8 Best JBL Bluetooth Speaker in 2023

Planning to get a good JBL Bluetooth speaker? Well, you have plenty of options. Having plenty of options can be a bit tiring. You have a hard time deciding what’s good for the job. Moreover, you have to compare a lot of options to find the suitable one.

To make the selection easier, I have tested and shortlisted a few Bluetooth speakers for you. Here are the few JBL Bluetooth speakers that I found quite good for all music genres.

Best JBL Bluetooth Speakers

• Best Overal: JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
• Handy: JBL Boombox 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
• Versatile: JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
• Dust and waterproof: JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker with long Playtime
• Well-built: JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Speaker
• Lightweight: JBL Go 3: Portable Bluetooth Speaker
• Powerful: JBL Xtreme 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
• Affordable: JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

1. JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Flip was launched to rule music lovers’ hearts back in 2020. Since then, several other JBL speakers have been introduced, however, the popularity of this speaker has not decreased. It is increasing with every passing day.

IPX – The JBL Flip 5’s code is IPX7. The IPX7 means the speaker is waterproof to some extent. You can take it in water up to 3 feet for thirty minutes. The IPX8 speakers are completely waterproof, however, IPX7 is not any less decent as well.

I have taken all my pool and beach parties and used them as roughly as I can, it’s still perfectly fine.

Battery life – I find it extremely important to mention here that this speaker does not last up to 12 hours as the company claims. I have fully charged it multiple times and played non-stop, but the speaker worked up to 9 hours and a few minutes every time.

Therefore, its “actual” battery life is 9 hours. To be honest, this is a fact, not a con. Most speakers(even more expensive ones) hardly serve up to 10 hours.

Sound quality – The sound of this speaker is clear and perfect for music of all genres. However, I feel the company has put more effort into improving the bass this time.

I like speakers with better bass, therefore, It worked for me. If you are a fan of speakers with better bass, I’m pretty sure this would impress you as well.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• USB-C charging
• Perfect for hikes and beaches
• Durable

Cons

• Does not last up to 12 hours

2. JBL Boombox 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Boombox 2 is a Bluetooth speaker that we often see rocking at house parties. All speakers of the Boombox series are known for delivering monstrous bass and powerful sound. This one does the same.

Design – The design of this speaker is more or less the same as it’s predecessor. At least, I have not noticed any visible differences.

The speaker is big, and heavy but has a handle that makes it handy. Being big and heavy is not an issue for me.

It is because the speaker is made for backyard parties and tailgates and I have used it for the same purposes. Therefore, I’m okay with it. If this speaker was supposed to be for beach and pool parties, it would have been overwhelming to carry.

Sound quality – Like every JBL speaker, I have found the sound quality of this speaker quite worth admiring. The speaker did take some time to break in. Now after a few days of continuous use, it delivers a balanced, clear sound.

The credit goes to the 4-inch woofers and the 0.8-inch tweeter. The bass is also powerful and punchy just as we expect from such speakers.

Bluetooth – The 5.1 Bluetooth also makes this speaker quite wow-worthy. The 5.1 means a stable connection and the speaker consumes less energy. Therefore, it improves the battery life and gives us one legitimate reason to own this speaker.

Pros

• Monstrous bass
• Rich and impressive sound
• Compatible with voice assistant software
• IPX7
• Rocks 5.1 Bluetooth

Cons

• Not so scratch resistant

3. JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Clip 3 is the unique ultra-portable speaker ever invented by this brand. It’s quite small in size but mighty enough to fulfill your needs. Therefore, do not judge the speaker by its size, pay attention to the other things.

Handy – The handiest design made me try this JBL speaker. I often go hiking with my friends and to be honest, this is the handiest speaker to carry.

You do not even have to make space for it in your bag. It can be clipped to the bag and entertain you like no other thing.

Suitability – So, this is the JBL speaker I experimented with a lot. I have tried to play it in large as well as small gatherings.

I have found it more suitable for small parties. In my opinion, the speaker sounds great but not loud enough to entertain a large group of people in an open space.

Sound quality – The sound quality of this JBL speaker is relatively thin but fuller at the same time. This speaker is made for small adventures, therefore, expecting it to sound like a professional speaker is nonsense. However, the sound and bass are pretty decent for such small adventures.

Pros

• Super small and handy
• Bluetooth version: 4.1
• Can play music for up to 10 hours straight

Cons

• Lacks bass a little at the loudest volumes

4. JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker with long Playtime

JBL Flip 6 is a worthy option from the company’s overly popular Flip series. The JBL Flip 6 is tough, improved, and super economical. Above all, it sounds as great as a speaker should. What else do we need?

Bluetooth – The JBL Flip 6 has stepped up it’s game by using 5.1 Bluetooth. I have found this 5.1 Bluetooth speaker more forgiving. It has truly made me stream music wirelessly like no other speaker.

This speaker is an upgraded version of Flip 5, the Flip 5 can only connect devices up to 20 meters. However, the JBL 6 Bluetooth range is up to 40 meters.

At the time of purchase, I only expected the improved sound and bass. The improved Bluetooth range made me fall in love with this speaker.

Sound – The sound quality of this JBL speaker is usually pleasantly clear. However, I have noticed that the sound at the highest volume gets a little less clear.

I don’t have a habit of playing music loud. Therefore, the speaker worked for me. If you are used to listening to music out loud, I would suggest you consider some other speaker from my recommendation list.

Battery Life – The battery life of this speaker is quite impressive. The company claims that it plays for up to 10 hours without requiring a recharge.

I played the speaker continuously and even pushed it to limits once, the speaker lasted 9 hours and 45 minutes. That’s quite impressive for such a small Bluetooth speaker.

Pros

• Super portable
• Powerful audio
• Robust bass
• Completely dust and waterproof

Cons

• Lacks clarity a bit at the highest volume

5. JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Speaker

JBL Charge 4 is a speaker that still occupies the music lover’s heart even though the improved version is introduced. Therefore, I had to recommend it. Here are a few reasons why I find it worth using.

IPX7 – As you know the numeric digit in the IP code determines how waterproof the speaker is.

IPX7 means the speaker is completely water and dustproof. To test the speaker, I threw it into the water. To my surprise, the speaker started floating. So, I concluded that the speaker isn’t just waterproof, it can float as well.

Sound quality – When it comes to sound, I did not find the sound quality of Charge 4 very different from Charge 3.

When I played Charge 4 for the first time, I sounded the same as the previous version.

When I later compared it to Charge 3 to know if there is any difference, I still get the same feeling. However, that’s not a con at all. The reason is Charge 3 has a decently clear sound and powerful bass.

Battery life – The Charge 4’s battery life is claimed to be 20 hours. So far, I have not gotten a chance to play the speaker continuously for 20 hours straight.

I played it for 15 hours and a few minutes, and the speaker kept going strong. So, if it can go up to 20 hours, that’s awesome. Even if it could play more than 18 hours, that’s still pretty decent.

Pros

• Well built
• Available in plenty of colors
• Crisp clear highs

Cons

• Bigger and heavier

6. JBL Go 3: Portable Bluetooth Speaker

If you do not want to spend a lot of money yet get a decent JBL speaker, I would suggest you go for Go 3. It is economical yet a good Bluetooth speaker to be considered and bought.

Sound quality – While hitting the place an order button, I had pretty low expectations from the sound. I kept on thinking how can such a small speaker sound great? However, later I realized it’s pretty ridiculous to judge the sound quality by the size of the speaker.

The reason is this speaker is small but it sounds as good as bigger JBL speakers. If I get a little specific, these speakers have a warm and fulfilling sound. The bass is not that powerful, I would say it’s adequate for the need.

Handy – Since this is a small-sized speaker, it’s easier to carry on adventures. I prefer to take small sized less heavy speakers on hiking and beach days, I’m pretty sure you love to do the same. This speaker is small and lightweight enough to not be a burden on music lovers.

Design – Almost every JBL speaker has a pretty impressive design. However, I found this speaker the cutest.

The rectangular shape with round edges makes the speaker fit in any large pocket of your bag without any hassle.

Above all, the buttons on this speaker are of contrasting colors. They can easily be spotted in the dark.

Most JBL speakers do come with contrasting color buttons. We all have struggled to turn them into the dark.

Pros

• Weighs as much as a large chocolate bar
• Super affordable
• Comes in loads of colors

Cons

• Take a lot of time to charge

7. JBL Xtreme 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Xtreme 2 is launched for the fans of big, bold sounds. The upgraded version of this speaker was also introduced recently. However, the JBL Xtreme 2 has a separate fan following.

Design – Just like the party speakers, this Bluetooth speaker has a barrel-shaped body. However, what makes it a thoughtful creation is the stand that prevents it from rolling away.

The speaker is big, heavy, and made of heavy-duty fabric. The speaker also has two metal loops at the top and a shoulder strap, so you can carry it with ease.

I have a lot of speakers that weigh as much as Xtreme 2. However, most of them lack the shoulder strap and the metal loops at the top.

I can “totally” understand how hard it is to carry such speakers. Therefore, whenever I have to take any giant speaker with me on adventures, I prefer this speaker.

Bluetooth – The JBL Xtreme 2 rocks 4.2 Bluetooth. It might not be as impressive as 5.0, but still good enough to handle high-quality wireless audio. Therefore, it would not be a rational decision to judge this speaker mainly by Bluetooth.

Sound – The JBL Xtreme 2 is one of the few speakers that I truly love because of the sound quality.

I have noticed the sound quality of this JBL speaker is more refined, the bass is reasonably powerful, deep, and controlled.

The treble is clean, all this adds up and makes the sound quality “absolutely” perfect.

Pros

• Solid build
• Reasonably loud
• Waterproof
• Powerful bass
• Impressive battery life

Cons

• Lacks graphic EQ

8. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Last but not least is Flip 4. This spacer is equally loved, it’s most known and purchased for its powerful stereo sound and portable design. If your concerns are the same, this speaker would be a pretty good option.

Design – I have not found the JBL Flip 4 not very much different from the Flip 3. There are just a few minor changes.

These changes are not even easily noticeable. Like Flip 3, this speaker has a cylindrical shape and exposed bass radiators.

However, even if the speaker does not look very different from the previous version, it’s still well-built. The is made by combining soft and hard rubber, which makes the speaker nearly unbreakable.

Bluetooth and Connection strength – The design of the speaker might not have improved much but the connection strength has.

The Flip 3 can only connect up to two speakers at a time. However, this one comes with a connect+ button which means you can connect up to 100 speakers. This makes the speaker truly worthy of consideration.

Moreover, the speaker does not take long to connect to other devices. Every time I have tried connecting it to any device, the connection is established within a few seconds.

The Bluetooth range is also quite impressive. The speaker allows you to connect devices up to 33 meters without any hassle.

Sound quality – The sound quality of this successor is also quite improved. However, it’s still not ground-shaking but decent.

If I have to rate it would give it 8/10. This speaker has a big booming clear and crisp sound.

I have noticed the sound distortion is also quite low. The lows, mids, and highs are clear. The Bass is powerful just as we expect from the JBL speakers.

Pros

• Works up to 10 hours
• Compact
• Super affordable
• Improved bass response
• Decent sound

Cons

• Controls are a bit annoying

How to Pick the Right JBL Bluetooth Speaker?

Since tons of JBL Bluetooth speakers are available in the market, it is quite difficult for novices to evaluate and determine the right one.

Plus, technical jargon confuses potential buyers and they end up buying a speaker that does not fit their requirements.

First of all, a buyer should have the utmost clarity on the requirements and how they intend to use the speaker.

Next up, it is important to know what to look for in a JBL Bluetooth speaker before taking the plunge.

Follow the following list of features to consider before buying the Bluetooth speaker

Sound Quality

Sound quality always comes first. It would not make sense to get a JBL speaker with an updated Bluetooth version and average sound performance.

While JBL speakers are admired for better sound delivery, not all of them can meet your audio requirements.

To determine the audio quality, you have to look at frequency range and audio power.

• Frequency Response – Frequency response for Bluetooth speakers ranges between 100 Hz to 20KHz. Wider frequency response equates to better sound quality. In the aforesaid frequency response, 100 Hz is the low frequency and 20K Hz is the high-frequency response. Low-frequency response is more important if you want a higher level of bass. Typically, a frequency range of 20 Hz to 250 Hz allows listeners to hear deeper bass in an audio track. If you are into bass-heavy music, consider a JBL speaker with a low-frequency range or a subwoofer.

• Audio Power – Audio power is measured in watts, the higher the audio power the most efficient the speaker is. It is important to get a JBL speaker with higher power output for larger rooms. In short, it determines how powerful the speaker is. Generally, speakers with 150-500 wattage are affordable and offer a better music listening experience.

Bluetooth Version

It is not only important to check whether or not the speaker allows Bluetooth connectivity but the version as well.

Mostly, JBL speakers use the later Bluetooth versions, 4.0 and 5.0. Do not settle for older versions than Bluetooth 4.0 as it affects power efficiency.

The latest Bluetooth firmware versions guarantee better battery life, range, and data transmission.

Besides all, streaming music from an audio source via Bluetooth is quite easy. While they are less pricier than WiFispeakers, the range is a bit limited, approximately 30 feet.

Playtime

Bluetooth speakers give you the freedom of carrying them wherever you go. If you plan on using them on the go, battery life or playtime is an important consideration. Thankfully, JBL Bluetooth speakers have a good battery runtime. Most smaller speakers last 8-10 hours on a single charge. Contrarily, some larger speakers offer continuous playtime of up to 18 hours.

Size

JBL speakers come in a wide array of sizes and styles. The brand provides smaller, ultra-portable models that can be packed into the luggage for providing a music-listening experience on the go.

In addition, there are some bulkier models as well with better sound quality, however, not very travel-friendly. If portability is not your concern, go for larger JBL speakers with better audio and battery life.

Waterproof

Since most audiophiles take Bluetooth speakers to party outdoors, JBL has made most of their speakers waterproof.

With that said, electronics are never always entirely water-resistant, therefore, no need to test their durability by throwing them in the water.

Many JBL speakers have IPX4, IPX7, or IP44 ratings to enable them to withstand dust and water. Dust and waterproof speakers are better suited for outdoor, poolside, or beach parties.

Durability

All JBL speakers have a rugged housing, therefore, you can carry them without inviting any risks.

Sturdy, high-quality fabric makes them somewhat damage resistant. These speakers can survive minor falls without damaging any important internal components.

Party Lights

If you intend on using the JBL speaker for parties, an in-built light show would be a major plus.

These models undoubtedly set the mood for the party. Many JBL speakers have customizable light modes and strobes that change in response to the sound.

Cost

It is a primary consideration when purchasing a JBL speaker. The price for JBL speakers ranges from $39.95 to over $1000.

Sound quality, bass production, portability, playtime, size, and frequency range impact the final price. Determine the features you want in your JBL speaker and begin your hunt.

Appearance

It is better to leave the aesthetics to the buyers. Plus, JBL boasts some of the most innovative and creative speaker designs. They come in varying colors, styles, and sizes, giving the buyer plenty of options to choose from.

Moreover, JBL is focused on producing designs that stand out and attract attention without sacrificing quality. Finding an attractive JBL would not be a daunting task at all.