Originally Published: February 22, 2019
Date Updated: July 30, 2024
JBL was created to praise the excellence and craft of music artists—to reproduce the joy and intensity of live performances. Major concert venues, stadiums, and music professionals worldwide rely on JBL to give fans the best audio experience. In fact, the JBL sound system at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is used to judge the Academy Award® for “Best Sound Mixing.”
This guide will overview the current line of JBL products available at Electronic Express in 2024. It is expected that JBL will continue releasing speakers, headphones, and other audio devices using naming conventions similar to those listed here. Therefore, this guide should remain updated as new products become available.*
*In June of 2024, JBL released the next version of many of their portable speakers through their website. As of July 2024, they are not yet available at Electronic Express, with the exception of the Xtreme 4.
Table of Contents
JBL Portable Speakers
JBL Go Series Speakers
The Go 3 is the latest version in JBL’s Go series. Overall these speakers are compact portable Bluetooth speakers offering big sound. The specific feature is called JBL Pro Sound which delivers high quality accurate audio.
The Go 3 specifically has an IP67 rating, meaning it is dustproof and waterproof. The 6 rating means it the speaker is protected from dust ingress, and the 7 rating for water protection means the speaker is waterproof from splashes, spills, and immersion up to 1 meter.
Knowing this, you can feel confident taking this to the beach, a night on the dunes, camping, pool parties, hiking, or in the car. Although we wouldn’t recommend taking this out on a boat, at least not without something to clip it to. Remember, even if something is rated as waterproof, it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
The Go 3’s battery is rated for up to 5 hours of playtime and is available in several colorful designs.
As for alternate versions of the Go, look for the Go 3 eco which is made of 90% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and 100% recycled fabric over the grill.
The previous generation of the Go was the Go 2 which can still be found in some stores.
Differences between the Go 3 and Go 2
| Go 3 | Go 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency | 110 Hz | 180 Hz |
| Audio Output | 4.2W | 3W |
| Drive Unit | 47 mm | 40 mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 85 dB | 80 dB |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
JBL Clip Series Speakers
The Clip series offers another take on ultra-portable high-quality sound. These speakers come with built-in carabiner clips to hook onto backpacks, belts, buckles, loops, and more for wherever your adventures take you. This series uses a wireless Bluetooth connection for streaming audio from phones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
The Clip 4 features an IP67 rating, so it’s dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter. So if you’re on a hike and it starts raining, you don’t have to worry about it getting wet. However, we don’t recommend letting it get submerged.
In terms of battery life, the Clip 4 is rated for 10 hours of playtime and fully charges in 3 hours. The Clip 4 generation also features unique multi-color models, as well as classic solid-color designs.
The previous generation was the Clip 3 which was released in early 2018.
Differences between the Clip 4 and Clip 3
| Clip 4 | Clip 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency | 100 Hz | 120 Hz |
| High-Frequency | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Audio Output | 5W | 3W |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Built-in Mic | No | Yes |
JBL Flip Series
The JBL Flip series of speakers is a medium-sized, multi-speaker system that uses wireless Bluetooth connections to play crystal-clear audio. Designed to be easily carried while still producing powerful sound.
The Flip 6 was released in December 2021 and is the latest model we have at Electronic Express. This version offers PartyBoost compatibility, meaning you can pair it with other compatible speakers for stereo sound or a bigger party.
It also works with the JBL Portable app, which will help you run updates and get product support when you need it. The app also lets you control the speaker’s EQ with preset or custom settings so your audio is always exactly how you want it.
In terms of durability, the Flip 6 features an IP67 rating which means it is both dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter. As for battery life, the Flip 6 is rated for up to 12 hours of playtime and fully charges in 2.5 hours. And for colors, this generation is available in classic solid colors and JBL’s Squad Camo.
The previous generation, the Flip 5 was released in August 2019.
Differences between the Flip 6 and Flip 5
| Clip 6 | Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency | 63 Hz | 65 Hz |
| High-Frequency | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Audio Output | 2 x 15W | 1 x 20W |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Subwoofer | Yes | No |
| AirPlay | Yes | No |
| Detachable Cable | Yes | No |
JBL Charge Series
Designed with powerful JBL Pro Sound over multiple speakers to produce rich and clear audio for the whole party to enjoy both inside and outside.
The Charge 5, released in 2021, is the most recent model we carry at Electronic Express. The speakers in this model are a long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and 2 dual JBL bass radiators.
Offering compatibility with PartyBoost, you can pair this speaker with other compatible speakers for a bigger sound to fit the occasion. The Charge 5 also comes with a built-in power bank so you can keep your phone charged and the music connected. You can even connect two phones to the speaker at the same time so you can have two designated DJs.
In terms of durability, the Charge 5 offers an IP67 rating, so it’s dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter submerged in water.
An alternate version is the Charge 5 Wi-Fi that offers deep bass, up to 20 hours of playtime, and obviously Wi-Fi connectivity. It also works with the JBL One app so you can have greater control of the audio settings.
The previous generation was the Charge 4 which was released in Fall 2018.
Differences between the Charge 5 and Charge 4
| Charge 5 | Charge 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| High-Frequency | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Audio Output | 40W | 30W |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Subwoofer | Yes | No |
| Charge Time | 4 hours | 5.5 hours |
JBL Pulse Series
Both eye-catching and ear-hooking, JBL’s Pulse speakers feature a full-body 360-degree light show that syncs with your music. To fit with the light show, the speaker array is also designed to output 360-degree audio, so one of these speakers can be the life of the party.
The latest generation, the Pulse 5 was released in the summer of 2022 and features an upfiring driver, a separate tweeter, and a passive passive radiator. Together this array offers higher highs, clear mids, and deep bass.
Other features include multi-device connectivity and PartyBoost compatibility so you can connect multiple speakers for a bigger and better party.
In terms of durability, the Pulse 5 offers a rating of IP67, so it’s dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter of being submerged in water. That said, it’s always best to avoid submerging a speaker even if it’s rated for it.
The previous generation was the Pulse 4 which was released in fall 2019.
Differences between the Pulse 5 and Pulse 4
| Pulse 5 | Pulse 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency | 58 Hz | 70 Hz |
| High-Frequency | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Audio Output | 30W Woofer, 10W Tweeter | 20W |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Subwoofer | Yes | No |
| Playtime | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Charge Time | 4 hours | 3.5 hours |
JBL Xtreme Series
The second largest series in JBL’s portable speakers, the Xtreme series creates immersive, deep, and accurate audio. Built with JBL Pro Sound, long battery life, and weatherproof durability, one of these speakers will make listening to music a fantastic experience wherever you take it.
The latest generation available at Electronic Express is the Xtreme 4, which was released in June 2024. It features two woofers and two tweeters that create a big sound with impressive dynamics. Beyond the sound quality, it’s waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rating), comes with a carrying strap, and even includes a built-in bottle opener. The battery is rated for up to 24 hours of playtime, so you can keep the music playing all day and night.
In terms of wireless features, the Xtreme 4 can connect with another Xtreme 4 via Auracast so everyone can enjoy your playlist even at your largest parties.
The previous generation was the Xtreme 3, which was released in September 2020.
Differences between the Xtreme 4 and Xtreme 3
| Xtreme 4 | Xtreme 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency | 44 Hz | 53.5 Hz |
| High-Frequency | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Audio Output | 2 x 30W woofer, 2 x 20W tweeter (AC power) / 2 x 20 woofer, 2 15W tweeter (battery mode) | 4 x 25W |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Subwoofer | No | Yes |
| Playtime | 24 hours | 15 hours |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours | 4 hours |
JBL BoomBox Series
This is JBL’s biggest portable speaker series. Its size offers the most powerful base of the portable speakers before stepping up to the PartyBox series.
Released during summer 2022 The BoomBox 3 is the most recent model that we carry at Electronic Express. The base model of the BoomBox 3 offers JBL Original Pro Sound with 3-way speakers that deliver responsive sound with high levels of clarity. The construction also reduces bass distortion so you get a rich audio range even at high volumes.
As for its other features, the battery is rated for 24 hours of playtime, is waterproof and dustproof (IP67), can connect to two devices at once, and supports PartyBoost connections.
Also available is the BoomBox 3 Wi-Fi which includes wi-fi compatibility, JBL One App compatibility, and 3D Dolby Atmos sound. It also offers higher outputting tweeters (2 x 10W) when playing audio in battery mode.
The BoomBox 2 was the previous iteration in this series and was released spring of 2020.
Differences between the BoomBox 3 and BoomBox 2
| BoomBox 3 | Boom Box 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Frequency | 40 Hz | 50 Hz |
| High-Frequency | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Audio Output | 80W subwoofer, 2 x 40 midrange, 2 x 10W tweeter (AC mode) / 60W subwoofer, 2 x 30 midrange, 2 x 8W tweeter (battery mode) | 2 x 40W woofer, 2 x 40W tweeter |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Playtime | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Charge Time | 6.5 hours | 6.5 hours |
PartyBox Speakers
Base PartyBox Series (110-1000)
JBL’s PartyBox speakers are built to bring life to every party. Overall, they feature powerful audio and dynamic light show displays that bring that extra element to take the party to the next level. Several come with carrying handles and others come with built-in wheels and handles to make transporting them easier. Several also feature guitar and mic inputs so you can enjoy karaoke nights or jam sessions with amazing audio quality.
All the PartyBox speakers that we carry at Electronic Express feature a splashproof IPX4 rating. So they’re protected from accidental spills, splashes, or sudden bouts of rain.
Because there are several types, we will provide just a simple overview of the PartyBox speakers currently available at Electronic Express.
JBL PartyBox 110
Key Features
- 160W Output power | Dynamic frequency range 40Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth + Wi-Fi Connectivity
- USB Input | AUX In | Aux Out | Mic And Guitar Inputs
- Splashproof IPX4 Rating
- Up to 12 hours of playtime
- LED Dynamic light show
JBL PartyBox Club 120
Key Features
- 240W Output power | Dynamic frequency range 50Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3.5mm audio input | Mic And Guitar Inputs
- Splashproof IPX4 Rating
- Up to 12 hours of playtime
- LED dynamic light show
- Foldable handle
JBL PartyBox 310
Key Features
- 240W Output power | Dynamic frequency range 45Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3.5 mm audio input | Karaoke function
- Splashproof IPX4 Rating
- Up to 18 hours of playtime
- LED Dynamic light show
- Telescopic handle and built-in wheels
JBL PartyBox 320
Key Features
- 240W Output power | Dynamic frequency range 40Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3.5 mm audio input | Mic and Guitar Inputs
- Up to 18 hours of playtime
- LED Dynamic light show
- Telescopic handle and built-in wheels
JBL PartyBox 710
Key Features
- 800W Output power | Dynamic frequency range 30Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 3.5 mm audio input | Mic and Guitar Inputs
- LED Lightshow
- Easy-grip handle and built-in wheels
- Included AC power cord
JBL PartyBox 1000
Key Features
- 1100W Output power | Dynamic frequency range 30Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth, True Wireless Stereo, USB playback
- 3.5 mm audio input | Mic and Guitar Input
- DJ Pad
- Full-panel LED light show
- Concealed built-in wheels
- Included AC power cord
- Air Gesture Wristband with BLE technology
JBL PartyBox Ultimate
Key Features
- 1100W Output power | Dynamic frequency range 30Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth, True Wireless Stereo, USB playback
- 3.5 mm audio input | Mic and Guitar Input
- JBL PartyPad™
- LED light show
- Easy-grip handle and built-in wheels
- Automatic self-tuning
- Included AC power cord
PartyBox Encore Series
The Encore series is JBLs midway product between the portable speakers and the larger PartyBox series. Currently available at Electronic Express we have the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential speaker. Like the other PartyBox speakers, this one features a dynamically synced LED light and an IPX4 splashproof rating. It also comes with a wired mic input for karaoke nights, presentations, or announcements.
In terms of connectivity, the Encore Essential can connect via Bluetooth or aux cable. It also offers support for the JBL PartyBox app to customize the audio and light show settings. When fully charged, the battery offers up to 6 hours of playtime.
Party Box On-The-Go Series
Even more portable than the Encore series of PartyBoxes, the On-The-Go comes with a shoulder carrying strap that comes with an attached bottle opener. Included in the box is a wireless microphone so you’re always ready to sing along unapologetically.
As for connectivity, this speaker uses Bluetooth so you can easily connect your phone or other devices and turn up your favorite tunes. It also supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) connections with other compatible devices for an even louder party. Finally, it features inputs for wired microphones and guitars and even a USB input if you can’t connect via Bluetooth. Oh, and did we mention that it also has a synched light show?
Headphones and Earbuds
Headphones are available for every lifestyle. There are three main designs of headphones: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear.
- Over-ear headphones completely cover your entire ear, are generally the most comfortable option, and isolate outside sound the best.
- On-ear headphones sit on top of your ears (touching your ears) and will keep your ears cooler.
- Earbuds, or in-ear headphones, fit inside your ear and have good noise isolation because they are basically acting as an earplug.
JBL focuses mainly on wireless Bluetooth headphones, thanks to improvements in wireless headphone driver technology. Many of their headphones also feature active noise canceling, which can drain the batteries faster, but help block out distractions so you can enjoy your tunes.
Anatomy of JBL Headphone Names
There are several different versions of JBL over-ear headphones. We’ll try to break down the anatomy of a product name for you so you know what you’re looking at.
OK, so we couldn’t parse the names by ourselves. So, we found this resource from RTINGS.com that breaks down the naming conventions that JBL uses.
What Do JBL Headphone Names Mean?
Pricepoint-Related Names
RTINGS found that JBL uses the following names as general steps in price and quality for their product.
- Vibe – Budget options for wireless/wired headphones and earbuds
- Tune – Low to Mid-range headphones and earbuds
- Live – Mid-range wireless headphones and earbuds
- Tour – High-end wireless headphones and earbuds
Usage-Based Names
RTINGS concluded that the headphones with the following names were more specifically marketed based on audience and use cases.
- Club – For use by DJs or music producers, not currently sold at Electronic Express.
- Endurance – Earbuds designed for athletes and active lifestyles, featuring ear-hooks.
- JR – Entry-level headphones designed for kids.
- Quantum – Over-ear gaming headsets with boom mics.
- Reflect – An older lineup of sport headphones, not currently available at Electronic Express.
RTINGS did not mention or define Soundgear Sense headphones which were released in 2023. For your convenience, here is a short description.
- Soundgear Sense – True wireless open-ear headphones for people who want good sound and environmental awareness.
Suffix Abbreviations
Finally, RTINGS shared that JBL uses these abbreviations at the end of their headphone’s names to represent certain features.
- BT – Bluetooth
- NC – Noise Canceling
- TWS – True Wireless Stereo
JBL Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
JBL wireless over-ear headphones generally provide hours of playtime, connect seamlessly to your devices, offer great noise isolation, and fit comfortably throughout the day.
JBL Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Smaller and lighter than over-ears, JBL’s on-ear headphones boast features such as voice awareness, voice assistant integrations, Bluetooth connections, and hours of playtime.
JBL Wireless Earbuds
Many of JBL’s earbuds feature an ergonomic ear-tip design that keeps them in place and provides long-lasting comfort. They’ll usually come with different sizes of ear-tips, also called sleeves, so you can find the most comfortable fit.
Not sure which type of headphones is right for you? Read more about the different types, their pros and cons, and some tips to help you choose in our article: What Are the Different Types of Headphones?
JBL Soundbars for Home Theater and Audio
Sound bars are highly popular because they greatly improve the sound of your TV while being incredibly convenient and easy to set up. Before the rise of flat-screen TVs, you could get a TV with great sound because manufacturers were able to fit large speakers under the screen. But even with flat-screen TVs getting better every year, they can’t match the quality of a dedicated speaker.
JBL Soundbars
At Electronic Express you’ll find a variety of JBL BAR soundbars and subwoofer packages.* Across the board, JBL soundbars are compact and unobtrusive enough to fit under any TV without blocking the view. Some of the features they come with include:
- Dolby Atmos
- Dialogue Enhancement
- Full Room Audio Calibration
- Built-in Voice Assistant Support
*The JBL BAR 300 is a stand-alone soundbar, not a combination package.
The mid and higher-range packages also come with two detachable battery-powered surround sound speakers that are easy to place and calibrate before a movie or big game. This feature can be found in the following models:
- JBL BAR 700
- JBL BAR 800 (currently unavailable at Electronic Express)
- JBL BAR 1000
- JBL BAR 1300X
JBL Authentics
Now, if you’re looking for hi-fi all-in-one speakers and are a fan of JBLs, then you’ll want to look at the JBL Authentics. These wi-fi-enabled smart speakers feature a retro design with stylish visual detailing on top of incredible sound. They also come built with plenty of smart features like multi-room audio, automatic self-tuning, and support for Google Assistance and Amazon Alexa.
Currently, you can find the Authentics 200, 300, and 500 speakers at Electronic Express.
Conclusion
As you can see, JBL produces a wide range of products that bring great audio to your everyday adventures. If you need recommendations or help choosing which speaker or headphones to buy, give us a call or visit one of our stores in Tennessee and Alabama. Our professional electronics experts are always happy to help our customers find the best items and the best deals.
Also available at Electronic Express
Frequently asked questions about JBL
Is JBL owned by Samsung?
Yes, but not directly. JBL is owned by Harman International which is a subsidiary of Samsung.
Can I use a JBL speaker while charging?
Yes, JBL portable speakers can be used when charging. Just be aware that if you’re charging your speaker while it’s in use, the battery will take longer to recharge.
Do watts matter when buying a portable Bluetooth speaker?
It depends on how technical you want to get. Portable Bluetooth speakers will at most use around 10 Watts, which will be enough to fill a room without other noise interference. Generally, a 10W speaker will have a rich midrange and sufficient bass and highs. However, due to their small design and packaging, they will inherently have less power than larger portable speakers or powered speakers.
Understanding some of the technical details is best done by hearing the differences for yourself. Especially if you’re just starting your journey as an audiophile.
However, if you’re shopping more casually or buying a gift for general use, a 10W speaker should be sufficient.
How many devices can be joined using a JBL Connect?
Up to 2 JBL Connect-enabled devices can be joined wirelessly. It was a more prevalent feature in earlier generations of JBL portable speakers like the Charge 3. Connect+ allows for more than 100 speakers to be connected, and was featured in the Pulse 3, the BoomBox, Flip 4, and the Charge 3. In more recent generations, this feature has been replaced with PartyBoost. However, PartyBoost is not backward compatible with Connect or Connect+.
Which is better, JBL Clip or JBL Go?
It depends on what you want in a portable speaker. The Clip 4 is slightly larger and has better audio quality. Plus it has a built-in carabiner, so it’s easier to use. The Go 3 has a slightly higher overall volume and a slightly smaller price tag.
Rtings.com gives the win to the Clip 4, citing that it has slightly better bass and a better soundstage.
Article Timeline
February 22, 2019 – Originally published.
April 19, 2024 – Changed recommended products. Added backlinks to related buying guides.
July 29, 2024 – Updated with additional content focusing on the different types of JBL products including general features, and added various visual elements to improve understanding and navigation through the post.
August 6, 2024 – Added new article recommendations for further reading.