The Chinese brand JBL is known for the quality of its equipment and audio devices. Headphones, earphones, speakers, it knows how to do everything, for a price often more accessible than Bose models. Moreover, JBL Bluetooth speakers have everything to please: compactness, sound performance, water resistance, autonomy from 5 to 24 hours... Whether you are looking for a connected JBL Bluetooth speaker or a portable JBL Bluetooth speaker, let our comparison guide you.
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Our selection
"More powerful than its predecessor, the JBL Charge 5 benefits this time from the Bluetooth 5.1 wireless technology. Certified IP67, it is water and dust…"
"For less than 40 €, it's hard to find better than the Go 3 in the JBL catalog. This mini Bluetooth speaker fits in the…"
"The JBL EON ONE Compact is above all a Bluetooth speaker with exceptional sound. Of course, it is intended for all, provided that you pay…"
"Powerful, portable and with a 24-hour battery life, the JBL Boombox 2 has 2 passive radiators working in concert with 4 speakers for great sound."
More powerful than its predecessor, the JBL Charge 5 benefits this time from the Bluetooth 5.1 wireless technology. Certified IP67, it is water and dust resistant.
144 £ on AmazonThis is the latest JBL Charge and it's a real bestseller. Keeping its wireless nomadic character, this speaker is equipped with a Bluetooth 5.1 link. You can use it indoors and outdoors. And with its IP67 certification, it's water and dust resistant. Measuring 22.3 x 9.7 x 9.4 cm for a total weight of 960 g, the JBL Charge 5 has a powerful speaker as well as a dome tweeter and 2 passive radiators of 6.5 cm.
As far as sound quality is concerned, the JBL Charge 5 does better than the JBL Charge 4. Its bandwidth offers a satisfactory linearity in spite of the low frequencies which are a little behind. It adopts an unprecedented neutrality to better match any type of music. Moreover, this JBL Bluetooth speaker has an average autonomy of 20 hours, which can reach 24 hours, and it can be used as an external battery via its USB-A port.
For less than 40 €, it's hard to find better than the Go 3 in the JBL catalog. This mini Bluetooth speaker fits in the palm of your hand and delivers an incredible sound.
31,16 £ on AmazonThe JBL Go 3 mini Bluetooth speaker has a new design. It now measures 8.75 x 7.5 x 4.13 cm and weighs just over 200 g. Its woven coating ensures a pleasant cleaning and grip. On the base, it has 7 parallel bands of non-slip silicone. And that's not all, it also comes with a wrist strap. As for its water resistance, the JBL Go 3 is both dust and water resistant.
The only major drawbacks noted are the lack of a protective cover for the USB-C port and the lack of features compared to more expensive JBL Bluetooth speakers. It has no microphone or voice assistant. Also, you won't be able to use it as a speaker for your smartphone. The JBL Go 3 does take advantage of Bluetooth 5.1, though. Its control buttons are located on top and on the right side. Despite the discreet bass, it provides up to 5 hours of continuous listening.
The JBL EON ONE Compact is above all a Bluetooth speaker with exceptional sound. Of course, it is intended for all, provided that you pay the price.
398 £ on AmazonFrom an aesthetic point of view, the JBL EON ONE Compact has all the characteristics of a PA speaker. It is generally used during large events such as a wedding, a sports event, a lively evening with friends... The device stands out for the audio performance of its speaker, its removable and interchangeable battery, its integrated options, including potentiometers for adjusting audio effects and volume, and its complete connectivity including 3 mono inputs, a stereo input and a Bluetooth connection.
The cabinet is protected by a metal grill and there is a handle on top. At medium volume, the JBL Bluetooth speaker provides 12 hours of listening with a 2.5 hour charge time. While it seems more in line with professional use, the JBL EON ONE Compact goes well beyond that and is suitable for all uses (indoor/outdoor). It can be transformed into a real mini-mixer thanks to the JBL Compact Control application.
Powerful, portable and with a 24-hour battery life, the JBL Boombox 2 has 2 passive radiators working in concert with 4 speakers for great sound.
392 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best JBL Bluetooth speaker in 2021
The best entry-level JBL Bluetooth speaker
The best high-end JBL Bluetooth speaker
The JBL Bluetooth speaker with the best battery life
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
JBL Charge 5
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JBL Go 3 Bluetooth speaker
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JBL EON ONE Compact
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Enceinte Bluetooth JBL Boombox 2
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More powerful than its predecessor, the JBL Charge 5 benefits this time from the Bluetooth 5.1 wireless technology. Certified IP67, it is water and dust resistant.
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For less than 40 €, it's hard to find better than the Go 3 in the JBL catalog. This mini Bluetooth speaker fits in the palm of your hand and delivers an incredible sound.
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The JBL EON ONE Compact is above all a Bluetooth speaker with exceptional sound. Of course, it is intended for all, provided that you pay the price.
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Powerful, portable and with a 24-hour battery life, the JBL Boombox 2 has 2 passive radiators working in concert with 4 speakers for great sound.
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Protection rating
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IP67
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IP67
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IPX7
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IPX7
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Autonomy
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20 h
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5 hrs
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Up to 12 hrs/6 hrs at maximum volume
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24 hrs
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Powerbank function
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Yes
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No
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No
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Yes
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Charge time
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4 h
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2 hrs 30
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2.5 hrs without signal, 6 hrs with signal
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6 hrs 30 mins
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Power supply type
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Rechargeable battery
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Lithium-ion polymer battery (22.2 Wh) rechargeable
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Replaceable battery
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Rechargeable battery
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In order to satisfy the expectations of all audiophiles, JBL currently has 5 types of Bluetooth speakers (free-standing or wall-mounted), namely
Note that JBL also has specific Bluetooth gaming speakers for game consoles and PCs running Windows or Mac.
Your choice will be based more precisely on the design, waterproofing and sound power sought. For outdoor use, choose a powerful model with a casing coated with a robust material like rubber or silicone. The IPX7 waterproof design plays an important role here. You'll be able to handle the device with ease around the pool and in the sea. On the other hand, a compact, lightweight and easy-to-handle JBL Bluetooth speaker is more suitable for personal use. It will let you enjoy your music wherever you go.
The size of your JBL Bluetooth speaker will depend on the intended use knowing that, generally, they do not exceed 100 cm high. An entertainment party, conference or karaoke night certainly requires a large model like the JBL Eon 615 measuring 43.9 x 36.5 x 70.7 cm or the JBL IRX 112 BT measuring 61.9 x 29.9 x 40 cm.
If you're not too fussy about sound, a JBL mini Bluetooth speaker will do just fine. Beware, however, of the risk of distortion when you turn it up to maximum power. For this purpose, you have the JBL Clip 4 or the JBL Go 3. Those who want a more immersive sound will opt for a model equipped with large speakers.
In order to choose the right power, take into account the place where you will use your JBL Bluetooth speaker and the surrounding noise. You should know that the larger it is, the higher its sound capacity will be. As a general rule, 9 W is enough to liven up a small, quiet room. From 10 to 19 W, you have the necessary power for an average and not very noisy room. A large, noisy space requires a minimum of 20 W.
The great thing about a JBL Bluetooth speaker is that you can take it with you anywhere. That's why it should have an IP certification attesting to its resistance to water (simple splashes or total immersion in water) and dust. In this sense, the brand's models are all in compliance with IPX5 or IPX7 standards. Some even include new features such as AirPlay (ideal if you're an Apple user), NFC chip, multiroom mode...
The autonomy of a JBL Bluetooth speaker varies from 5 h to 24 h and results from the use you make of it. In case you will be away from a power source for several hours, or even several days, we advise you the models offering a large autonomy. Here are some models to choose from with a good autonomy/charge time ratio:
Once you understand it all, using a JBL Bluetooth speaker will be a breeze. To get the most out of it, let's learn more about how it works.
The JBL Bluetooth speaker works with wireless technology. It has a built-in battery, so you don't have to plug it in or change batteries often. Once recharged, this type of audio equipment lasts an average of 10 hours. The wireless nature also allows you greater freedom of movement since you are not obliged to stay in one place. The Bluetooth connection covers a +/- significant distance depending on the model, and this, up to 10 m.
All JBL Bluetooth speakers are equipped with one or more loudspeakers, inside which there is a permanent magnet and a moving electromagnet in the form of a coil. The sound waves are created by the movements of the speaker. These movements consist in pushing the air particles in order to modify its pressure.
Resetting your JBL Bluetooth speaker is simple. First, you need to turn on the device by pressing and holding the power button until it turns on. Next, press the Bluetooth button and the volume up button simultaneously. Hold them down until the speaker is completely turned off. Then turn it back on and check that the indicator light is flashing blue. This means that the speaker is in pairing mode and the reset is successful.
JBL was founded by James Bullough Lansing around the year 1946. It initially specialized in the design of speakers for the cinema. Faced with its meteoric rise in the audiophile world, it now designs products for a wide audience such as wireless speakers, headphones and earphones.
Apart from the cool design of its speakers, the brand takes advantage of Bluetooth connectivity to offer greater ease of transport. It offers a plethora of models to suit all situations. Of course, the general autonomy is not negligible since it can go from 5 to 24 hours.
Bose, expert in the manufacture and sale of electronic devices, was created by Amar Bose in 1964. It is particularly appreciated for the quality of its audio equipment, of which the Bluetooth speakers are the proof. Modern design, robustness, wireless connectivity ... these are the main selling points of the firm.
Pairing with smartphones is incredibly simple, giving you the possibility to listen to your favorite audio files in total freedom. Each of its Bluetooth speakers has reinforced edges and is exceptionally waterproof. The sound quality is equally convincing.
JBL, just like Bose, offers its Bluetooth speakers in several ranges so that each user can find the most suitable for his or her use. They are almost on the same pedestal except that there is a slight difference in price and compactness. Indeed, the price of Bose Bluetooth speakers is a little higher than average. JBL, on the other hand, has very small speakers.
JBL's Bluetooth speaker is popular for its practicality and ultra-cool style. But that's not all, you'll be surprised at the number of benefits you'll enjoy by getting it.
The brand's reputation is built on its excellent value for money. Each range corresponds to specific budgets and uses, but remains accessible to all. Some models are intended for professionals. However, if you are a music lover, there is nothing to stop you from buying one for the greater pleasure of your ears.
JBL makes it a point of honor to design and market Bluetooth speakers capable of offering exceptional sound quality and unparalleled bass depth. Whichever model you choose, you won't be disappointed. In the case of the higher ranges, the audio quality is such that you will quickly forget your old hi-fi system.
It's undeniable that everyone has different needs and budgets. JBL understands this, which is why its wide range of Bluetooth speakers suitably meets different criteria. Those who value audio performance above all else will be pleased with the top-of-the-line models. Mini speakers and portable speakers will satisfy the less demanding who only want a device for personal use.
JBL is one of the unusual brands to offer Bluetooth speakers that are both rugged and water/dust resistant. Most of its models have an IPX7 waterproof rating making them immersible. So you can listen to your favorite songs on the beach, by the pool, in the rain...
The JBL Bluetooth speaker is distinguished by its autonomy. With a minimum of 5 hours, you'll have plenty of time to listen to your playlist without fear of an unexpected discharge.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Connect the JBL Bluetooth speaker to your Windows PC
A JBL Bluetooth speaker connects to a PC as well as a smartphone or tablet. Pairing doesn't seem complicated. To do so, turn on the speaker and go to your computer's Windows settings. Then go to the "devices" menu, click on "Bluetooth and other devices". Activate the Bluetooth mode on the PC and the speaker. Once the speaker is detected, click on its name and connect it.
Remove the JBL Bluetooth speaker from its audio source
The distance between the JBL Bluetooth speaker and its audio source plays a very important role. Too far or too close, the sound quality may be greatly affected. So, it's wiser to adopt the right distance, 7.5m maximum, if you want to enjoy optimal sound.
Place it in the right place
The place of your JBL Bluetooth speakers varies according to their number and the layout of the room where you plan to install them. Just make sure there are no obstacles between them and their source. Better yet, place them high up.
Clean your JBL Bluetooth speaker
Deep cleaning of a JBL Bluetooth speaker should be done every 2 to 5 years. It goes without saying that over the course of use, it accumulates stains and dust, impacting its proper functioning, performance and even battery life. The brand has a specific cleaning kit provided for this purpose including a non-abrasive cleaner, a soft cloth and an antistatic brush.
Battery charged, you'll know it
Simple to hold, the JBL Bluetooth speaker is easily charged via its USB port. The cable can be connected to the AC adapter or plugged directly into a PC's high-powered USB port. Usually, a red LED lights up when you plug it in. Charging time differs by model, but when charging is complete, all status lights on the device will light up.
Currently, the most powerful JBL Bluetooth speaker is the PartyBox 1000. It packs an unsurpassed 1100 watts of power. It performs beyond expectations. You'll enjoy the purest audio experience. The lighting will contribute to the creation of a memorable party atmosphere. It features an excellent bass boosting system. The True Wireless Stereo mode allows the connection of 2 party speakers simultaneously via Bluetooth.
Most of JBL's Bluetooth speakers are waterproof, but not all are. Indeed, the models intended for outdoor use have an IPX7 certification, which means that they will perfectly resist a total immersion in water at a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes.
The connection of a JBL Bluetooth speaker to another device is relatively simple. Turn on the Bluetooth mode on your smartphone or tablet. Turn on your speaker and put it in Bluetooth mode as well. It will immediately appear in your list of available devices. Click on its name to finalize the pairing. When it's done, you'll receive a confirmation message.
Like any other electronic device, a JBL Bluetooth speaker is very easy to charge. Just take the original USB cable that came with the device when you purchased it. You have 2 options there: plug it into a power outlet or into a PC. In some cases, you can use a standard Android cable, although it is highly recommended to use only the original one.
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