JBL has added a new portable speaker to its lineup with the launch of the JBL Grip in China, priced at 799 yuan (around $110). Designed for users who want music on the move — whether at the beach, pool, campsite, or on a hike — the Grip combines rugged build quality, extended battery life, and a splash of visual flair.
At its core, the JBL Grip houses a 16W full‑range “track‑style” driver measuring 32 × 80 mm. The company says this setup delivers a balance of punchy bass and clear mids and highs across a frequency range of 70Hz to 20kHz, covering most genres with ease despite the speaker’s compact size.
Durability is a major selling point. The Grip carries an IP68 rating, meaning it’s fully dust‑tight and can handle submersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. It’s also built to survive drops of up to one meter, making it suitable for outdoor adventures or poolside use without too much worry.
For connectivity, the speaker uses Bluetooth 5.4 for stable wireless performance, lower latency, and faster pairing. JBL has also added Auracast support, enabling multiple Grip units to be linked together for a wider stereo setup — handy for gatherings or outdoor events.
Power comes from a 3.85V lithium‑ion battery, offering up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge. A Boost+ mode can stretch that to around 14 hours, depending on usage. Charging is handled via USB‑C (5V/3A), with a full recharge taking roughly three hours.
Adding to the fun factor, the Grip incorporates a four‑color LED lighting system with dynamic modes including ambient glow, breathing effects, and rhythm‑synchronized visuals. Users can tweak these through the JBL Portable app, adjusting brightness, colors, and even color temperature.
Physically, the Grip measures 152.5 × 64 × 65.2 mm and weighs 385 g — roughly the size and heft of a 330 ml soda can. A built‑in hooking rope makes it easy to attach to a backpack or bike, while rubber feet keep it steady on flat surfaces. In keeping with JBL’s sustainability push, the outer shell uses recyclable plastics and fabric, while the packaging is made from FSC‑certified paper printed with soy‑based inks.
The speaker is available now in Snow White, Pomegranate Red, Midnight Black, and Cloisonné Blue, with Grape Blue and Grapefruit Orange editions expected to follow.
JBL’s Grip launch comes amid growing competition in the portable speaker market. Recent entries include Portronics’ Apollo 20, which features a more powerful 25W output and karaoke mics, and Tronsmart’s Bang 2, T8 Series, and Trip 2 models, all emphasizing 360° sound.
