JBL announced updates to its portable speaker line at CES 2024, improving power output across the range and giving eco-conscious consumers adding the option to replace the rechargeable batteries to extend the products’ lifespan.
The speaker manufacturer has also made notable improvements to their large Partybox speakers and wireless microphones.
JBL portable speakers
Continuing their commitment to eco-friendly practices, JBL will have eliminated plastic from its packaging with these upcoming product launches. All its portable speakers are fabricated from recycled fabric and plastic.
The Samsung-owned brand is improving audio with Bluetooth 5.3 connections in all its new speakers, which can be connected for simultaneous play via the Bluetooth Auracast protocol and the JBL Portable smartphone app for iPhone and Android.
JBL Go 4
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The Go 4 is JBL’s smallest portable speaker, measuring 3.4 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches and weighing less than a half pound. The latest version of the speaker is 20 percent louder than the Go 3 and offers two more hours of playback on a full charge: 7 hours total listening time.
An IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means the speaker can easily withstand the elements (don’t miss our in-depth IP code guide). The battery can be replaced by technicians at a Harman/JBL service center for an as-yet-unannounced fee, but JBL representatives say the price will make installing a new battery an attractive option to dumping the product in the trash when it can no longer retain a charge. JBL says that manufacturer replacement of the battery will ensure the speaker maintains its waterproof and dustproof capability.
The JBL Go 4 will come in six colors and go on sale in June 2024 at a $49.95 list price.
JBL Clip 5
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The most exciting news with the Clip 5 is a new carabiner clip that opens wider, solving the number-one problem users had with the Clip 4. The Clip 5 is also 15 percent louder and features 12 hours of playback on a full charge, up from 10 on the Clip 4.
The Clip 5 is roughly the same size as the Go 4, measuring 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches, with the larger carabiner accounting for the extra height. The speaker weighs just over 8 ounces. Like the Go 4, the Clip 5 carries an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, and its battery can be replaced by a Harman/JBL service center.
The JBL Clip 5 will also come in six colors and go on sale in June 2024 at a $79.95 list price.
JBL Xtreme 4
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The JBL Xtreme 4 is JBL’s flagship portable speaker. It measures 11.75 x 5.35 x 5.28 inches and weighs 4.3 lbs. The unit is 20 percent louder than the Xtreme 3 and features an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It comes with a carry strap that includes a bottle opener.
The big news here is the massive battery boost: up to 24 hours playtime (up from the Xtreme 3’s 15 hours). The Xtreme 4 can be used as a power bank to charge your phone. Users can also replace the battery themselves by accessing a compartment that’s kept waterproof by Torx screws. Keep a spare on hand for a long weekend or replace the battery when the original one can no longer hold a charge. JBL will sell the batteries direct to consumers at a price to be announced.
The JBL Xtreme 4 will come in three colors and go on sale in June 2024 at a $379.95 list price.
Go Big with the JBL Partybox series
Users who need to entertain large groups will want to check out JBL’s Partybox series, which features very large speakers that pump out substantially more volume. JBL is debuting two new speakers at CES 2024, and both units will be available in April 2024.
JBL Partybox Club 120
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The Partybox Club 120 replaces the Partybox 110 in JBL’s lineup. The new speaker is IPX4 splashproof and features a new folding handle. The unit is made from recycled plastic. There are symmetric and themed light shows that can be set up via the JBL Portable app. The enclosure sports two mic inputs and one guitar input for karaoke or busking.
The unit features 12 hours of playback on a full charge and has a swappable battery, so users can keep a spare around. Users can also use FastCharge to get 80 additional minutes of play time after a 10-minute charge.
The PartyBox Club 120 will retail for $399.95.
JBL Partybox Stage 320
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The Partybox Stage 320 is a beast that pumps out 240W RMS dual 25mm dome tweeters and two 6.5-inch woofers. The unit comes with a telescoping handle and luggage style wheels for easy transport. As with the Partybox Club 120, it has two mic inputs and one guitar input.
This larger speaker promises 18 hours of playback, has the same swappable battery option as the Club 120, and users can also use FastCharge for two additional hours of play time after a 10-minute charge.
The PartyBox Stage 320 will retail for $599.95.
PartyBox Wireless Microphone
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JBL has added a rechargeable battery to its Partybox Wireless microphone, which connects via a dongle that plugs into any Partybox speaker. The new battery delivers 20 hours of microphone playtime and 12 hours of dongle playtime. Users can get 2 hours of additional use with a 10-minute charge. The Partybox wireless microphones will be sold in pairs for $149.99.
