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JBL Grip: two-minute review
The JBL Grip is a new entrant into the audio giant’s Bluetooth speaker lineup, sitting between the Clip and Flip lines. It has a seltzer-can-inspired look, attractive ambient lighting, and a highly durable exterior. Yes, it really has all the key design elements covered. But does the Grip sound any good? I tested it for two weeks to find out.
I’ve got to say, the JBL Grip is a pretty solid sounding speaker overall. Of course, it’s a pretty small model, so there are some limitations in terms of bass response, and when volume is pushed up high, music can sound pretty one-dimensional. But still, you’ll get clear, well-balanced, and decently punchy sound from this small cylindrical model.
Arguably the best thing about the JBL Grip, however, is its brilliant all-round design. I’m a big fan of its can-sized dimensions, and when you combine that with its textured exterior, it’s both satisfying and easy to… well, grip. Like a lot of the best Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Grip can be mud and waterproof due to its IP68 safety in opposition to the weather, making it ultimate for bathe or beachside listening.
It’s additionally an actual magnificence, with the speaker coming in an interesting vary of colours. I attempted out the purple mannequin, however there’s additionally pink, pink, blue… you identify it! An ambient lighting panel on the reverse facet of the speaker can be very simple on the attention, although I do want there was a lightweight mode that synced to the speaker’s output for extra immersive listening – one thing I’ve seen on audio system just like the Marshall Bromley 750.
The lights on the JBL Grip are customizable through the JBL Portable app, which opens up a variety of different choices too. There’s PlayTime Boost if you wish to get an additional couple hours of playtime, stereo group if you wish to use two Grip audio system in stereo mode, and a variety of EQ choices, together with a customized choice.
On high of that, the JBL Grip helps Auracast, that means you possibly can hyperlink a bunch of appropriate JBL audio system as much as it for added loudness and protection.
At $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129, the Grip isn’t precisely low-cost for what it’s, although it is hardly unfathomably costly both. For me, I feel its marginally bigger sibling, the JBL Flip 7 simply appears like a greater worth purchase. It affords significantly higher sound, with regimented, pumping bass and full-bodied, detailed sound. But it’s additionally received higher battery life and the identical sturdiness – with solely a slight improve in measurement and worth.
Overall, although, I nonetheless suppose that the Grip is a neat addition to JBL’s huge lineup of Bluetooth audio system. If you’re digging its hand-held design and also you need a sub-$100 choice with character, it’s among the best fashions out there to you proper now – and it is best to completely get a Grip (thanks, I’m right here all week). But in case you’ve received just a little extra money to play with, I’d nonetheless suggest going for the Flip 7, which is an exemplary Bluetooth speaker.
JBL Grip review: price and release date
- $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129
- Launched in September 2025
The JBL Grip was launched in September 2025, and is the very first speaker in its line. It’s priced at a mid-point between the Clip 5 and Flip 7, and will typically cost $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129. You can purchase this speaker in a range of colors too, including: Black; Blue; Pink; Purple; Red; Squad (camo); and White.
JBL Grip review: specs
|
Weight |
0.8lbs / 0.4kg |
|
Dimensions |
2.5 x 6 x 2.6 inches / 64 x 153 x 65mm |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.4 |
|
Battery life |
14 hours |
|
Speaker drivers |
1x 16W full range driver |
|
Waterproofing |
IP68 |
JBL Grip review: features
- Customizable lighting
- Multiple EQ options in JBL Portable app
- Commendable 14 hour battery life
The JBL Grip is equipped with just about everything you could want from a small Bluetooth speaker. And if you download the JBL Portable app, you get access to a whole lot of customization options.
For instance, the app features light adjustment, which lets you select from the following effects: freeze; bounce; trim; switch; and neon. You can also select from a small pool of colors and adjust brightness to get the precise look you want. It would be nice if there was a slight effect that synced to your music, but I still like the degree of personalization available here.
Another thing you can tailor to your taste is EQ. There are a handful of presets to choose from, like JBL Signature, Chill, and energetic. However, you can also create your own sound with the custom seven-band equalizer. This works nicely and I did stick with a custom tuning for a considerable chunk of my time with the speaker.
There’s even more to discover, though, like stereo pairing if you’ve got a second Grip, and Auracast connectivity, which enables you to link a load of compatible speakers for increased volume – models like the JBL Xtreme 4 and JBL Charge 6 assist this.
Before we tie issues up, a fast phrase on battery life. Technically, you possibly can rise up to 14 hours of playtime from this mannequin, however that’s with quantity low, minimal lighting, and use of the PlayTime Boost perform – an choice that basically reduces sound high quality for 2 further hours of listening.
Usually, you’ll rise up to 12 hours of listening, which is fairly stable for a mannequin of this stature. You can totally recharge it in 3 hours too.
All in all, the Grip has nearly each base coated. Sure, it doesn’t have an built-in mic for clear, hands-free calling – one thing you’ll discover on a rival just like the Edifier ES20. But nonetheless, there’s loads of performance to sink your enamel into.
JBL Grip review: sound quality
- Clear, well-balanced audio with AI Sound Boost
- Some limitations with small size, especially at high volumes
- Decent weight to bass, but Flip 7 blows it out the water
As you may expect, the small size of the JBL Grip does come with some sonic limitations, but for a model in this weight class, it performs well overall.
When tuning into Black Eye by Allie X, the deep drum machine sounded fairly commanding, while vocals remained clear in the mix. In the track’s intro, strings suddenly pierce through, but these sounded a little restricted on the Grip – the attack just sounded a little blunt or dulled, reducing the dramatic tone.
In Never Would by M-High, I was again treated to surprisingly deep, impactful bass – but not at the expense of controlled, decently detailed percussion in the treble range. With volume pushed to the 90-100% mark, low end did sound a little thin, and instrument separation was diminished, resulting in a slightly narrow sound. But that’s pretty common for a lot of small speakers, in fairness.
Similarly, tracks with booming sub-bass won’t be replicated all too well on the Grip due to some inherent restrictions. If you’re looking for almighty low-frequency output, I’d suggest checking out one of the best party speakers instead, like the JBL Xtreme 4.
Still, general bass efficiency is stable, particularly as you possibly can set a customized EQ with enhanced low-end output, in case you’d favor. And in much less bass-heavy genres, the Grip performs very admirably. In Rains once more by Solji, hovering vocals remained emotive, with the breathiness within the efficiency audible all through – that’s even with out higher-res codecs like LDAC or aptX.
The speaker’s wraparound design additionally means you get a lovely hear from all angles, with AI Sound Boost additionally onboard to optimize output for “bigger sound with less distortion”.
I in contrast the Grip to the Flip 7, and if you need the very best sonic high quality in a small physique, that’s the place I’d counsel spending your cash. The regimented bass and extra full-bodied sound is solely intoxicating. Having mentioned that, the Grip does carry out properly – you’ll simply need to make a number of sonic sacrifices to take pleasure in its smaller kind issue and modern design.
JBL Grip review: design
- Rugged, durable exterior with IP68 rating
- Easy to grip and ultra light
- Attractive looks with fun array of color options
I’m not always bowled over by the look of JBL’s Bluetooth speakers, but I actually love the Grip’s design.
When I visited JBL at the Nordisk Film studio in Copenhagen, an employee noted how research was undertaken in the food and drink industry finding that consumers widely preferred the slim and tall soda can style over the traditionally shorter and stubbier alternative. As a result, the Grip is made to resemble the former, and is “inspired by the proportions of a seltzer can”.
I for one love the shape and size of the Grip. As its name suggests, it’s easy to grab on to, with its textured exterior providing additional grip. Its also pleasingly light, earning it top-class portability.
Playback controls are elegantly positioned towards the ‘lid’, while power, Auracast, and pairing buttons sit on the top. A light control button can be found on the reverse side, where you can also find a fabric loop that can be used to hook the speaker onto something.
As is typically the case with JBL, the Grip comes in a beautiful array of colors, including: Black; Blue; Pink; Purple; Red; Squad (camo); and White. I tested the Purple variant and it really stands out from the crowd in the best way, and the inclusion of a light panel compliments the vibrant colorways even further.
But the good times keep rolling. Yes, the JBL Grip is extremely durable, largely thanks to its impressive IP68 dust and waterproof rating. This means that the speaker is fully dustproof, and can be submerged in 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. That makes it perfect for listening in the bath or shower, or even at the beach. JBL also calls the Grip ‘drop-proof’, so it truly is a hardy lil’ fella.
JBL Grip review: value
- Not exactly cheap for its size
- JBL Flip 7 offers superior overall sound-per-pound value
- Still, plenty of quality here
JBL has positioned the Grip right between the Clip 5 and Flip 7, pricing it at just under $100 / £90 / AU$130.
Now, that’s hardly super expensive, but it’s not exactly cheap for a speaker of this size. The mightier, more detail-oriented Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 is on-sale fairly commonly for across the identical value, and the bigger JBL Flip 6 can usually be discovered at an analogous worth as properly.
On high of that, the brand new Flip 7, which we awarded a glowing five-star evaluate, appears like a barely higher worth choose, not less than in some territories. OK, within the US, it’s a full $50 extra, however within the UK, you possibly can pay simply £20 extra for the Flip 7, and expertise considerably higher audio, with rumbling low-end output and improved dynamics. You’ll additionally get extra playtime in an solely marginally bigger, heavier package deal.
I wish to give the Grip its flowers, although. It’s nonetheless a stable sounding, aesthetically pleasing, and feature-rich Bluetooth speaker. And for lower than $100 / £90, I feel plenty of customers will take pleasure in its soda-can dimensions, sturdy construct, and enjoyable lighting.
Should you buy the JBL Grip?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Features |
Customizable lighting, strong EQ options, multi-speaker pairing. |
4.5/5 |
|
Sound quality |
Good overall clarity and balance, noticeable compression at higher volumes. |
4/5 |
|
Design |
Beautiful looks, top-class dust and waterproofing, durable construction. |
5/5 |
|
Value |
A quality speaker that’s not exactly expensive, some rivals provide better bang for your buck. |
4/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
JBL Grip review: also consider
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
JBL Grip |
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 |
Edifier ES20 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Price |
$99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129 |
$99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149 |
$89.99 / £49.99 / AU$99.99 |
|
Weight |
0.8lbs / 385g |
0.9lbs / 420g |
0.7lbs / 326g |
|
Dimensions |
2.5 x 6 x 2.6 inches / 64 x 153 x 65mm |
4.1 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches / 104 x 95.3 x 95.3mm |
3.6 x 3.7 x 2 inches / 90.4 x 93.7 x 49.7mm |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.4 |
Bluetooth 5.2 |
Bluetooth 5.4 |
|
Battery life |
14 hours |
14 hours |
15 hours |
|
Speaker drivers |
1x 16W full range driver |
2 x 40mm active drivers; 2 x 46.1 x 65.2mm passive radiators |
1x 43mm full-range driver |
|
Waterproofing |
IP68 |
IP67 |
IP67 |
JBL Grip review: how I tested
- Tested for two weeks
- Used at home and at Future Labs
- Tested using Spotify and Tidal
I spent more than two weeks testing out the JBL Grip, using it instead of my typical go-to Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2. I exhausted all of the Grip’s features, using a range of light customization options and listening across a variety of spaces.
For the most part, I used the Grip in my kitchen while cooking and cleaning – but I also used it while taking showers and for analytical listening at our music testing room at Future Labs. Here, I went through the TechSwitch testing playlist, which options tracks from a variety of genres. I additionally listened to songs from my personal library – through each Tidal and Spotify.
More typically, I’ve reviewed dozens of audio system, headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and extra right here at TechSwitch, the place I’ve a selected give attention to audio-visual know-how. I’ve examined a lot of the Grip’s competitors, so I do know what it takes for a speaker to face out in a extremely convoluted market.
- First reviewed: October 2025
- Read extra about how we test