JBL has announced the launch of the JBL Grip, its latest portable Bluetooth speaker, designed to fill the gap between the company’s premium Flip series and its more affordable Go and Clip lines. With a retail price of $99.95, the Grip is positioned to compete directly with popular models such as the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4, offering a compelling mix of durability, advanced features, and JBL’s signature sound quality.
Let’s take a closer look at the JBL Grip Bluetooth speakers –
Table of Contents
Design and Build
The JBL Grip takes inspiration from the proportions of a typical energy drink can, resulting in a cylindrical, easy-to-hold, one-handed form factor. Measuring approximately 15.25 cm high and weighing 385 g, the speaker’s compact size makes it highly portable but still delivers substantial audio power. It features a rugged build with an IP68 rating, offering protection against water submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, dust ingress, and drop resistance up to 1 meter on concrete. Designed with active lifestyles in mind, it includes an integrated rope hook for convenient attachment to bags, bikes, or other gear, and rubber feet to help it stay stable on various surfaces.
Let’s talk about the Audio Performance
At its core, the JBL Grip houses a 16-watt RMS full-range driver measuring 43 x 80 mm, delivering punchy bass and clarity across a frequency range of 70Hz to 20kHz. This output is powered by JBL’s new AI Sound Boost technology, which utilizes real-time digital signal processing to optimize the audio for increased loudness and reduced distortion, adapting to both the music and surrounding acoustics. Users have the option to further tweak the sound with a 7-band equalizer via the JBL Portable app.
A notable feature is its connectivity flexibility. With Bluetooth 5.4, users can enjoy improved pairing speed, lower energy usage, and better signal stability. The speaker supports JBL’s Auracast technology, which allows users to connect multiple Auracast-enabled speakers for larger sound coverage and stereo pairing. This is especially advantageous for group gatherings or creating an immersive surround sound experience.
Battery Life
The JBL Grip is designed for extended use with a battery offering 12 hours of continuous playtime under typical conditions, with an additional 2 hours available using PlayTime Boost mode. Charging is handled via USB-C, and the speaker does not function as a power bank.
One of the standout extras on the Grip is its ambient lighting feature. The speaker includes a pill-shaped RGB light panel on the back, which can be customized for color and intensity through the JBL Portable app. Lighting modes such as Ambient, Breathing, and Rhythm-based add a visual dimension to music playback, catering to different moods and settings. The physical controls are simple and intuitive, located on the top half of the speaker’s exterior.
How does it place in the market?
The JBL Grip is priced competitively for its segment, and is available in six color options including black, white, purple, red, blue, and camouflage. Unlike some rivals such as the Wonderboom 4, which has an IP67 rating and lacks app support, the Grip offers greater water/dust protection and a customizable user experience through its companion app.
The speaker is now available for pre-order in the United States and is scheduled for wider release on September 28, 2025. Early reviews from tech publications and user communities highlight its solid audio performance and resilience, with some pointing out that its ambient lighting and advanced connectivity features set it apart from similarly priced competitors.
