JBL’s Grip Is the Tallboy of Moveable Bluetooth Audio system

I’ve seen a number of influences for wireless audio products (single-use pill packaging and cassette tapes, for instance), however JBL’s Grip is a primary. In line with JBL, the Grip, a brand new smallish Bluetooth speaker introduced at IFA 2025 that focuses on portability, is modeled after the proportions of a seltzer can. To be trustworthy, my first thought was a tallboy, however perhaps that claims extra about me than it does JBL.

It doesn’t matter what you consider if you see the Grip, it seems like a stable Bluetooth speaker on paper. JBL says the Grip has 16W of sound and IP68 water and dirt safety, so that you don’t have to fret about this factor getting moist. For context, IP68 means this machine could be submerged in water as much as 1.5 meters deep for half-hour. In line with the portability focus, JBL additionally included a loop on the again panel that you could slide a rope via and tie it to your bike, which you’ll undoubtedly nonetheless journey, given you haven’t drunk an excessive amount of… seltzer.

The Grip additionally comes with AI Sound Enhance, which is supposed to offer this speaker “extra highly effective and deeper” bass with out inflicting distortion. For funsies, there’s a lightweight on the again panel, too, which JBL says could be adjusted utilizing its companion app to alter the colour and brightness. In the event you’re feeling a little bit wild, it’s also possible to pair the Grip with one other speaker by way of Auracast to make use of each concurrently.

One of many greatest downfalls of moveable audio system is normally the battery life, since a smaller machine normally means a smaller battery, however JBL says its Grip is rated for 12 hours of playback and may get an additional two hours if Playtime Enhance is activated. If these estimates are true, that’s not a foul battery life for a speaker on this weight class. The Grip will are available in a number of colours, together with white, black, crimson, blue, and camo, however my private favourite is the purple one. In the event you’re in determined want of an ice-cold beer—I imply, a conveyable Bluetooth speaker—you may preorder the Grip now for $99.95 or look forward to a wider launch on Sept. 28. Cheers.