Portable Bluetooth speakers are everywhere these days. As such, newer models need to have a little something that’s quite unusual in order to standout. The JBL Grip is hoping to do just that by integrating customizable lighting that you can use for various tasks.
No, it’s not exactly the first portable speaker to come with built-in ambient lighting. LED lighting is quite the standard feature in portable party speakers, both big and small alike. However, the light here isn’t designed to deliver that pulsing, throbbing light show you’ll usually find in those designs, instead offering a more utilitarian function.
The JBL Grip is a compact speaker that measures around the same size as a tallboy drink can. Seriously, you can put it inside the cooler with all your drinks and it won’t look too out of place. That makes it ideal for gripping in hand (hence the name), making it easy to bring with you anywhere. Don’t want to carry it in hand? Not a problem, as the speaker comes with a rope hook that you can use to hang it on backpacks, carabiners, and all sorts of other gear. Inside, it houses dual full-range drivers pumping out 16W of punchy sound in all directions, with AI Sound Boost analyzing the music in real time and optimizing it to create an overall bigger sound. JBL promises it will deliver “pro sound” with “punchy bass and crystal clear highs.”
Of course, what sets this speaker apart is the unique ambient lighting on the back panel. Instead of syncing its glow to whatever music’s playing, though, it’s designed to be separately controllable, so you can change colors and brightness, depending on what you need a light for. Just want a red glow to set the mood? It can do that. How about make it bright enough to use as a reading light in your bedroom at night? Yep, it has a mode exactly for that. We’re guessing you can use it as a make shift work light, too, for those times you just need a quick light to fix something in the backyard at night. You can use the companion app to fine tune the brightness and other light settings, although there’s also a button on the side to switch between different lighting presets.
The JBL Grip can be stood upright, laid down on its side, or hung somewhere during use, making it quite the versatile little speaker for your on-the-go listening needs. It’s pretty rugged, too, coming with a drop-proof build (JBL claims its been tested for drops on concrete) and IP68 waterproof rating, so you don’t have to worry about having it out when it suddenly rains. The integrated battery is rated for up to 14 hours of playback, while recharging will require around three hours of plugging in.
Other features include Auracast support (for stereo pairing or syncing multiple compatible speakers), seven-band EQ (available on the app), and a grille made using recycled plastics and fabrics. As of launch, it’s offered in six different colorways.
The JBL Grip is no available for preorder, with deliveries slated for September 28th.
