JBL Grip specifications and in-depth review

JBL Grip

Manufacturer: JBL

The JBL Grip is a durable portable speaker designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a robust build with an IP68 rating, ensuring it is resistant to water and dust. With a sleek, compact design, the speaker weighs 385 grams and offers 14 hours of battery life for extended use during activities. Its wireless capability and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure easy connectivity, while a detachable cable adds versatility for different listening situations.

Key technical features include an audio output power of 2 x 8W, providing clear sound at both high and low frequencies ranging from 70 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The speaker includes a rechargeable battery with a battery level indicator and a USB Type-C port for charging. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth LE Audio and has a sleep timer feature for added convenience during use.

Pros
  • The IP68 rating ensures the speaker is water and dust resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use.
  • With a 14-hour battery life, it provides extended use during outdoor activities or long listening sessions.
  • Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity offers stable and reliable wireless connection within a 10-meter range.
  • The detachable cable adds flexibility for wired connections when needed, allowing for versatile use.
  • The inclusion of a sleep timer and voice prompts adds convenience for users who prefer hands-free operation.
Cons
  • The speaker does not support stereo pairing, limiting its audio experience to mono sound.
  • There is no wireless charging support, requiring users to rely on a USB connection for recharging.
  • The absence of a microphone input and remote control limits certain interactive features.
  • It does not include a travel bag, reducing portability and protection during transport.
  • The speaker lacks a mute function, which could be inconvenient during quiet environments or phone calls.
Who is this for?

The JBL Grip is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts and active users who need a durable, water-resistant portable speaker with a long-lasting battery. Its IP68 rating ensures protection against water and dust, making it ideal for hiking, beach trips, or other outdoor activities. The 14-hour battery life also supports extended usage without the need for frequent recharging, while its Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures a reliable wireless connection within a 10-meter range, allowing for freedom of movement during use.

Who is this NOT for?

This speaker is not ideal for users who require advanced audio features such as stereo sound or high-quality wired connectivity. It lacks support for stereo pairing or a 3.5mm audio jack, limiting its ability to provide immersive sound or connect to devices with traditional audio outputs. Additionally, the absence of a mute function or microphone input makes it unsuitable for those who need more interactive or customizable audio controls during calls or media playback.

Design:

Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP68
volume 636.352 cm³
has a neodymium magnet
control panel placed on a device
water resistance Water resistant
travel bag is included
has a touch screen
has RGB lighting
has a detachable cable
is a neckband speaker
has a remote control
weight 385 g
height 152.5 mm
width 64 mm
thickness 65.2 mm

The JBL Grip features a durable design with an IP68 rating, making it both water and dust resistant, ideal for outdoor use. It has a compact form with dimensions of 152.5 mm in height, 64 mm in width, and 65.2 mm in thickness, weighing just 385 grams for portability. The speaker includes a detachable cable for added flexibility, although it does not support a touch screen, RGB lighting, or a remote control. Additionally, it does not come with a travel bag, and there is no built-in neodymium magnet for enhanced magnetic features.

Sound quality:

has stereo speakers
has a subwoofer
highest frequency 20000 Hz
lowest frequency 70 Hz
audio output power 2 x 8W
Has a passive radiator
number of microphones 0
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 80 dB
sound pressure level 80 dB/mW
has a magnetic shielding

The JBL Grip delivers solid sound performance with an audio output power of 2 x 8W, producing clear audio across a frequency range of 70 Hz to 20,000 Hz. While it does not feature stereo speakers or a subwoofer, it maintains a good signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB and a sound pressure level of 80 dB/mW. The speaker lacks additional enhancements like a passive radiator or magnetic shielding, focusing on straightforward, reliable sound delivery.

Power:

battery power 2600 mAh
Battery life 14 hours
charge time 3 hours
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery
has wireless charging

The JBL Grip is powered by a 2600 mAh rechargeable battery, offering up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. It takes approximately 3 hours to fully recharge, and it includes a battery level indicator to keep track of remaining power. While the battery is not removable and wireless charging is not supported, the rechargeable design ensures convenience for extended use.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version 5.4
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has an AUX input
has aptX Lossless
has LDAC
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Low Latency
has AAC
has AirPlay
has Chromecast built-in
has Auracast
has Bluetooth LE Audio
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Wi-Fi
USB ports 1
Has USB Type-C
has a 3.5mm male connector
has an external memory slot
is DLNA-certified
supports Ethernet
has a microphone input

The JBL Grip offers Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless wireless connectivity, with a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 meters. It supports Auracast for enhanced audio streaming but does not include features like NFC pairing or Wi-Fi support. The speaker also includes a USB Type-C port for charging, while lacking traditional inputs such as a 3.5mm audio jack or AUX input.

Features:

release date July 2025
Can be used wirelessly
supports a remote smartphone
has fast pairing
has voice commands
Has a radio
Has voice prompts
has a mute function
works as a power bank
has a sleep timer

The JBL Grip offers convenient wireless use and supports remote control from a smartphone, making it easy to operate without being tethered. It features voice prompts to guide the user and includes a sleep timer for automatic shutdown. However, it does not support fast pairing, voice commands, a mute function, or the ability to function as a power bank.

Miscellaneous:

supports pairing for stereo sound

The JBL Grip does not support stereo pairing for a multi-speaker sound experience. This means it cannot be paired with another device for stereo audio output, limiting its use to single-speaker setups.

Final Verdict

The JBL Grip is a solid choice for users seeking a durable, water-resistant portable speaker with long battery life. With its IP68 rating and 14-hour battery life, it excels in outdoor environments where reliability and extended use are key. While it lacks advanced audio features like stereo pairing, it remains a practical option for casual listening and outdoor adventures. Overall, the JBL Grip offers good performance for those prioritizing durability and convenience in their portable speaker.

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