The Bluetooth speaker market is quite crowded, but JBL thinks it has a fresh way to stand out. The company has introduced the JBL Grip, an ultra-portable speaker that looks a bit like a soda can and is designed for grab-and-go listening. Despite its small size, the Grip pumps out 16W of JBL Pro Sound and includes AI Sound Boost to add extra depth and bass without introducing distortion.
At just under $100, this little speaker is built for versatility. It has IP68 certification, which means it is dustproof, waterproof, and resistant to drops. JBL also added a back-panel rope loop so it can be clipped to a backpack, bike, or even a kayak. Whether you’re at the park, on a hike, or hanging by the pool, it seems like JBL wants this to be the kind of speaker you don’t think twice about taking along.
The design itself is upright and vertical, right down to the logo. A built-in ambient light sits on the back panel, adding a bit of mood lighting that can be customized through the JBL Portable app. You can change color and intensity to match whatever playlist you have running.
Battery life is rated for 12 hours, with an extra two hours if you turn on Playtime Boost, a mode that optimizes performance for louder, crisper output. Like other recent JBL models, the Grip also supports Auracast, meaning you can pair it with another Grip for stereo sound or sync several speakers together for bigger setups.
The Grip is available for pre-order now at $99.95 from JBL.com, with a full release on September 28, 2025. Buyers can choose from six colors including black, white, purple, red, blue, and camo.
