The JBL brand has remained in demand among manufacturers of acoustic systems and electronics for several decades. One of the directions of production is portable speakers. They are distinguished from representatives of other brands by their recognizable design, signature bass sound, high quality materials and workmanship. Inside the brand line there are both budget (from ), and expensive powerful models with additional functionality that can set the tone for any party, costing more ... Which column and for what purpose is it better to choose? I propose to understand this issue together. I chose the 10 best branded bluetooth speakers for the rating and made it based on customer reviews. For convenience, I grouped them in increasing prices, so let's start with the simplest ones.
JBL GO 2
The most budgetary bluetooth speaker JBL opens the rating: price - total ... Waterproof IPx7 - can be used without fear on the beach or near the pool. Powerful 730 mAh battery - provides up to 5 hours of battery life, and charges in just two. Hands-free function. A built-in microphone with a noise reduction system allows you to use the speaker as a speaker in phone calls.
Sound worthy of the brand. The speaker power is 3 watts. The frequency range is from 180 to 20,000 Hz. Connection with playback devices - via bluetooth 4.1 or audio cable.
Pros:
- price;
- materials and build quality;
- compactness. Dimensions - 71 × 86 × 32 mm;
- lightness: weight - 184 g;
- 12 colors available;
- good sound;
- moisture protection;
- noise canceling microphone;
- automatic shutdown after several hours of inactivity;
- stable connection.
Minuses:
- no indicator of the charging process;
- autonomy - 5 hours, this is not the best indicator;
- no carbine;
- tight buttons;
- complete usb cable - short;
- it is difficult to pull out a dummy for access to ports;
- few high frequencies;
- pairing with other speakers is not possible;
- small volume reserve.
The list of minuses goes on. Some users want to see in the kit an accessory for attaching to a bike, a Type C charging connector, a microSD connector; bluetooth 5.0, etc., but let's remember that in front of us is a portable device worth less than $ 50 of a well-known brand, and we will not demand from it the impossible. For its money, JBL GO 2 is beautiful. If you want the smallest possible portable audio device for little money, that's fine.
JBL CLIP 3
The CLIP 3 portable heater differs from the previous model in the JBL GO 2 rating:
- overall dimensions - the model is slightly larger (97 × 137 × 46 mm);
- weight - 40 g heavier;
- form - it is round;
- the presence of a carabiner for easy carrying;
- the lower limit of the frequency range - 120 Hz;
- with a 1000 mAh battery - up to 10 hours of battery life.
These models are comparable in terms of volume and sound quality.JBL CLIP 3 has a bit more bass. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- compactness;
- ergonomics;
- design, large selection of colors;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- autonomy;
- good sound;
- noise canceling microphone;
- stable connection.
Minuses:
- it is impossible to pair with other similar devices;
- small volume reserve;
- the carabiner is not very convenient in comparison with the CLIP 2 model: it is built into the body, does not detach;
- no charge indicator;
- not enough bass.
The choice of a tourist. Ideal for hiking, excursions. But in everyday life, a non-detaching carabiner can be a problem. In this regard, GO 2 will be more compact and convenient.
Jbl soundgear
Unique in form factor portable acoustics. Positioned as a speaker for watching TV. Made in the shape of a horseshoe, worn around the neck, has 4 built-in emitters. At low volume it can be used as headphones, transmitting high-quality sound to the one you are wearing, without really disturbing others. In this regard, it is very convenient to use it for telephone conversations, although in noisy places the microphone does not perform its functions very well. It is worth increasing the sound. The power of the device is 6 W, you can listen to music by a company in an average room for up to 6 hours in a row. Price - .
Pros:
- smooth, streamlined shapes;
- soft fabric trim;
- uniqueness;
- stable connection;
- built-in microphone;
- good sound;
- full immersion in music.
Minuses:
- the form factor is convenient for a few. More popular are universal devices of the usual form;
- no moisture protection;
- in loud mode, the battery works half as much as stated.
The column is not for everyone. More suitable for use with PC or TV. On the street, it surprises passers-by, it is convenient as a replacement for headphones. If you need a speaker for "mass" listening to music, it is better to choose a device of the usual form.
JBL Flip 4
The next rating model is the fourth generation of the manufacturer's legendary portable speaker. Preserved the advantages of previous versions - excellent sound quality, autonomy, JBL Connect technology, speakerphone. At the same time received IPX7 moisture protection. Power - 16 watts. The frequency range is 70–20,000 Hz. Price - .
Pros:
- design and ergonomics (materials and workmanship, comfortable handling, included in the bicycle bottle cage);
- great sound;
- 3000 mAh battery - up to 12 hours of battery life;
- fast charge;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- JBL Connect supported;
- stable connection;
- Multipoint support (connect to multiple devices at the same time).
Minuses:
- at high volume, there is a lot of treble, bass is muffled;
- no AptX;
- not symmetrical: if you set it upside down, it falls;
- at high volume holds a charge several times less than the declared one;
- no slot for microSD.
A classic of the genre of this brand, one of the models that is in demand in the manufacturer's line. A month ago, she had a follower of Flip 5. Whether he will be able to achieve success with the 4th generation column, time will tell, but the fact that this is one of the most noticeable market innovations this year is already clear. Therefore, I decided to include it in the rating.
JBL Flip 5
Compared to the 4th generation, the Flip has a higher power - 20 W, an extended frequency range - 65–20,000 Hz, a battery with an increased capacity - 4800 mAh, a type C charging connector and support for PartyBoost multiple speaker synchronization technology. Works over Bluetooth. Outwardly, it is practically indistinguishable from the previous version, if you do not take into account the extended palette - it is offered in 11 colors. Price - .
Pros:
- design and ergonomics;
- great sound;
- autonomy - up to 12 hours;
- fast charging;
- USB Type-C;
- waterproof IPX7;
- PartyBoost support;
- stable connection;
- Multipoint support.
Minuses:
- overpriced;
- it is impossible to answer a call through the speaker - no microphone;
- Does not connect with previous generations of brand columns without PartyBoost support;
- no AptX;
- no slot for microSD.
An interesting novelty, but I recommend temporarily refraining from buying it. Firstly, the starting price will drop by 10 percent in a few months, and secondly, you will have time to decide whether you need a speaker that does not connect to others via JBL Connect.While the Flip 4 remains relevant today, the Flip 5 is interesting as a novelty, which is what the manufacturer plays on, setting an inflated price tag.
JBL Charge 3
The most "long-playing" bluetooth speaker from the manufacturer. Up to 20 hours of battery life from the built-in 6000 mAh battery. Hybrid type of power - can work on battery, network, USB. Never part with your favorite music: even if your smartphone is exhausted, the column will give it some of its energy (Power Bank function). For the sound in the gadget meets a pair of 10-watt speakers with two passive bass emitters. Even music lovers will appreciate the quality. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- great sound;
- built-in active noise canceling microphone;
- autonomy;
- 5-level battery indicator;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- Power Bank function;
- stable connection;
- JBL Connect support.
Minuses
- weight - 800 g;
- dimensions - 213 × 89 × 87 mm;
- loud obsessive sound when turned on;
- subwoofer diffusers are not protected;
- no protection against accidental clicks;
- there is no lace or other fastener for easy carrying;
- no radio and microSD slot;
- no mini jack / mini jack cable included;
- no case included.
Some of the shortcomings mentioned by users may seem nit-picking, because the speaker has excellent sound and the Power Bank function. But for a set price, the manufacturer could expand the package. This is the only thing that serves as a stop factor in the desire to purchase this column.
JBL Charge 4
A follower of the Charge 3 model. It has an increased power - 30 watts. The manufacturer managed to maintain autonomy for up to 20 hours. This was made possible by increasing the capacity of the built-in battery to 7500 mAh and replacing bluetooth 4.1 with version 4.2. Therefore, the column became slightly larger and heavier by 160 g. Price - .
Pros:
- design (a large number of colors to choose from);
- good sound;
- large volume reserve;
- autonomy;
- Bluetooth 4.2;
- USB type-c;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- Power Bank function;
- stable connection;
- JBL Connect support;
- bright backlight buttons.
Minuses:
- dimensions;
- weight;
- sound detail has become worse than in JBL Charge 3 due to the use of 1 speaker;
- no handles or mounts for transportation;
- no case or bag included;
- no support for aptx, fast charging;
- no microSD slot;
- no power supply included.
The meager equipment is a minus sign of the manufacturer. She also touched the updated version of Charge. But the power of the speaker, the volume reserve is sufficient for a room of 30 m2, autonomy up to 20 hours is an excuse for this model. In terms of sound quality, everything is subjective. Some users insist that the Charge 3 sounds a little quieter, but much better due to the stereo sound. It is advisable to compare the sound of both devices before buying and choose the one that will satisfy you more.
JBL Pulse 3
A backlit speaker capable of decorating a party or home celebration. The top is an acrylic capsule that diffuses the LED light inside. Speaker power - 20 W, surround sound, bass. If the power is not enough, you can combine up to 100 speakers with JBL Connect. Autonomous work - up to 12 hours. Price - .
Pros:
- design and lighting;
- convenient arrangement of buttons and connectors;
- good sound;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- autonomy;
- JBL Connect support.
Minuses:
- price;
- dimensions and weight;
- not enough bass;
- no aptx support;
- there are no carrying devices;
- no cover included;
- the acrylic capsule is fragile, it can be scratched and even cracked;
- claimed autonomy is relevant when listening to music at medium volume with minimal backlight. At the maximum, the device gives out no more than 5 hours;
- no forced adjustment of the backlight blinking speed;
- volume control. At the very minimum it still sounds loud.
Despite the large number of identified shortcomings, the high price, given that there are no analogues of this model for organizing home parties, I recommend it for purchase. For a full-fledged "break" and getting fantastic sound, you can combine several different speakers from the manufacturer via JBL Connect.If you need a universal speaker, the use of which will be appropriate not only at home, then I recommend Charge 3 or Flip 4.
JBL Xtreme 2
Large 40W portable speaker (2 x 20W speakers). The sound is surround, with an emphasis on treble, while the bass is not enough for a device with such dimensions. Autonomy - up to 15 hours. There is a built-in noise canceling microphone. Feature - does not charge via USB. But there is a Power Bank function. The package contains a cable and a power adapter for charging. A nice bonus, given the weight and dimensions of the device - a strap for carrying on the shoulder. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- good sound;
- large volume reserve;
- noise canceling microphone;
- stable connection;
- autonomy;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- support for Multipoint, JBL Connect;
- the ability to charge other devices via USB;
- source connection via audio cable;
- carrying strap included.
Minuses:
- price;
- weight - almost 2.5 kg;
- not enough bass;
- at maximum volume, autonomy is reduced by half;
- USB charging not possible;
- no aptx support.
For picnics, beach parties and noisy events, the solution is a good one. For everyday use, such a large volume reserve is not needed. It is better to save and buy Charge 3 or Flip 4 - they are more compact, convenient in terms of transportation.
JBL Boombox
The largest wireless speaker from the manufacturer. Its dimensions are 254 × 495 × 196 mm. Weight - 5.25 kg. Hidden inside the waterproof case is a 20,000 mAh battery, 4 speakers and 2 bass radiators. The sound power during playback from the mains is 60 W, from the battery - 40 W. The emphasis is on low frequencies. There is a Power Bank function and 2 USB outputs at once. Autonomy - up to 24 hours at medium volume. For convenience of transportation, a handle is provided, although it does not greatly save the situation: traveling with the device for long distances on foot is not an option. Price - .
Pros:
- design and ergonomics;
- great sound;
- autonomy;
- stable connection;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- the ability to charge via USB to other devices;
- support for Multipoint, JBL Connect.
Minuses:
- price;
- dimensions and weight;
- USB charging is not possible;
- background noise (squeak) when the battery is discharged more than half.
A device for music lovers, their noisy parties with excellent sound quality and decent autonomy. But taking into account the price, I definitely can’t recommend it to everyone, because I still prefer the compact Charge 3 or Flip 4 - they are inferior in volume, sound quality, but universal, can always be worn in a backpack or bag, providing the owner with musical accompaniment everywhere ... Boombox is a good option for home, spending on I consider it inappropriate.
