Precise surround sound for gamers – This is how JBL describes the new Quantum series, which was shown for the first time yesterday at Gamescom in Cologne. And with which we were already able to gather our first impressions in the sound test. With its proprietary Quantum Spatial Sound technology, the manufacturer promises a much more precise audio experience that can make the difference between victory and defeat in a competitive game. Footsteps, reloading noises and movements should be easier to locate, whether on a PC, console or mobile device.
The whole thing is supported by the new JBL QuantumENGINE, which runs on Windows and macOS and allows individual profiles, equalizer settings and lighting designs. With AI noise canceling, Smart EQ for genres such as FPS, MOBA and RPG and customizable RGB lighting, JBL aims to take the gaming audio experience to a new level.
Focus on the flagship JBL Quantum 950
The new top model, the JBL Quantum 950, took center stage at the trade fair. The headset combines 50 mm carbon drivers with hi-res sound, 3D head tracking and active noise cancelling. A new hammock headband with mesh suspension and memory foam padding are designed to ensure long-lasting comfort. They also have a modular design: the cable, ear pads and microphone can be replaced.
Practical: The dual-battery system with hot-swap function enables uninterrupted gaming. Not only can the batteries be charged via the base station, but the sound and light settings can also be adjusted directly.
A feature comparison of the three new JBL Quantum headsets
| Modell |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Names | JBL Quantum 950 | JBL Quantum 650 | JBL Quantum 250 |
| Drivers | 50 mm Carbon Drivers | 50 mm Carbon Drivers | 50 mm Precision Drivers |
| Sound Technology | Quantum Spatial Sound + 3D Head Tracking | Quantum Spatial Sound | Quantum Spatial Sound |
| Hi-Res Certification | Yes | No | No |
| Head Tracking | Yes | No | No |
| Noise Cancelling | Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) | No ANC | No ANC |
| Konnektivität | 2,4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, USB, Aux | 2,4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, USB, Aux | USB, Aux (kabelgebunden) |
| Akkusystem | Dual-Akku-System mit Hot-Swap | Austauschbarer Akku | Kein Akku (nur kabelgebunden) |
| Akkulaufzeit | Unbegrenzt dank Akku-Wechsel | Nicht spezifiziert | Entfällt |
| Special Features | RGB-Lichteffekte, modulare Bauweise (Mikrofon, Kabel, Polster, Kopfbügel austauschbar) | Viele Features des 950, aber günstiger | Plug & Play, leicht & bequem |
| Kompatibilität | PC, Mac, Konsole, Mobile | PC, Mac, Konsole, Mobile | PC, Mac, Konsole, Mobile |
| Design & Nachhaltigkeit | Premium-Design, hohe Nachhaltigkeit, austauschbare Module | Robustes Design, RGB-Beleuchtung | Einsteigerfreundliches, leichtes Design |
First hearing check at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne
In the hands-on at the trade fair, the Quantum 950 as the successor to the Quantum 910(click here for our test report with video) made a very coherent impression. The very first seconds of the test game showed that the focus is on spatiality and precision. Footsteps were clearly audible, even behind or to the side of the player – a real advantage in fast-paced multiplayer scenarios.
The bass was powerful without overpowering the rest of the action. Explosions and gunshots carried weight, but remained controlled. Voices were clearly understandable. Particularly positive: the head tracking delivers what the team around Mathias Johansson, Vice President Cognitive Systems Lab at Harman, promises. Under the leadership of the founder and former CEO of Swedish sound software specialist Dirac, a head tracking system was developed for the top model, the JBL Quantum 950, which finally reacts to head movements without inertia.
In my previous reviews of other headphones with head tracking, which is designed to prevent the phantom sound sources from moving with the head, I was annoyed by the delayed response. With the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra headphones or the Yamaha YH-L700A, for example, this worked against the natural listening experience that we know from real life or at least from loudspeakers. JBL has therefore taken a significant step forward with the top model of the new generation of gaming headsets – true to the martial motto: “Sound is suvival”. With this, JBL is targeting the importance of hearing your opponent before you see them in first-person shooters and similar shooting games.
Uncompromisingly specialized in games
The wearing comfort was also impressive: the lightweight housing, the breathable padding and the flexible headband ensured that the headset was barely noticeable after a 20-minute session – an important point for long gaming evenings. As far as music sessions are concerned, however, I am skeptical after my first impressions. It may be that the data rate of the music streaming via Spotify was set to a low bandwidth. But even though I switched off the spatial audio effects, the music samples, for example from Pink Floyd, sounded somewhat washed out and discolored.
Quantum 650 and 250: smaller siblings in the sound test
In addition to the flagship model, JBL also presented the Quantum 650 and Quantum 250 models. The 650 inherits many of the features of the 950, including 50 mm drivers, spatial sound and a replaceable battery, but does without the hot-swap base station. The Quantum 250 is aimed at beginners with wired plug-and-play, but retains the same drivers and modular design. The two smaller headsets in the new Quantum series also offered great surround sound fun for their respective price categories. They are therefore also recommended for watching movies late at night to avoid conflicts with the neighbors and still enjoy all-round sound. However, once you have experienced the latency-free 3D head tracking of the Quantum 950, this is exactly how you want to experience your games and movies.
Conclusion – First impression of the Quantum 950, 650 and 250
With the Quantum 950, JBL sent out a strong signal at Gamescom. The precise surround sound, the solid bass performance and the high wearing comfort clearly speak for the claim to raise gaming audio to a professional level. The well thought-out battery solution and the modular design round off the positive impression.
Only a detailed review can show whether the new Quantum series proves itself in everyday life and in tough online competition. The first listening check at the trade fair certainly whets the appetite for more.
