JBL's new Quantum 950 gaming headset might convince me to swap from SteelSeries

It makes me shiver when I think about the money I've spent on gaming headsets. Finding the right pair of cans for late-night The Finals sessions took a while, but I eventually settled on a SteelSeries set that has been nourishing my ears with excellent sound for years. While I've dabbled with JBL products in the past, its latest range of Quantum headphones might be the rival I've been waiting for. While trying them out at Gamescom, it was the JBL Quantum 950 that really had me considering making the switchover.

You might be more familiar with the JBL offerings on our guide to buying the best Bluetooth speaker than its best gaming headset contenders, but the long-running tech giant has been making moves in the gaming space with its Quantum series since 2020. JBL's latest offerings, the Quantum 250, 650, and 950, include redesigned hardware, upgraded drivers, and an overhauled QuantumEngine software platform for all, but it's the extra features of the flagship Quantum 950 that really caught my eye.

Running quickly through some of the core features. The Quantum 950 has 50mm "carbon dynamic" drivers, certification for Hi-Res Audio, and JBL's Quantum Spatial Sound virtual surround sound tech. It also includes active noise cancelling, while comfort comes from a lightweight design that uses a mesh suspension hammock headband and memory foam ear cushions. So far, so solid for a high-end wireless gaming headset.

Where JBL really steps it up a notch is with the inclusion of a wireless base station that lets you control volume and charge the headset's swappable batteries. Yes, like a mere handful of gaming headsets before it, the Quantum 950 lets you quickly swap out the battery so you can carry on gaming without the need to resort to plugging in a cable. Sure, there will be a few seconds of downtime when swapping, but with 25 hours of life per battery, one battery will outlast any normal gaming session, and you just need to remember to swap before starting your next session.

This headset also includes JBL's head tracking tech, which adjusts your audio in accordance with your head movements, though this feature isn't new to this latest headset. Connections also extend to Bluetooth 5.3 and wired modes, making the headset compatible across PC, consoles, and mobile devices. With a price of $299.99 / £299.99 it's not a cheap headset, but if its performance hits the mark, it will be seriously competitive with a host of other premium options.

Joining the 950 is the Quantum 650, priced at $129.99/£129.99. It carries many of the flagship's core features, including the same carbon drivers, spatial sound, and dual-battery setup. To hit a lower price, it drops ANC support.

Meanwhile, at the lowest price in the range of $49.99/£49.99, the Quantum 250 delivers a wired connection with the same driver technology and modular design. Lacking wireless support and premium extras, it's positioned as a straightforward option for everyday gaming and streaming. All three models launch in black or white with purple and orange accents, with access to modular parts for easier replacement. According to the company, the new JBL Quantum series release date will be October this year.

Suffice to say, I'm really keen to see just how JBL's latest headsets perform. For now, though, you can read about our latest top choice of gaming headset in our Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review. It can't claim swappable batteries, but with a 70-hour battery life and fantastic sound quality, it's going to take some beating.

For more gaming audio options, check out our best gaming microphone guide as well as our best computer speakers guide, both of which contain loads of options we've tested and recommend for a wide range of budgets.