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. Within the brand's line, there are both budget (from 2 thousand rubles) and expensive powerful models with additional functionality that can set the tone for any party, costing more than 20 thousand rubles. Which column and for what purpose is it better to choose? I propose to sort out this issue together. I chose the 10 best branded bluetooth speakers for the rating and compiled it based on customer reviews. For convenience, I have grouped them in ascending order of price, so let's start with the simplest ones.
JBL GO 2
The rating is opened by the most budgetary bluetooth speaker JBL: the price is only 2,200 rubles. Waterproof IPx7 - you can safely use it 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. The built-in noise canceling microphone allows the speaker to be used as a loudspeaker in phone calls.
Brand-worthy sound. Speaker power - 3 W. 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 plug for access to ports;
- few high frequencies;
- impossible to pair with other speakers;
- small volume reserve.
The list of cons goes on and on. Some users want to see in the kit an accessory for attaching to a bicycle, a Type C charging connector, a microSD connector; bluetooth 5.0, etc., but let's remember that we have before us a portable device worth less than $ 50 of a well-known brand, and we will not demand the impossible from it. 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:
- dimensions - the model is slightly larger (97 × 137 × 46 mm);
- weight - 40 g heavier;
- shape - 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 loudness and sound quality. The JBL CLIP 3 has a bit more bass. Price - 2500 rubles.
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.
Tourist's choice. Ideal for hiking, excursions. But in everyday life, a non-detachable carabiner can be a problem. In this regard, GO 2 will be more compact and convenient.
JBL Soundgear
Portable acoustics, unique in their form factor. Positioned as a speaker for watching TV. Made in the shape of a horseshoe, worn around the neck, has 4 built-in radiators. At low volume, it can be used as a headphone, transmitting high-quality sound to the one we are wearing, without particularly disturbing others. In this regard, it is very convenient to use it for telephone conversations, however, 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 - 4 thousand rubles.
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 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 legendary portable speaker from the manufacturer. It has retained the advantages of previous versions - excellent sound quality, autonomy, JBL Connect technology, speakerphone. At the same time, it received IPX7 moisture protection. Power - 16 W. The frequency range is 70–20,000 Hz. Price - 4800 rubles.
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 charging;
- 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 most popular models in the manufacturer's lineup. 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 notable 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 - 6700 rubles.
Pros:
- design and ergonomics;
- great sound;
- autonomy - up to 12 hours;
- fast charging;
- USB Type-C;
- moisture protection 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 speakers without PartyBoost support;
- no AptX;
- no slot for microSD.
An interesting novelty, but I recommend that you temporarily refrain from buying it. Firstly, the starting price in a few months will drop by 10 percent at least, 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 supply - can operate on battery, mains, USB. Never part with your favorite music: even if your smartphone is dead, the speaker will transfer part of its energy to it (Power Bank function). A pair of 10-watt speakers with two passive bass radiators are responsible for the sound in the gadget. Even music lovers will appreciate the quality. Price - 7 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- design;
- great sound;
- built-in active noise canceling microphone;
- autonomy;
- 5-level battery charge 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;
- no lanyard or other attachment for easy portability;
- no radio and microSD slot;
- no mini jack / mini jack cable included;
- no cover included.
Some of the disadvantages mentioned by users may seem nit-picking, because the speaker has excellent sound and the Power Bank function. But for the 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 has become slightly larger and heavier by 160 g. Price - 8390 rubles.
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 button illumination.
Minuses:
- dimensions;
- the weight;
- sound detail became worse than in JBL Charge 3 due to the use of 1 speaker;
- no handle or attachments for transportation;
- no case or bag included;
- no support for aptx, fast charging;
- no slot for microSD;
- no power supply included.
Meager equipment is a manufacturer's feature with a minus sign. It 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 the justification 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 suits you best.
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. Column 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 - 9600 rubles.
Pros:
- design and lighting;
- convenient location 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 devices for carrying;
- no cover included;
- the acrylic capsule is fragile and can be scratched or even cracked;
- the declared autonomy is relevant when listening to music at medium volume with minimal backlighting. 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 buying. For a full-fledged "breakaway" and getting fantastic sound, you can combine several different speakers from the manufacturer via JBL Connect. If you need a universal speaker, 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 spacious, 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. Considering the weight and dimensions of the device, a nice bonus is the shoulder strap. Price - 12,790 rubles.
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;
- connecting a source via an audio cable;
- carrying strap included.
Minuses:
- price;
- weight - almost 2.5 kg;
- not enough bass;
- at maximum volume, autonomy is halved;
- USB charging is not possible;
- no aptx support.
For outdoor picnics, beach parties and noisy events, the solution is good. For everyday use, such a large volume reserve is not needed. Better to save money and buy a 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 - 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 ease of transportation, a handle is provided, although it does not greatly save the situation: traveling with the device over long distances on foot is not an option. Price - 22 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- design and ergonomics;
- great sound;
- autonomy;
- stable connection;
- moisture protection IPX7;
- the ability to charge other devices via USB;
- 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 cannot definitely recommend it to everyone, because I still prefer the compact Charge 3 or Flip 4 - they are inferior in volume, sound quality, but universal, they can always be worn in a backpack or bag, providing the owner with musical accompaniment everywhere ... Boombox is a good option for a home, I think it is inappropriate to spend 22 thousand rubles on it.
