used wirelessly.
The JBL Quantum ONE are good for wired gaming. They’re decently comfortable and quite customizable thanks to support from the dedicated JBL Quantum Engine app. The QuantumSphere 360 head-tracking feature is a compelling addition if you’re looking for a little more immersion. They should also be compatible with most setups thanks to the inclusion of both 1/8" TRRS and USB-A to USB-C cables. Lastly, their microphone makes your voice sound full-bodied.
- Very well-balanced sound profile.
- Good overall microphone performance.
- Companion app provides a large array of configuration options.
- Wired compatibility with all gaming setups.
- Lack of call/music controls.
- Listening experience is inconsistent and heavily dependent on fit and positioning.
The JBL Quantum ONE are a decent choice for phone calls. Their detachable boom microphone makes your voice sound full-bodied and clear while also doing an decent job of keeping it isolated from ambient noise. On the downside, they lack any sort of onboard call controls.
- Very well-balanced sound profile.
- Good overall microphone performance.
- Bulky gaming-oriented design.
- Lack of call/music controls.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 18, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Jun 11, 2021: Changed USB Audio and Connection results for clarity.
- Updated Jul 27, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Jul 22, 2020: Early access published.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The JBL Quantum ONE are a decent pair of wired gaming headphones. They feature a range of gaming-oriented configuration options in the feature-packed JBL Quantum Engine app as well as a very well-balanced sound profile, not to mention a good detachable boom microphone. Their distinguishing feature over most other gaming headphones is the inclusion of JBL's QuantumSphere 360 virtual surround sound feature, which is similar to the head-tracking feature found on the Audeze Mobius, though slightly less comprehensive. If you're looking for other gaming headphones, take a look at our list of recommendations for the best gaming headsets, the best PS4 gaming headsets, and the best Xbox One headsets.
The JBL Quantum 800 Wireless and JBL Quantum ONE are similarly performing gaming headphones, each with different advantages. The Quantum 800 are cheaper wireless gaming headphones with a slightly better ANC system as well as a wealth of connectivity options. The Quantum ONE only support a wired connection and are a lot less versatile, but have better build quality, a more well-balanced default sound profile, and the inclusion of JBL’s adjustable QuantumSphere 360 virtual surround system.
The Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019 are better wired gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum ONE. They’re very comfortable, well-built, and offer a high degree of on-the-fly adjustability when used in conjunction with the MixAmp remote, which offer physical controls for channel mixing, volume, EQ preset cycling, and surround sound activation. The Astro's open-back design also provides a more immersive listening experience. However, that design philosophy means that the JBL are slightly more versatile, as they a much better job of blocking out ambient noise and don't leak nearly as much audio.
The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum ONE. The SteelSeries have a more comfortable design that shouldn’t look too out of place in an office setting, along with onboard controls for answering phone calls and a better retractable microphone. They use a low-latency wireless receiver for wireless gaming but also provide Bluetooth and wired compatibility, the latter thanks to an included 1/8” TRRS cable. However, the JBL are better suited for gaming in loud environments thanks to their ANC system, which does a good job of blocking out ambient chatter.
The Logitech G935 Wireless are better gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum ONE. Thanks to the remarkably feature-rich Logitech G HUB companion software, you can do everything from adjusting the Logitech’s sound profile to remapping their controls, not to mention setting up different room effects. You can also use the Logitech wirelessly via a USB dongle. However, the JBL have a better balanced out-the-box sound profile and block out more ambient noise thanks to their ANC system.
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