JBL Quantum 350 Wireless Review

Intro

Simply put, the JBL Quantum 350 Wireless gaming headset aims to do one thing very well – Surround sound. The Surround sound audio feature is delivered seamlessly with the JBL 350. It also has several secondary objectives, such as being lightweight and durable. Regarding audio, the JBL 350 is a great option if you’re looking for a lightweight headset with great surround sound.

Each headset component is detachable: the headphones, the USB dongle, the boom mic, and the charger. Compared to another JBL headphone we tested, they aren’t nearly as fashionable. Furthermore, basic and traditional design has its merits. It is simple to set up; if you want to change the default settings, you can do so easily. However, the detachable microphone adds some additional steps.

Designed primarily for PC gamers, the 350 lossless 2.4GHz wireless connection, sound quality, and surround sound all work together to give it an edge over other headsets at comparable prices. Notwithstanding, although this headset is comfy and sounds great, there are several limitations you should consider before making a purchasing decision.

Lightweight design but not as comfortable as you'd like

At 8.9 ounces, the Quantum 350 Wireless is the lightest Bluetooth headset on the market (hopefully). However, it has a cheap feel because of the characteristic plastic elements. Unfortunately, the oval-shaped, over-the-ear earpads, comprised of flimsy memory foam and artificial-looking, nearly brittle fake leather, don't do it much good. While wearing the headset isn't uncomfortable, wearing it isn't particularly pleasurable.

At the outside edge of the left earcup is a 2.5mm port for the detachable boom microphone, a volume dial, mute mic button, USB-C charging connector, and USB-C port. The power switch and indicator light are located on the right earcup.

Read our review on the JBL Live 300 and the JBL Tune 230NC TWS

Best Connectivity with PC

For wireless usage with a PC, JBL's QuantumEngine software allows a variety of customizations and a simulated surround sound experience with the Quantum 350 Wireless. It's also easily compatible with Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch. Be advised that there is no way to connect via wired cable.

Quantum 350 Wireless offers 7.1-channel virtual surround sound using the JBL QuantumEngine software when connected to a computer. 10-band equalization and microphone controls are also included in this program (level, volume, and sidetone).

Sound system and Performance of the JBL Quantum 350 Wireless

Awesome sounds with games like Fortnite are very cool with Quantum 350 Wireless, but the mids and highs lack a lot of presence, making certain sound effects muffled. There is a broad sensation of directionality using QuantumEngine's simulated surround sound. For a rather more immersive experience, try out the Razer Blackshark V2 that has THX Spatial Audio.

Furthermore, the Quantum 350 Wireless makes Doom (2016) seem thundering and frightening. All the low-end rumbles in the game are well-served, but the mid-scooped sound loses clarity above the rumbling. It's possible to imitate surround sound using QuantumEngine, but it lacks the directionality needed for tactical benefit.

Using this headset, you'll hear a lot of basses. To test the Quantum 350 Wireless, we played "Silent Shout" by The Knife at its loudest possible level, and it sounded great. In addition, the thumps of the kick drum may be felt in the sub-bass range.

Bass-light songs like "Roundabout" by Yes demonstrate the headset's scoop-out but well-balanced sound profile. There's lots of texture, and a strong high-frequency response in the beginning acoustic guitar plucks, but the low-mids aren't as prominent, which gives the deep resonance a murky quality. It's easy to hear and distinguish the bassline, guitar strums, percussion, and vocals as soon as the music gets going.

In the case of The Crystal Method's "Born Too Slow," the balance of sounds works quite well for the music. The menacing backbeat gets a lot of bass force, and the harsh chords and voices are very prominent. Rather than relying on one extreme to achieve a balance, the drum strikes make excellent use of the scooped sound, blending thunderous low-frequency thunder with a crisp higher-frequency crack in the assault.

Mic Quality of the JBL Quantum 350

JBL states that this headset is Discord-certified, meaning it should have an excellent microphone for gaming with friends.

Although the microphone works fine, it isn't anything spectacular in terms of performance. Low voice tones can sound boomy owing to the proximity effect, often described as "muffled" by listeners. Though this isn't a big deal, sibilant noises may seem warped at times. You can still hear the background noise and the mic's echo if you're in a large, empty room.

Is it worth buying the JBL Quantum 350?

In terms of value, we can say the 350 is a solid headset. The enhanced bass, the gaming experience, and the microphone are enough for clear communication with gaming companions. With that in mind, for other purposes, you'll want to invest in headphones that are more comfortable and intuitive in design. Notwithstanding, when it comes to PC first-person shooter games, and you like the booming sound effects of gunshots, the quantum 350 could be the right headset for you.

Check these similar alternatives to the JBL Quantum 350

For less, you can buy a headset with an improved aesthetic and more tolerable audio quality. To get a comparable bass increase for around $50 extra, the SteelSeries Arctic 7P has a better microphone, is more adaptable, and can be used for other activities. The sound quality and microphone of the HyperX Cloud II Wireless are superior to those on the quantum 350, which costs almost the same. You can get surround sound, bass emphasis, strong isolation, and a clean mic for half the price of the JBL Quantum 350 Wireless headset with the Razer Kraken X.