Like most JBL portable speakers, the JBL Grip is a lightweight, durable option for everyday use.
It boasts an IP68 resistance rating that provides excellent protection against dust and water, Auracast support, allowing the speaker to link with compatible models for expanded audio and an all new “slim can” form factor.
With its small size, rugged build and simple features, the Grip is easy to use, sturdy and is a good option for someone wanting a speaker for personal listening, small spaces or outdoor adventures.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
|
|
Price & Competition
In regards to price, the JBL Grip sits around the lower end of JBL’s portable speaker range. Costing $148 it sits above the compact $68 JBL Clip 5.
Other alternatives outside of the JBl lineup include the $157 Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3, the $183 Sony ULT Field 1, and the $69 Xiaomi Sound Outdoor itself.
Some of these models offer fuller bass or slightly higher maximum volume, but the Grip stands out with its combination of IP68 protection and Auracast, which is not common in this size or price range.
Design
The most noticeable thing about the JBL Grip is its slim, “can” shape. The design makes it easy to hold, slot into a bag, or place in a bottle holder. And at just 385 grams, it’s light and portable.
Like most JBL speakers, the build quality is strong, featuring the brand's familiar fabric exterior and rubberised ends which help with impact resistance. It has an IP68 resistance rating meaning it is fully protected from dust and can withstand being submerged in water, up to two metres deep, for a limited time. For comparison, the JBL Clip 5 offers IP67 protection, meaning it will only survive up to 1m of water. So the Grip provides a little more assurance for those who need a speaker that will survive harsh conditions.
The controls are positioned clearly, with power, Bluetooth and Auracast buttons on the top, and playback and volume controls on the front. The speaker also includes an ambient rear light strip that can be adjusted in the JBL Portable app. It provides a good looking effect and can get quite bright, but unfortunately, the colour customisation is limited to a certain number of colours, also it reduces the battery life with this on.
It comes in a wide range of colours, including Black, White, Purple, Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow and Pink. This selection provides plenty of choice for those who prefer a brighter, more vibrant look, while also providing options for those who want something a bit more subtle.
Audio Quality
The JBL Grip has a 43 × 80 mm driver rated at 16 watts, which is typical for compact portable speakers.
The sound quality is clear with good midrange presence, and the bass performance is respectable for the size. You can fine tune the sound using the seven band EQ in the JBL Portable app, and the AI Sound Boost feature adds a small improvement to overall balance at certain volumes.
As expected for a compact speaker, the bass capabilities are limited when compared to larger models like the Flip 7, and the audio can compress slightly at very high volumes. But for casual listening in a small room or outdoor background audio, the performance is perfectly fine.
Features
One of the best things about JBL speakers is they keep things simple, and the Grip is no different. It doesn’t include a microphone for hands-free calling and does not support multipoint pairing, and unfortunately it also does not communicate with older PartyBoost speakers.
The standout feature is Auracast, which allows multiple compatible speakers to connect together. Pairing is fast and easy, just press the Auracast button on all of your compatible speakers and within seconds they’re connected, all playing the same audio. It makes setting up a surround sound arrangement incredibly easy.
The Auracast range is similar to Bluetooth, with typical indoor performance around 20 to 30 metres depending on the environment.
Battery and Charging
The Grip will last around 12 hours at moderate volume, and you also have the PlayTime Boost option which can extend this slightly by reducing processing power, although audio quality is not quite as strong with the mode enabled.
A full charge takes just under three hours, via the USB-C port, which is reasonable for a speaker of this size.
Verdict
The JBL Grip is a compact and durable portable speaker that fits neatly into the lower end of JBL’s range. It offers excellent environmental protection with its IP68 rating, strong build quality, and easy multi-speaker expansion through Auracast.
While it does not offer major new audio technology and the bass performance is naturally limited by its size, it still delivers clear and enjoyable sound for everyday use.
It is best suited to anyone who wants a rugged, lightweight speaker for outdoor activities or general portability. Those who prefer stronger bass or louder performance may be better served by the JBL Flip 7, but for its intended use, the Grip represents good value and dependable performance.
