While Gamescom is obviously best known for showcasing the latest and upcoming games, it’s also become an event where audio brands show off their wares to an audience hungry for it – namely JBL’s latest models in its Quantum gaming line-up.
The three new models are the Quantum 250, Quantum 650, and Quantum 950, which JBL says will bring “pro-grade audio technology to players”; combining a fresh new appearance with comfort and “elite audio precision”.
A Quantum of Solace
I’ve tested gaming headsets that come with active noise-cancellation but it’s not a common feature, so if that’s what you’re after then only the flagship Quantum 950 offers that level of spec.
There’s a new, custom 50mm driver that aims to reveal more detail from your gaming sessions, especially with high frequencies.
Alongside its Adaptive ANC feature, it’ll also boast an Ambient Aware mode so you can choose to pipe in more sounds from your environment. Neither the Quantum 650 or Quantum 250 boast ANC support.
Other features that are unique to the Quantum 950 pair include spatial audio with 3D head-tracking, so sounds that you hear are rooted in an immersive soundscape, moving (or staying put in some cases) where they are in the game world as you move your head.
RGB lighting is included but not on the headphones itself but on the Base Station, while battery life is 25 hours but the Quantum 950 features a “hot-swappable dual battery system” so can swap a battery out, stick it on the Base Station to charge and continue playing on with the other battery.
Connectivity can be either a low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connection to your game consoles, Bluetooth 5.3 to your mobile devices or a connection to your controller.
Quantum Gaming Mechanics
The Quantum 650 aims to provide most of what the Quantum 950 brings to the table but for less. It features new 50mm carbon dynamic drivers, Spatial Sound, the hot swappable battery mechanism (though battery life reaches higher at 45 hours), along with the same wireless and connectivity options.
For those that don’t want or need the addition of noise-cancellation, but want a similar core performance to the flagship 950, this is the model to go for.
The Quantum 250 is the entry-level model, and more attuned to players with plug-and-play simplicity in mind. It features the same 50mm drivers that are carried across the new range but it’s a model (so no batteries needed) but it does come with Spatial Sound support.
Brand new QuantumEngine
While JBL’s Quantum headphones boasts the latest specs, there’s also room to control the experience you have through JBL’s QuantumEngine software.
Built for Windows 10/macOS 11 devices onwards, the QuantumEngine allos users to adjust settings for Spatial Sound, game/chat balance, noise-cancellation, boom microphone, and lighting set-up (where supported).
And the QuantumEngine will carry these features across to the headphone, regardless of whether it’s being used over an aux, USB or wireless connection.
When will the JBL Quantum headphones launch?
The Quantum 950 is £299.99 / €349.99 and launches November 2025. The Quantum 650 is priced at £129.99 / €149.99 and launches October 2025; while the Quantum 250 is £49.99 / €59.99 is available now.
