JBL unveils Quantum 850 and new mid-range headsets at Gamescom

JBL’s Quantum refresh completes a four-model range and adds the Quantum 850, Quantum 520, Quantum 520X and Quantum 120 headsets to its gaming audio line-up.

These four additions join the existing Quantum 650 Wireless to complete a four-model range that spans entry-level to mid-range gaming audio, with JBL Quantum Spatial Sound and the JBL QuantumENGINE software running across every headset in the line-up.

All five headsets share 50 mm carbon dynamic drivers, a spec that JBL pairs with Hi-Res Audio certification and Quantum Spatial Sound to give positional cues such as footsteps and gunfire greater clarity during competitive play.

The Quantum 850 is the premium gaming headset in the range, bringing Adaptive Noise Cancelling to the line-up.

Connectivity marks the clearest split between models, since the Quantum 850, Quantum 650, Quantum 520 and Quantum 520X all offer dual wireless connections through a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, while the Quantum 120 relies on a wired 3.5mm connection instead.

Console compatibility also varies across the range, with the Quantum 520X carrying Xbox certification for wireless play on Microsoft’s console, while the Quantum 120 supports PlayStation, Xbox and other major gaming consoles through its wired connection, and the Quantum 850 is compatible with iPad OS, PlayStation and Nintendo certified.

Battery life follows the same tiered pattern, with the Quantum 650 rated for up to 45 hours and the Quantum 520 and Quantum 520X each rated for up to 37 hours, all three gaining an extra hour from a five-minute charge.

Comfort features carry across the range too, and both a silicone headband and breathable fabric ear cushions appear throughout the line-up, while colour choices range from Black and Ice to Coral and Purple, apart from a single Black-only option for the Quantum 520X.

Every model in the range also includes a detachable, noise-cancelling 6mm cardioid boom microphone designed to keep team callouts clear during high-pressure moments, a feature that has become a baseline expectation across competitive gaming headsets at this price point.

Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN, said the updates reflect JBL’s strong entry into gaming audio and that the brand has used its latest innovations and expertise to evolve the Quantum range into a complete line-up for every level of player.

Quantum 520, Quantum 520X and Quantum 120 go on sale from 26 August, with the Quantum 650 already available, and pricing spans £39.99 for the wired Quantum 120 up to £129.99 for the Quantum 650. The Quantum 850 is due to go on sale the 1st October for £249.99 / €279.99.