JBL

Durable, value-driven portable speakers; a default for the outdoors

Worth It

Founded: 1946
Country: United States
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty (repair or replace).
Support: Phone support; failed units repaired or replaced within warranty.

Overview

JBL, founded in 1946 and now part of Samsung-owned Harman, is a mass-market audio brand known for rugged, affordable portable speakers. Its Charge and Flip lines are go-to picks for outdoor and poolside use, prioritizing durability and battery over audiophile refinement.

Is it worth it?

JBL is the value and durability play in portable audio — IP-rated, long-battery speakers for a fraction of premium prices. Audiophiles and multiroom-Wi-Fi households will want more.

JBL reports

All reports

Best Value Speaker

7.4

JBL

JBL Charge 6

The JBL Charge 6 is the rugged value pick for the backyard or the pool: it is IP68 waterproof and drop-proof, runs all day on a charge, doubles as a power bank, and costs a fraction of a Sonos. The trade-off is that it is a mono Bluetooth speaker with no Wi-Fi or multiroom, and its sound is energetic rather than refined — but for the price and durability, very little touches it outdoors.

$180Read report