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JBL bluetooth speakers are considered to be true portable sound wonders for home or on the go. JBL offers mobile speakers in various sizes. From speakers for your pocket to large party speakers that are still easy to transport. The variety in terms of appearance, features, sound and size leaves nothing to be desired. The bluetooth function makes it easy to connect the JBL speakers to your smartphone or tablet without any tangled cables.
With our big JBL bluetooth speaker test 2023 we want to help you find the best JBL speaker for you. We have compared the JBL Boombox, the JBL Xtreme 2, the JBL Flip 5, the JBL Go 2 and the JBL Partybox 300 with each other and listed the respective advantages and disadvantages. This should make your purchase decision as easy as possible.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 The best JBL Bluetooth Speaker: Our Picks
- 3 Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a JBL Bluetooth speaker
- 3.1 What makes JBL Bluetooth speakers different from other manufacturers?
- 3.2 Are spare parts and accessories available for JBL bluetooth speakers?
- 3.3 At what prices are JBL bluetooth speakers sold?
- 3.4 Who is a JBL Bluetooth speaker suitable for?
- 3.5 What are the alternatives to a JBL Bluetooth speaker?
- 4 Decision: What types of JBL Bluetooth speakers are there and which one is right for you?
- 4.1 What distinguishes a JBL Boombox and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
- 4.2 What distinguishes a JBL Xtreme 2 Bluetooth speaker and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
- 4.3 What distinguishes a JBL Flip 5 bluetooth speaker and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
- 4.4 What distinguishes a JBL Go 2 Bluetooth speaker and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
- 4.5 What distinguishes a JBL Partybox 300 and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
- 5 Buying criteria: These are the factors you can use to compare and evaluate JBL Bluetooth speakers
- 6 Facts worth knowing about the JBL Bluetooth speaker
Summary
- JBL offers compact bluetooth speakers with low weight and good sound, but also large models with rich bass and long battery life.
- The JBL bluetooth function makes it possible to connect smartphones and tablets wirelessly and maintain the connection at a distance of up to 10 metres.
- Most JBL bluetooth speakers are waterproof or at least water and dust resistant.
The best JBL Bluetooth Speaker: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a JBL Bluetooth speaker
What makes JBL Bluetooth speakers different from other manufacturers?
JBL bluetooth speakers have the JBL Connect+ function. This enables the pairing of up to 100 JBL Connect+-enabled devices.
As a second connection option, besides Bluetooth, JBL often offers a detachable 3.5 millimetre jack cable. In addition, the JBL bluetooth speakers are even able to serve as a hands-free system in connection with a smartphone. Not all bluetooth speakers on the market offer this function. The design of the JBL speakers is also convincing and makes a very high-quality impression. In addition, the JBL speakers are waterproof or at least water-repellent and dust-repellent.
In the following table we have listed the advantages and disadvantages of JBL bluetooth speakers:
Are spare parts and accessories available for JBL bluetooth speakers?
| Spare parts | Accessories |
|---|---|
| AC adapter power supply | Rechargeable battery for speakers |
| USB charger | Detachable 3.5-millimetre jack cable |
| Micro-USB charger | Carrying bag for speakers |
| USB cable | Tripod speaker stand with gas strut |
At what prices are JBL bluetooth speakers sold?
The range is from about 30 to 500 euros.
If you use your JBL speaker regularly, we think the prices for the sound devices are reasonable. You should be clear about what you want to use your JBL speaker for and make your purchase decision accordingly.
Who is a JBL Bluetooth speaker suitable for?
The battery of a JBL speaker allows between 5 and 24 hours of sound enjoyment, depending on the model. The connected end device does not have to be directly next to the speaker. JBL speakers provide a good connection to the mobile device up to a distance of 5 to 30 metres, depending on the model. Since almost all JBL speaker models are also equipped with an AUX input, output devices without a wireless connection can also be paired with the JBL devices. The JBL bluetooth speakers are especially suitable for those who cannot do without high-quality music both on the road and at home.
(Image source: 123rf.com / angelikasmile).
What are the alternatives to a JBL Bluetooth speaker?
Wired speakers
This type of speaker is connected to your device with a cable. There are wired speakers that work with a battery and those that need a permanent power supply. One of the advantages of wired speakers is that almost all devices can be paired, even those without Bluetooth.
So if you still have a Walkman, CD player or MP3 player, a wired speaker might make sense for you. In some cases, the cable also transmits the sound better than via Bluetooth. However, a big disadvantage compared to Bluetooth speakers is the possible cable clutter and the fact that you always have to use your end device directly on the speaker and cannot move away.
Speakers with docking station
For speakers with docking stations, the terminal is plugged directly into the speaker. Speakers with a docking station do not have any cable clutter and the end device can be charged at the same time.
However, even with this variant, the end device is rigidly connected to the speaker while music is being played and is therefore not available for simultaneous use. Furthermore, the connection of the docking station is usually only suitable for certain devices. It is therefore not versatile.
Decision: What types of JBL Bluetooth speakers are there and which one is right for you?
If you want to buy a JBL bluetooth speaker, there are several alternatives to choose from. We will take a closer look at the following models:
- JBL Boombox
- JBL Xtreme 2
- JBL Flip 5
- JBL Go 2
- JBL Partybox 300
The handling, care and use of the different JBL speaker models each have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on what you prefer and what you want to use the JBL bluetooth speaker for, a different model is suitable for you. In the following section, we would like to make the decision easier for you.
What distinguishes a JBL Boombox and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The JBL Boombox is characterised by its distinctive handle and its size. Visually, the JBL Boombox is somewhat reminiscent of a combination of the well-known JBL models of the Flip, Charge or Xtreme series. The Boombox from JBL has the following technical data:
- Weight: 5.25 kg
- Battery life: up to 14 hours at approx. 50 % volume
- Dimensions: 254.5 x 495 x 195.5 mm (H x W x D)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hands-free function: Yes
- Drivers: 2 x 4 inch woofers / 2 x 20 mm tweeters
The JBL Boombox is very robust, but at the same time suitable for portable use.
You can operate the Boombox using the control buttons on the top of the speaker. The connections are well protected behind a thick rubber cap. With the JBL Boombox, you can choose between the following two sound modes: Indoor and Outdoor mode. Not only the many functions and the long battery life, but also the deep bass of the Boombox are convincing.
What distinguishes a JBL Xtreme 2 Bluetooth speaker and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Similar to the JBL Boombox, the JBL Xtreme 2 bluetooth speaker is one of JBL’s largest portable speakers. The JBL Xtreme 2 has the following technical data:
- Weight: 2.4 kg
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours at approx. 50% volume
- Dimensions: 136 x 288 x 132 mm (H x W x D)
- Waterproof: Splash-proof housing
- Hands-free function: Yes
- Drivers: Woofer: 2 x 2.75 inch / Tweeter: 2 x 20 mm / plus two passive membranes
Due to its size, the speaker offers a lot of space for the battery and the membranes.
The membranes are responsible for the good sound quality. The powerful basses and the good mid and treble range are particularly impressive. Charging the box only takes about 3 hours and then allows up to 15 hours of music enjoyment. In addition to outputting music, the JBL 2 Xtreme also serves as a power bank. It can charge up to two mobile devices on the go.
What distinguishes a JBL Flip 5 bluetooth speaker and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The Flip 5 bluetooth speaker from JBL is significantly smaller than the JBL Boombox and the JBL Xtreme speaker. The JBL Xtreme 2 music box has the following technical data:
- Weight: 0.5 kg
- Battery life: up to 21 hours at approx. 50% volume
- Dimensions: 69 x 181 x 74 mm (H x W x D)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hands-free function: No
- Drivers: 2 x 44 mm drivers (active), 2 passive side bass speakers
Accordingly, the Flip 5 speaker is handier and fits in almost any pocket, but it has weaknesses in the overall volume and in the bass. The Flip 5 bluetooth speaker from JBL scores points above all with its battery life of over 20 hours and its low weight, which makes the speaker a very practical companion for any activity.
What distinguishes a JBL Go 2 Bluetooth speaker and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The JBL Go 2 is one of the smallest bluetooth speakers from JBL and even fits in your pocket. The music box has the following technical data:
- Weight: 184 g
- Battery life: Up to 5 hours at approx. 50 % volume
- Dimensions: 71.2 x 86.0 x 31.6 mm (H x W x D)
- Waterproof: Yes
- Hands-free function: Yes
- Driver: 40mm driver
Of course, you shouldn’t expect any bass miracles from this small speaker, but the general sound is convincing with its clear and pleasantly loud sound. It can easily fill a 3-room flat with sound. The small bluetooth speaker convinces with its robustness and is the ideal companion at the lake or in the swimming pool, because it is waterproof.
What distinguishes a JBL Partybox 300 and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
The JBL 300 Partybox is one of the largest bluetooth speakers from JBL. Weighing just under 16 kg, it is a real “crusher” among portable speakers. It is not as easy to transport as the other bluetooth speakers from JBL, but it has other convincing advantages. The JBL Partybox 300 has the following technical data:
- Weight: 15.84 kg
- Battery life: up to 15 hours at approx. 50% volume
- Dimensions: 310 x 320 x 690 mm (H x W x D)
- Waterproof: No
- Hands-free function: Yes
- Drivers: 2 x 6.5″ woofer, 3 x 2.25″ tweeter
Not only the powerful bass, but also the unique effect lighting provides the necessary party atmosphere.
The housing of the box is very robust, but unfortunately not waterproof. For outdoor use, you should therefore take special care that the music box stays dry. To start the party, it is best to lay the box across or stand it upright. Thanks to the adjustable microphone and guitar input, the party box is also suitable for live performances or karaoke evenings.
Buying criteria: These are the factors you can use to compare and evaluate JBL Bluetooth speakers
In the following, we will show you which aspects you can use to decide between the many possible JBL bluetooth speakers.
The criteria that you can use to compare the JBL bluetooth speakers with each other include:
- Size / Weight
- Tone and sound quality
- Power
- Battery (runtime / charging time)
- Waterproof
- Hands-free function
In the following paragraphs, we will explain what is important in each of the criteria.
Size / Weight
JBL offers a very wide range of bluetooth speakers. You should choose your JBL speaker depending on your desired purpose. On the one hand, JBL has bluetooth speakers in its range that weigh less than 200 g and that you can easily put in your pocket. On the other hand, you can also buy a bluetooth speaker that weighs over 15 kg and is correspondingly large. So the range is quite wide.
If you mainly want to use your speaker on the go, you should choose a small, compact and lightweight speaker. If you prefer stationary use, we recommend a larger and correspondingly heavier speaker.
Tone and sound quality
When buying a bluetooth speaker, the sound is a very important decision criterion. It is therefore important that your bluetooth speaker has an appropriate sound quality.
Larger speakers usually have better technology built in and can therefore produce better sound than smaller speakers.
The smaller the speaker, the more you have to compromise on sound colour and sound quality.
Power
The wattage is decisive for the performance. Small bluetooth speakers usually have a low wattage. The wattage of small speakers is around 5 watts. Much more powerful are the more expensive and larger speakers, which have a wattage of 20 and more.
Battery (runtime / charging time)
The battery’s runtime and charging time are crucial. If you mainly want to use your bluetooth speaker on the go, you should look for a battery life of at least 10 hours.
The range of battery life for JBL bluetooth speakers is approximately between 5 and 21 hours.
The decisive factor for the battery is not only the runtime, but also the corresponding charging time. The average charging time for JBL bluetooth speakers is 3 hours.
Waterproof
Most models of JBL bluetooth speakers are waterproof. Some are only splashproof. You should not submerge these under water. If you are going to use them outdoors, you should choose a speaker that is at least splash-proof. If it suddenly starts to rain, you don’t have to worry about your speaker breaking.
(Image source: 123rf.com / Savusia).
Hands-free function
Some JBL bluetooth speakers offer a hands-free function. This is especially useful if you want to make a phone call on the go and amplify the sound through the bluetooth speaker.
Facts worth knowing about the JBL Bluetooth speaker
How do I properly care for my JBL Bluetooth speaker battery?
We have listed the most important points for caring for your speaker battery:
- Connect the power adapter: Only connect the power adapter when your bluetooth speaker has really gone off or is about to go off.
- Temperature: The temperature around the battery should not be too hot or too cold (0 to 30 degrees).
- Caution : Avoid dropping your music box.
- Moisture: If your bluetooth speaker is not waterproof, avoid moisture penetration at all costs.
(Image source: 123rf.com / Angelikasmile).
What warranty does JBL give me on my Bluetooth speaker?
The standard warranty period for JBL bluetooth speakers is 2 years. After the two-year manufacturer’s warranty, that’s usually it. JBL designs its speakers to last for many years. Accordingly, the JBL bluetooth speakers are also manufactured to be robust and of high quality.
How do I change the battery in my JBL Bluetooth speaker?
If your battery no longer performs as well as it should, you can replace it. In the following video you will find a step by step guide to change your battery.
Image source: Deadburnett/ 123rf.com
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