JBL has become synonymous with powerful, party-starting sound in a portable package. Whether you're looking for a compact speaker for your travels, a poolside companion, or a booming powerhouse for your next backyard barbecue, JBL has an option for you. In 2025, the brand continues to push the boundaries with longer battery life, more rugged designs, and innovative features like Auracast for connecting unlimited speakers.
We've put the latest lineup of JBL speakers through its paces, from the pocket-sized Go to the massive PartyBox. We've tested them in various environments to evaluate their sound quality, durability, battery performance, and connectivity. This guide will help you navigate JBL's extensive catalog to find the perfect speaker for your needs.
Our testing process is simple: we play a lot of music, everywhere. We check for distortion at high volumes, how well they fill a space with sound, and how easy they are to carry around. These are the JBL speakers that truly impressed us.
Our Picks

Best Overall JBL Speaker
JBL Xtreme 4

Best Portable Speaker
JBL Charge 6

Best for Parties
JBL PartyBox Club 120

Best Value Speaker
JBL Flip 7

Best Micro Speaker
JBL Go 4
The Top 5 JBL Speakers of 2025

Best Overall JBL Speaker
JBL Xtreme 4
Pros
- Massive, room-filling sound
- Deep, powerful bass
- Replaceable battery for extended lifespan
Cons
- Heavy and bulky for a portable speaker
- Premium price point
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Best Portable Speaker
JBL Charge 6
Pros
- Excellent balance of size and sound
- Can charge your phone
- Durable and fully waterproof
Cons
- Bass isn't as deep as the Xtreme 4
- Design is largely unchanged
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Best for Parties
JBL PartyBox Club 120
Pros
- Massive bass and high volume
- Built-in light show
- Mic and guitar inputs for karaoke
Cons
- Very large and heavy
- Battery life is shorter at high volumes
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Best Value Speaker
JBL Flip 7
Pros
- Classic design with great sound
- Very portable and durable
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Cons
- Not a huge leap from the Flip 6
- Mono speaker
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Best Micro Speaker
JBL Go 4
Pros
- Ultra-portable, pocket-sized design
- Surprisingly loud for its size
- Very affordable
Cons
- Lacks bass
- Short battery life
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JBL Speaker Buyer's Guide: What to Look For
Portability vs. Power
JBL's lineup ranges from the pocket-sized Go 4 to the massive PartyBox series. Decide where you'll be using your speaker most. If it's for travel and hiking, a smaller model like the Flip 7 or Go 4 is ideal. If you need to fill a large backyard with sound, you'll want to look at the Xtreme 4 or a PartyBox.
Waterproofing: IP Ratings Explained
Most JBL speakers are built for the outdoors and feature an IP rating. IP67 is the most common rating for their portable speakers, which means it's fully dustproof and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for the beach or pool without worry.
PartyBoost vs. Auracast
JBL has two technologies for connecting multiple speakers. PartyBoost is the older standard and allows you to link compatible JBL speakers together for bigger sound. The newest models are now shipping with Auracast, a new Bluetooth technology that allows you to connect an unlimited number of compatible speakers, regardless of brand. If you plan on building a large system, look for Auracast support.
Battery Life and Power Banks
Battery life varies greatly by model and listening volume. Larger speakers generally have larger batteries. Models like the Charge 6 include a built-in USB port to act as a power bank, allowing you to charge your phone from the speaker's battery, a very handy feature for a day out.
JBL Portable App
Most modern JBL speakers connect to the JBL Portable app. This app allows you to update the speaker's firmware, customize the EQ (equalizer) to tune the sound to your liking, and manage PartyBoost or Auracast connections. It's a useful tool for getting the most out of your speaker.