JBL Quantum Stream Wireless review: Simple and portable

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: One Minute Review

If you’re a content creator and need a portable microphone for a convention, or just to make videos on the go, then you really can’t go wrong with the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. This pocket-friendly lapel microphone comes with a convenient charging case, similar to a pair of wireless earbuds, and works with your phone right out of the box. Simply insert the included Lightning or USB-C dongle and you’re ready to get started.

I was impressed with the performance during my testing and found that the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless delivers clear sound even in quite loud environments, especially when combined with the noise-cancelling capabilities of the compatible JBL Headphones mobile app. The manufacturer talks about a battery life of 24 hours, of which six hours via the microphone and a further 18 hours via the charging case, and this figure was broadly accurate, giving you more than enough energy for a whole day.

Add to that a few useful features, such as the built-in mute button for the microphone, and you have a very robust overall package. My only complaint would be that the included windshield, useful for outdoor shooting, is a bit fiddly and can be quite difficult to install safely.

Potential buyers should also consider whether they actually need a lapel microphone. Performance is good for a small, portable device, but you still get superior sound quality with many of the devices best microphones for streaming – which would be a better choice if you want to record at home.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless microphone and charging case.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: price and availability

$99.95 / £89.99
USB-C and Lightning variants
Launched in March 2024

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is available for $99.95 / £89.99 directly from JBL and from retailers such as Amazon. This may seem like a fair amount to spend on any microphone, but it means this model sits neatly between super-budget offerings and more premium portable microphones from companies like Rode and DJI. The DJI microphonefor example, features two transmitters and comparable storage space, but costs about double the price of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless.

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Specifications

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Price	$99.95 / £89.99
Polar pattern	Omnidirectional
Sampling rate	48 kHz (16 kHz ENC on)
Bit rate	16 bits
Frequency range	20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance	N/A

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Design and Features

Portable size
LED power indicators
Good app

The design of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless has a lot in common with your average pair of wireless gaming earbuds. The black carrying case is compact, with a subtle embossed JBL logo and a small row of four white LED indicators showing the current charge level. On the back of the case you’ll find a Type-C charging port, compatible with the included charging cable.

The top of the case opens like a lid on a hinge, revealing slots for the clip-on microphone and dongle. Both are secured with magnets, but only the microphone also has two metal contacts allowing it to be charged while in the case. Removing the microphone gives you a good look at the design, which is mostly plastic. The front has a smooth grooved pattern with a small JBL logo, while the back has a generous clip to secure it to your clothes.

There is a small button on the side of the microphone that allows you to quickly mute it. There is also a bright indicator LED, which is red when the microphone is turned off. Otherwise, it will flash white before turning a solid color when paired with your phone.

There is little to say about the dongle itself, which is rectangular and quite light and thin. It connects to your phone via a Type-C or Lightning connector, depending on the model you choose, but also has its own USB port for pass-through charging. This is a great little feature and means you don’t have to worry about not being able to charge your phone while the microphone is in use.

Most of the microphone’s core functions can be accessed via the JBL Headphones mobile app or the JBL Quantum Engine PC software, both of which are compatible with this product. Given the clear focus on portability, I mostly relied on the app’s ability to check battery level, change microphone gain, enable AI noise cancellation, switch between a few preset effects, and adjust power settings , such as the LED brightness and the automatic switch-off.

The software is nothing revolutionary, but has a decent selection of options and, importantly, is very responsive and well presented.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless microphone on a flat white surface.

(Image credit: Future)

JBL Quantum Stream Wireless: Performance

Effective noise reduction
Works well at events
Great battery life

It’s hard to fault the performance of the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless. I tested the product mainly at events, including the busy halls of Gamescom, and found that it did an excellent job of cutting through the background noise and delivering perfectly comprehensible recordings despite its small size.

You do notice a drop in quality when things get quite loud, with my voice often taking on a slightly robotic edge in particularly large crowds, but that was still preferable to the frankly incomprehensible recordings coming through my phone’s microphone in the same areas produced. This also applies to outdoor performance, especially in high winds or vehicles. Expect a more natural sound when you’re outside on a quiet day.

However, it is a bit of a shame that the supplied windshield is so clumsy. It clips onto the top of the microphone via two small holes, but is quite difficult to align. I found it difficult to do it in low light and often wasn’t sure if it was really stuck. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you plan to use the windshield a lot.

In terms of battery life, the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless is more than capable. I only have to charge the case every few days with semi-frequent use and the microphone has never failed during a recording session. Unless you want to wear it for hours and hours at a time, you won’t encounter any problems here.

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless microphone housing on a flat white surface.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Also consider…

If you’re not too keen on the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless, you might want to consider these two top microphones for gaming and content creation instead.

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Row 0 – Cell 0	JBL Quantum Stream Wireless	DJI microphone 2	JBL Quantum Stream Studio
Price	$99.95 / £89.99	$349 / £309	$149.99 / £129.99 / AU$199.95
Polar pattern	Omnidirectional	Omnidirectional	Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo
Sampling rate	48 kHz (16 kHz ENC on)	48kHz	44.1kHz / 48kHz / 96kHz / 192kHz
Bit rate	16 bits	24 bit	16/24 bits
Frequency range	20Hz – 20kHz	50Hz – 20kHz	50Hz – 16kHz
Impedance	N/A	N/A	16 / 32 ohms

The JBL Quantum Stream Wireless microphone housing open and empty.

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless

Tested for a few months
Used at various events
Tried inside and outside

I tested the JBL Quantum Stream Wireless with an iPhone 15 Plus over a period of roughly five months. During that time I took the microphone to several gaming events and tested it in a wide range of conditions, both indoors and outdoors. I carefully evaluated its performance and tested all available features in the mobile app.

I compared it to some desktop microphones like the Asus ROG Carynx, SteelSeries alias, SteelSeries Alias Proand more.