JBL’s newest speaker ushers in a new price category, appealing to broader consumer needs

ZDNET’s key takeaways 

• JBL’s new Grip speaker marks a new price category for the company’s portable speakers.
• It offers up to 14 hours of battery life, a slim design, and a strictly vertical orientation. 
• It’s available for preorder on JBL’s website for $100.

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JBL is expanding its portable speaker selection, introducing the JBL Grip, a midrange option for people who want a more refined look compared to the ultra-portable Clip 5 or a slimmer, exclusively vertical design, compared to the more expensive Flip 7. According to JBL, the Grip speaker’s dimensions are meant to resemble a seltzer can. The Grip also features up to 14 hours of playtime, JBL’s proprietary AI Sound Boost, an ambient light panel, an IP68 dust and waterproof rating, and Bluetooth Auracast. 

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JBL’s AI Sound Boost uses an AI-powered algorithm to analyze the speaker’s audio to optimize sound in real time for louder sound with less distortion, according to JBL. Most of JBL’s speakers’ selling points are their portability, and the Grip is no different. However, JBL fitted the Grip with an ambient light panel that can be customized in the app to make the speaker more appealing to indoor listeners. 

Still, the Grip features an integrated rope hook that can be attached to a backpack, bike, or carabiner hook for easy transport. The speaker offers 12 hours of playtime and two additional hours with Playtime Boost, which automatically adjusts the speaker’s EQ to reduce lower frequencies and conserve power. 

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The JBL Grip also features Bluetooth Auracast, which allows users to connect multiple Auracast-enabled speakers together for amplified sound. According to JBL, the Grip supplies 16W of power, compared to the Clip 5’s 7W, and the Flip 7’s 25W for its woofer and 10W for its tweeter. The Grip has more dust protection and power than the Clip 5, but doesn’t feature the lossless audio quality option found in the Flip 7. 

Compared to JBL’s other portable speaker options, the Grip will have more color selections, offering customers 10 color options. It is now available for preorder on JBL’s website, and will be available to purchase from JBL or other retailers beginning September 28 for $100.