JBL Quantum 650 Wireless Black

The JBL Quantum 650 is a good gaming headset that fits comfortably. I use the headset both wirelessly and wired. The sound is clear, and the headset has a good microphone. It doesn't have noise canceling, which I personally find a shame.

First Impression When I take the gaming headset out of the box, I see the headset and a separate microphone with a pop filter. I also see a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-A dongle. Finally, I see a quick start guide, which I use immediately. It tells me to first insert a replaceable battery into the headset. After I do this, the headset turns on.

Wireless and Wired Use What I like about the headset is that I use it both wirelessly and wired. The USB-A dongle connects the headset directly to my PlayStation. I also use the USB-C cable when connecting the headset wired. This makes the connection slightly better than with the dongle.

Comfortable for Long Play Sessions One of the first things I notice about the headset is the headband. I've seen this with other JBL models as well. Thanks to the comfortable headband and fabric ear cushions, the headset is comfortable even during long gaming sessions. The headset is relatively light, so that also helps.

Clear microphone and good audio I tested the headset with Battlefield 6 and in a busy party chat. In both scenarios, the headset sounds very good. The shots and explosions in Battlefield are clearly defined, and I can hear exactly where they're coming from. My teammates are also clearly audible. The headset's microphone is very clear. The noise cancellation is excellent, and my voice is clear to party chat members. The headset doesn't have noise canceling, so I can still hear some background noise. This is a shame, but not a must-have. I can easily adjust the volume with the scroll wheel on the back of the headset. I use the mute function with the button on the back of the headset.

I bought the JBL Quantum 650 primarily for gaming. I wanted to use it with my Xbox One X, but I immediately ran into a problem. It turns out it's not possible to connect it to that. Online, you read different things everywhere: one website says it works, the other says it doesn't. That made it quite confusing, and honestly, I expected it to just work.

I thought that was a real shame, because that's what I actually bought it for.

I also have to say that the sound is really excellent. When I use it with my phone or laptop, I'm super happy. It really has that typical JBL sound: nice and full, good bass, but not shrill or tiring. You can easily listen to music or watch a movie for a long time without it becoming annoying.

Personally, I find it a bit too heavy for sports. After a while, you notice you're wearing something on your head, especially if you're moving around a lot. I'd rather go for earbuds for that.

Overall I'm happy with the sound quality, but if you're thinking of buying it specifically for an Xbox One X I would double-check that it will work for you first. That would have saved me a disappointment.

I've had the JBL Quantum 650 for a while now as an upgrade for my old 610, and it's mainly the addition of Bluetooth that makes all the difference for me, as I can now also use it with my phone. What struck me immediately when I put it on is how glasses-friendly this headset is. Despite the secure fit, it doesn't dig into my glasses at all. One important caveat regarding the size: I have an average-sized head and use the headset at its maximum setting, so for people with a really large head, it will probably be too tight. Now that it's winter, the over-the-ear cups are wonderfully warm; I don't find them too hot, but they do provide a good seal. Regarding the sound, you'll need to take a moment to adjust the EQ settings in the app, as the default "flat" setting sounded a bit woolly to me. Once set, the sound is excellent. I didn't have that problem on the PS4; there, it was literally just a matter of inserting the USB drive and blasting away. The connection is stable, the 3D sound is very accurate for footsteps, and the volume in-game is loud enough. The microphone also deserves praise: I can be heard perfectly and I'm not bothered by wind noise, even without a pop shield. Muting also works well with a button that gives a clear signal. The build quality feels solid, and the modular parts with magnets are a nice improvement. You also hardly see any fingerprints on this material. The only odd detail is the sound of the foam in the earcups. When you talk or eat, you hear a rough, squeaking sound that reminds me of a neoprene wetsuit rubbing against itself. You don't hear it while gaming, but in a quiet room, it is noticeable. All in all, a very complete headset and a nice step up from the 610, provided the fit is right for your head.