JBL today announced its new portable Bluetooth speaker in the form of JBL Grip – this speaker also comes with extra durability chops, with the usual water and dust resistance plus drop resistance, the latter of which is (surprisingly) not something you see on outdoorsy speakers like this one.
JBL Grip
The speaker features a pair of 43mm drivers with a 16W RMS output and includes AI Sound Boost, which analyses music in real time to optimize driver performance for stronger bass and reduced distortion. Since it supports Auracast, users can pair two Grip units for stereo playback or connect multiple compatible speakers for broader audio coverage. Battery life reaches up to 12 hours on a single charge, with an additional two hours available through Playtime Boost, which adjusts performance (likely reducing bass, which is the most power-intensive frequency) to extend usage.
The JBL Grip also comes with an integrated rope hook which can be attached to bags, bicycles or other gear, while its IP68 ingress protection rating means it can handle dusty and liquid submersion; besides those two durability characteristics, it can also survive drops on concrete floors, although JBL didn’t exactly claim a drop height rating. The design also includes a rear ambient light panel, which, alongside the 7-band EQ, can be customized through the JBL Portable app.
JBL Grip is available in black, white, purple, red, blue and squad (which is military camo) color options at RM599. It can be purchased through authorized retailers, the official website, and online platforms including Lazada and Shopee.
Pokdepinion: Drop protection is somehow a feature not as common on speakers as I thought.
