Fluance Ri91: Two-minute review

The Fluance Ri91 floorstanding speakers are the third pair of Fluance's line-up that I’ve reviewed here at TechRadar with each model sounding better than the last – I don't mind sharing that this testing has turned me into a bit of a fan.

The Fluance Ri91 represent a modernized addition to the competitors for our list of the best stereo speakers – like the Fluance Ri71, they are a step up for the company since they include support for Bluetooth including aptX, plus an HDMI ARC input. Add in the reasonable price for what they are, and they're very tempting indeed.

There are issues with the Fluance Ri91, but they're minimal. Sure, the sound is a bit mid-focused, but most people looking for pleasing audio will appreciate this fact (and they sound great overall anyway). The lack of a phono preamp isn't a dealbreaker, and is easily remedied if needed.

The only real concern I have is about build quality, because the original pair of these speakers I received had an issue with the HDMI port (quite a major one: it didn’t work).

That said, the Fluance Ri91 speakers come with a warranty, and the replacement pair the company sent presented no issue during review.

Considering how expensive floorstanding speakers can get, I think these speakers at $799 (about £640 / AU$1,270) are very easy to recommend for any music lover or budding audiophile.

Fluance Ri91 review: Price and release date

• $799 (about £640 / AU$1,270)
• Released in March 2025

Being the big brother of the Fluance Ri71 I recently reviewed, the Fluance Ri91 is appropriately a bit more expensive, but thoroughly reasonable at $799 (about £640 / AU$1,270).

While the Fluance Ri71 is available in both the US and UK, the Ri91 reviewed here seems to only be available in the US.

At least these floorstanding speakers are available through a number of retailers like Amazon, Macy’s, and Walmart, as well as directly from the brand itself.

Fluance Ri91 review: Specs

Fluance Ri91 review: Features

• Comes with HDMI ARC input
• Bluetooth supports aptX HD
• Doesn’t come with phono preamp or Wi-Fi streaming

The feature set of these sorts of speakers – even active ones – is going to be pretty limited compared to what you find in the best soundbars, despite the addition of an HDMI port. But that’s because they’re not trying to do the same thing. The features here are focused on convenience and helping getting the best stereo sound possible.

Regarding convenience, it first should be noted that the Fluance Ri91 are an active set of floorstanding speakers, meaning that they don’t need an external receiver for power or connections. Also on the convenience front is the HDMI-ARC input, which is new for Fluance on the Ri91 and the Ri71 bookshelf speakers that were released at the same time.

There's Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD support for wireless streaming, with the allowing transmission of higher-res audio. That’s greatly appreciated for those using hi-fi-level streaming services – but not that there's no Wi-Fi, or for the highest-res support, except for wiring in the old-fashioned way.

These speakers pump out 150 watts of class D power using two 6.5-inch woven glass drivers and a 28x35mm AMT in place of a traditional tweeter. There’s no subwoofer, but there is a bass port at the bottom of each speaker cabinet.

All the connectivity is on the back of the active speaker, which is the right one by default, though you can hold the mute button down for three seconds and switch the configuration. Besides the ARC-supported HDMI port, there are also two RCA inputs, and a subwoofer out, along with the speaker wire hookups.

Lastly, while you can (and should) connect one of the best turntables to these speakers, the Fluance Ri91 do not come with a built-in phono preamp, so you’ll need to make sure your record player has one built in (or get an external one) to make sure the signal going to the speaker is loud enough.

• Features score: 4.5 / 5

Fluance Ri91 review: Sound quality

• Sound great when turned up and a little muffled when not
• Somewhat mid-focused
• Better for music than for movies

The Fluance Ri91 sound very good. And for any audiophiles out there, they sound like what you would expect from floorstanding speakers that cost about $800. They’re not going to wipe the floor with speakers that cost the price of a new car, but they’re good enough to blow away people that are not in the audiophile world, or are new to it.

I played all sorts of artists to test them, from John Coltrane to Kendrick Lamar to Smashing Pumpkins. I also listened to music from the ’60s and ’70s. After all my listening, a few things became clear.

First, as somewhat behemoth speakers, they don’t really come alive until you turn the volume up, in some instances even sounding a tiny bit muffled when lower. Also, when I was initially listening at lower volumes, I felt like I wasn’t getting a lot of low end. Turning them up fixed all these issues.

The sound was expansive when loud, with plenty of low-end, though you might want to add a sub if you listen to a lot of Hip Hop or EDM, as some songs didn’t translate as well. The high-end was clear and detailed, and the mid-range was rich, though it is a bit upfront.

Unfortunately, there’s no EQ for the mids, so you have to turn up the treble and bass a little if that bothers you (I prefer to cut the mids a bit when dealing with this problem, but obviously couldn't here).

I also used the Fluance Ri91 for some movie watching and gaming. The sound quality is there, but being a more traditional stereo setup makes this not as ideal for the immersive home theater experience.

With music, I can feel the wide stereo soundstage with accurate imaging when the speakers are correctly set up. With movies, it can feel a little one dimensional, especially at lower volumes.

Now, that’s not to detract from the Fluance Ri91, as they shine for a more traditional listening experience, and that’s what they’re really meant for. They do work well enough for movies and gaming, but using them right after testing a surround-sound system really highlights that these are speakers for listening to music first.

• Sound quality score: 4 / 5

Fluance Ri91 review: Design

• Tall and hefty as floorstanders
• Good connections and controls on one speaker
• Has EQ controls on remote

The Fluance Ri91 are fairly imposing, standing at just under 42 inches tall. And with a weight of about 40 lbs per speaker, they’re hefty as well. It’s a good thing that they look good (available in walnut, black, or white) since these aren’t the kind of speakers you can tuck away discreetly.

There’s a Bluetooth pairing button on the back, and two additional controls on the active speaker, one being the power switch. The other is a volume dial that sits atop the back of the speaker that can also be pressed in to change inputs.

But you’re more likely to use the included remote for any adjusting. The remote is pretty straight forward with all the usual stuff like volume controls, power, input, etc. But it also includes a Treble and Bass Boost and Cut that’s helpful for fine tuning the audio a little bit.

My only real issue with the Fluance Ri91 are some concerns about quality assurance. Not only were the styrofoam packing the speakers came in disintegrating, but the HDMI input didn’t work in my first pair, so I had to request another test unit.

The speakers were promptly replaced for me, and come with a two-year warranty for regular buyers.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Fluance Ri91 review: Setup and usability

• Setup is simple and straightforward
• Positioning the speakers takes some time but is worth it
• Using them is fairly intuitive

The functional setup of the Fluance Ri91 is very straightforward. Take each speaker out of the box, connect the active one to power, and connect the two speakers together with the included speaker wire. Then pop in the batteries for the remote and connect whatever sources you want. Flip the power switch and you’re good to go.

Of course, you should correctly set up the speakers to get the best sound and that can take a little time (and a measuring tape) – I found that you needed to be careful with positioning them next to walls. But it doesn’t take that long and it’s worth it.

Using the Fluance Ri91 is just as simple. The included remote is not all that complicated, and the color-coded LED indicator on the active speaker not only lets me know what source I’m on, but will flash when certain settings are reached, such as the mid, low, or high point for EQ settings.

• Setup and usability score: 5 / 5

Fluance Ri91 review: Value

• These are Fluance’s most expensive speakers
• Some other quality options at the same price
• The Ri91 are more feature-heavy than the competition

It's interesting to compare the Fluance Ri91 with the company’s previous floorstanding entry, the Ai81, which is a little cheaper at $599, versus to $799 for the Ri91. The Ri91 replaces the silk dome tweeter of the Ai81 with an AMT one, not to mention also includes an HDMI port.

Interestingly, the Ai81 reaches down to 30Hz instead of 40Hz like the Ri91, so does have a little more bass without adding a subwoofer. On the flipside, the Ri91’s 30kHz upper range is more impressive than the 20kHz of the Ai81 and is something I value more than the deeper bass.

Since Fluance generally fits into that budget-premium range, the Fluance Ri91’s price tag is about what one would expect. They’re not in the thousands like most boutique audio brands, but have some competition at the same price, such as the Q Acoustics M40 HD. The Q Acoustics were a little more expensive when released in 2024, but go for the same amount now, not to mention are also available in the UK and Australia.

Plus, the two products stack up fairly well against each other, though the Fluance Ri91 do include an HDMI port, 50 more watts of power, and a wider frequency response, probably thanks in part to those AMT tweeters.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Fluance Ri91 speakers?

Buy them if…

Don’t buy them if…

Fluance Ri91 review: Also consider

How I tested the Fluance Ri91

• Used regularly for a few weeks
• Listened to all kinds of audio
• Tested the various controls and ports

I used the Fluance Ri91 for a few weeks at home, listening to all sorts of genres of music – Hip Hop, EDM, Top 40 Pop, Rock, Jazz, and Folk, among others – to get a better feel for these speakers. They were also tested with some TV and computer games. I tested the various controls and ports as well.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

• First reviewed: February 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Marshall Middleton II: two-minute review

The Marshall Middleton II is a small-to-mid sized Bluetooth speaker that combines a classy amp-inspired look with expansive stereo sound and a rugged design. It carries a pretty premium price for a model in its weight class, coming in at $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499, so is it really worth buying?

Well, let’s start by discussing the most important factor for any Bluetooth speaker: audio performance. And I have very few complaints here. The stereo separation on offer from such a small speaker is astounding, which results in a far more nuanced listen than most rivals in this size category can supply. You also get decent bass output, with the Middleton II able to reach down pretty low. Low-frequency sounds compress at the highest volumes, but that’s fairly common for smaller models like this.

On top of that, you get satisfyingly balanced mids and clear treble – it never feels like any elements are being overwhelmed, and there are EQ options to fine tune the Middleton II’s sound to your taste. You don’t get the top-tier instrument separation, higher-resolution Bluetooth streaming, or indeed, the raw power of some options in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, but on the whole, sound quality is very strong on the Middleton II.

Features-wise, there’s a lot of good stuff going on too. There’s a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, the aforementioned EQ settings, battery preservation options, and Auracast connectivity. I would’ve liked to see placement compensation and multi-speaker pairing, which is available on some other Marshall models, but all of the basic essentials are here.

One of the most impressive features, though, is the speaker’s phenomenal battery life. You get 30 hours of playtime from the Middleton II, which is considerably more than a lot of rivals supply.

Design-wise, I found the Middleton II to be an interesting one. I certainly appreciate its premium look and build. Sure, it isn’t quite as flashy as the larger Marshall Kilburn III, but its golden control button and logo, faux-leather exterior, and inclusion of frets ensure it's still a beauty to behold. It’s also IP67 dust and waterproof-rated, making it ideal for use in any environment – even in the shower or in a pool.

In spite of that, I find its size and weight to be just on the awkward side of things. It doesn’t have the one-handed portability or lightweight feel of the Marshall Emberton III, which is ideal to throw into a bag or carry around. And unlike its big brother, the Marshall Kilburn III, it doesn’t have a proper handle for transportation, just a small carry strap.

This ties into a wider theme for me – the Middleton II feels like a harder sell than the models on either side of it. It’s priced closer to the Kilburn III – a model that plates up superior sound and loudness, more luxurious looks, and a stronger set of features. And it doesn’t quite have that budget-friendly appeal of the Emberton III. This leaves the Middleton II feeling like the awkward middle child – it doesn’t quite feel like the best value-for-money speaker Marshall has made.

Is that to say that the Middleton II isn’t worth checking out? Absolutely not. If you want something smaller than the Kilburn III as a statement piece, or if the heaviness is no bother, it would still be a great pick. And when it inevitably goes on sale for less, I could definitely find it easier to pick it over other models in its class.

And of course, this is still a fantastic model in the audio department. Commendable balance and stereo sound make this an admirable creation from Marshall, which has had an exceptionally strong 2025 in the commercial audio sphere. It's also got that unmistakable Marshall look and build quality, so all in all, it’s still a hit.

Marshall Middleton II review: price and release date

• $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499
• Launched in July 2025

The Marshall Middleton II was released in July 2025, two and a half years after its predecessor. It has a list price of $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499, which is $30 higher, £10 less, and the same amount of Australian dollars as the original model cost at launch.

It’s positioned as a middle point between the small and rugged Marshall Emberton III and the larger Marshall Kilburn III, both of which we rate very highly here at TechRadar. You can grab the Middleton II in either Black & Brass, or Cream.

Marshall Middleton II review: specs

Marshall Middleton II review: features

• Solid EQ options
• Colossal battery life
• No placement compensation or ‘M’ button

The Marshall Middleton II packs in a solid suite of features, with pleasing customization options and battery preservation settings.

This model is supported by the standard Marshall app – not the revamped one that the audio specialist’s home theater tech makes use of. Here, you’ll find a five-band equalizer and a small set of presets, all of which work well. You can also see the speaker’s remaining battery life, set a standby timeout, and tune into a live broadcast via Auracast.

Something that sets the Middleton II apart from a lot of the competition is its excellent battery life. You get a whopping 30 hours from this model, which is admirable considering the raw power and premium sound it supplies. Those aforementioned battery preservation options come in handy too, with maximum charge, temperature, and charging speed controls on offer.

You also get a built-in mic on the Middleton II, which is ideal if you want to take hands-free calls – this is a feature I don’t always see from speakers in this size-class, but I think it’s a most welcome one.

Having said that, the Middleton II does omit some useful features that I loved from its cousins. The first that pops to mind is placement compensation. On models like the Marshall Kilburn III, this optimizes the speaker’s audio output to the space that you’re listening to it in.

I also like the ‘M’ button that's on a lot of Marshall’s tech, and acts as a shortcut button – I use it on the Marshall Monitor III ANC to activate a bass boost, for example. But that’s not here either, and I would’ve appreciated it.

There’s also no multi-speaker pairing, and although you don’t need two Middleton II models to access stereo sound, the option to double up would be nice. Still, these gripes remain fairly minor, given that this speaker plates up plenty of playtime, an effective built-in mic, and good EQ options.

• Features score: 4/5

Marshall Middleton II review: sound quality

• Impressive stereo sound
• Impactful bass, clear mids, and controlled treble
• Effective 360-degree stereophonic sound

Let’s get into the juicy stuff and chat about sound quality for a while. And I’ll put my cards right on the table: this speaker is a very strong performer, and surprised me with its sonic capabilities.

First of all, the Middleton II absolutely nails the basics. When tuning into Fascinator by Max Dean, the pumping bass was replicated with agility and serious impact. It never sounded bloated or overbearing. Vocal chops in the midrange also cut through with intent and clarity, while synths had fantastic tonal accuracy and character.

For me, I felt that higher-pitched drums – though well controlled – didn’t quite have the energy that I was looking for, but even this was easy to rectify with the on-board EQ controls. I simply ramped up the treble, and found that the track had that high-end sparkle I was looking for.

The Middleton II can even handle deep bass pretty effectively, reaching all the way down to 50Hz. In 15 Seconds of Fame by Kolter, I was instantly struck by weighty and immersive low-frequency performance. At top volumes, I did notice the bass compress a bit, but that’s very understandable for a smaller model. If you want loud, almighty low-end performance for outdoor use, say, it may be worth going for the larger Marshall Kilburn III.

All of this is great, but what really impressed me about the Middleton II was its stellar stereo sound. Yep, for such a small model, this thing whips up a phenomenal sense of stereo separation, something I found when listening to Foxey Lady by Jimi Hendrix. In this track, vocals on the left, and percussion on the right were both expertly positioned, creating an engrossingly expansive spatial impression.

360-degree ‘true’ stereophonic sound is here too, which means you get a beautiful listen, no matter where you are in the room. As Marshall says, “there’s nowhere to hide” with the Middleton II.

When listening to a collection of smooth jazz tracks, I was impressed with the levels of details the Middleton II could unveil. Subtle percussion and the breathy vocals came out to play, and I rarely felt as if the finer intricacies were lost in my favorite tracks. It’s worth noting, though, that this model doesn’t go beyond SBC and AAC, meaning you don’t get the higher-res codecs (think LDAC or aptX) for the most insightful listen over Bluetooth.

Finally, I did a comparison against the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen, a smaller-sized portable speaker at a similar price-point to the Middleton II. I thought that the Marshall more than held its own, providing a well-balanced, yet exciting performance.

For me, I felt that the B&O speaker gave individual instruments a touch more breathing space to work their magic, resulting in a beautifully layered listening experience. However, you need two B&O speakers to access stereo sound, which is downmixed to mono in a single unit, meaning you lose some of the nuance and expansiveness the Middleton II can offer.

And again, the fact that the quality of stereo sound is so high from the Middleton II really helps it to stand out in a highly convoluted market.

• Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Marshall Middleton II review: design

• Premium look and feel
• Strong IP67 dust and waterproofing
• Slightly awkward size and weight

As I’d always expect from Marshall, there’s a real sense of luxury on display with the Middleton II. This model has a fret-infused design, with a gorgeous golden multi-directional controller, and neat LED lights to indicate battery level. Its faux leather outer casing and iconic logo at the center also hammer home that feeling of quality.

This speaker is also heavy given its size, weighing in at 3.9 lbs / 1.8kg. Now on one hand, this feels indicative of its high standard of build and materials, as well as its inclusion of multiple quality speaker drivers. But on the other hand, it does feel a little too hefty, especially given the lack of a proper handle – there’s just a carry strap here.

I also had a similar feeling about the dimensions of the Middleton II. It feels too large to hold in one hand and throw in a bag, as you would with the Emberton III. But then again, it doesn’t supply the raw power and even stronger sound quality of the Kilburn III. I suppose the speaker’s name is fitting in this regard, as it does almost seem like the awkward middle child in Marshall’s speaker lineup.

Again, there is a lot to like about the Middleton II’s look. Although its control buttons aren’t all too flashy, they are easy to use and well-positioned on the top of the model. There are also some easily accessible USB-C and Aux ports on the reverse side – for charging and wired listening respectively. And perhaps best of all, this model is IP67 dust and waterproof, meaning it can survive being dunked under a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Pretty neat!

• Design score: 4/5

Marshall Middleton II review: value

• Quite expensive, although limited change from original Middleton’s pricing
• Kilburn III only slightly more expensive, but a considerable upgrade
• Still a very good speaker with premium build and excellent sound

The Middleton II sits between the Emberton III and Kilburn III in terms of size, but it’s far closer to the latter when it comes to price. It comes in at $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$499, which is similar to the list price of the first Middleton at launch.

I’d still argue that this model is on the slightly more expensive side of things. Sure, it offers excellent stereo sound, with fantastic soundstage performance and well-balanced audio. It also looks premium, and plates up plenty of playtime. But that’s a lot more than a lot of models in its size class, and now, you can even get the significantly mightier and great sounding JBL Xtreme 4 at a similar price.

In fact, for just $50 / £40 / AU$100, you can get your hands on the Kilburn III, which offers more power, better bass performance, an even more premium look, and a better feature-set. The Kilburn’s inclusion of a proper handle is also a big plus, and helps to cement it as a stronger value pick than the Middleton II.

As I’ve expressed throughout this review, this is still a very high quality model. And in the future, if you can snap it up on sale for closer to $250 / £200 / AU$400, it will undoubtedly prove to be well worth the investment. But it lacks the pure portability of the Emberton III, and it doesn’t quite provide the five-star sound and look of the Kilburn III. As a result, it feels like a slightly harder sell than those two models.

• Value score: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Marshall Middleton II?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Marshall Middleton II review: also consider

How I tested the Marshall Middleton II

• Tested across multiple weeks
• Used in the Future Labs music testing space
• Predominantly tested using Tidal

I spent multiple weeks with the Marshall Middleton II, during which time I exhausted every feature, listened to hours and hours of music, and carefully assessed its design. For the most part, I used the speaker in our music testing space at Future Labs, which we use to judge audio quality in an isolated, controlled environment.

When tuning into tracks, I mainly used Tidal over a Bluetooth connection, but I did dip into Spotify on occasion and tested out wired listening too. As always, I kicked off my review by playing tracks from our curated TechRadar reference playlist, but I also bumped a whole lot of tunes from my own personal library. As I mentioned in the review, I also compared the Middleton II with the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen, in order to assess aspects such as bass output, instrument separation, and detail.

More generally, I’ve tested all kinds of audio equipment during my time here at TechRadar, from flagship headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, as well as home cinema products like the Marshall Heston 60. I’ve also reviewed a whole lot of Bluetooth speakers, from leading brands like Bose, JBL, and, of course, I’ve tested more than 30 models in total, and personally curated our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, so I have a deep understanding of the Middleton II’s competition, and how it compares in a challenging market.

• First reviewed: December 2025
• Read more about how we test

JBL Grip: two-minute review

The JBL Grip is a new entrant into the audio giant’s Bluetooth speaker lineup, sitting between the Clip and Flip lines. It has a seltzer-can-inspired look, attractive ambient lighting, and a highly durable exterior. Yes, it really has all the key design elements covered. But does the Grip sound any good? I tested it for two weeks to find out.

I’ve got to say, the JBL Grip is a pretty solid sounding speaker overall. Of course, it’s a pretty small model, so there are some limitations in terms of bass response, and when volume is pushed up high, music can sound pretty one-dimensional. But still, you’ll get clear, well-balanced, and decently punchy sound from this small cylindrical model.

Arguably the best thing about the JBL Grip, however, is its brilliant all-round design. I’m a big fan of its can-sized dimensions, and when you combine that with its textured exterior, it's both satisfying and easy to… well, grip. Like a lot of the best Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Grip is also dust and waterproof thanks to its IP68 protection against the elements, making it ideal for shower or beachside listening.

It’s also a real beauty, with the speaker coming in an appealing range of colors. I tried out the purple model, but there’s also pink, red, blue… you name it! An ambient lighting panel on the reverse side of the speaker is also very easy on the eye, though I do wish there was a light mode that synced to the speaker’s output for more immersive listening – something I’ve seen on speakers like the Marshall Bromley 750.

The lights on the JBL Grip are customizable via the JBL Portable app, which opens up a range of other options too. There’s PlayTime Boost if you want to get an extra couple hours of playtime, stereo group if you want to use two Grip speakers in stereo mode, and a range of EQ options, including a custom option.

On top of that, the JBL Grip supports Auracast, meaning you can link a bunch of compatible JBL speakers up to it for additional loudness and coverage.

At $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129, the Grip isn’t exactly cheap for what it is, though it's hardly unfathomably expensive either. For me, I think its marginally larger sibling, the JBL Flip 7 just feels like a better value buy. It offers considerably better sound, with regimented, pumping bass and full-bodied, detailed sound. But it’s also got better battery life and the same durability – with only a slight increase in size and price.

Overall, though, I still think that the Grip is a neat addition to JBL’s vast lineup of Bluetooth speakers. If you’re digging its hand-held design and you want a sub-$100 option with personality, it’s one of the best models available to you right now – and you should totally get a Grip (thank you, I'm here all week). But if you’ve got a little more money to play with, I’d still recommend going for the Flip 7, which is an exemplary Bluetooth speaker.

JBL Grip review: price and release date

• $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129
• Launched in September 2025

The JBL Grip was launched in September 2025, and is the very first speaker in its line. It’s priced at a mid-point between the Clip 5 and Flip 7, and will typically cost $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129. You can purchase this speaker in a range of colors too, including: Black; Blue; Pink; Purple; Red; Squad (camo); and White.

JBL Grip review: specs

JBL Grip review: features

• Customizable lighting
• Multiple EQ options in JBL Portable app
• Commendable 14 hour battery life

The JBL Grip is equipped with just about everything you could want from a small Bluetooth speaker. And if you download the JBL Portable app, you get access to a whole lot of customization options.

For instance, the app features light adjustment, which lets you select from the following effects: freeze; bounce; trim; switch; and neon. You can also select from a small pool of colors and adjust brightness to get the precise look you want. It would be nice if there was a slight effect that synced to your music, but I still like the degree of personalization available here.

Another thing you can tailor to your taste is EQ. There are a handful of presets to choose from, like JBL Signature, Chill, and energetic. However, you can also create your own sound with the custom seven-band equalizer. This works nicely and I did stick with a custom tuning for a considerable chunk of my time with the speaker.

There’s even more to discover, though, like stereo pairing if you’ve got a second Grip, and Auracast connectivity, which enables you to link a load of compatible speakers for increased volume – models like the JBL Xtreme 4 and JBL Charge 6 support this.

Before we tie things up, a quick word on battery life. Technically, you can get up to 14 hours of playtime from this model, but that’s with volume low, minimal lighting, and use of the PlayTime Boost function – an option that essentially reduces sound quality for two additional hours of listening.

Usually, you’ll get up to 12 hours of listening, which is pretty solid for a model of this stature. You can fully recharge it in 3 hours too.

All in all, the Grip has just about every base covered. Sure, it doesn’t have an integrated mic for clear, hands-free calling – something you’ll find on a rival like the Edifier ES20. But still, there’s plenty of functionality to sink your teeth into.

• Features score: 4.5/5

JBL Grip review: sound quality

• Clear, well-balanced audio with AI Sound Boost
• Some limitations with small size, especially at high volumes
• Decent weight to bass, but Flip 7 blows it out the water

As you may expect, the small size of the JBL Grip does come with some sonic limitations, but for a model in this weight class, it performs well overall.

When tuning into Black Eye by Allie X, the deep drum machine sounded fairly commanding, while vocals remained clear in the mix. In the track’s intro, strings suddenly pierce through, but these sounded a little restricted on the Grip – the attack just sounded a little blunt or dulled, reducing the dramatic tone.

In Never Would by M-High, I was again treated to surprisingly deep, impactful bass – but not at the expense of controlled, decently detailed percussion in the treble range. With volume pushed to the 90-100% mark, low end did sound a little thin, and instrument separation was diminished, resulting in a slightly narrow sound. But that’s pretty common for a lot of small speakers, in fairness.

Similarly, tracks with booming sub-bass won’t be replicated all too well on the Grip due to some inherent restrictions. If you’re looking for almighty low-frequency output, I’d suggest checking out one of the best party speakers instead, like the JBL Xtreme 4.

Still, overall bass performance is solid, especially as you can set a custom EQ with enhanced low-end output, if you’d prefer. And in less bass-heavy genres, the Grip performs very admirably. In Rains again by Solji, soaring vocals remained emotive, with the breathiness in the performance audible throughout – that’s even without higher-res codecs like LDAC or aptX.

The speaker’s wraparound design also means you get a pleasing listen from all angles, with AI Sound Boost also onboard to optimize output for “bigger sound with less distortion”.

I compared the Grip to the Flip 7, and if you want the best sonic quality in a small body, that’s where I’d suggest spending your money. The regimented bass and more full-bodied sound is simply intoxicating. Having said that, the Grip does perform nicely – you’ll just have to make a few sonic sacrifices to enjoy its smaller form factor and sleek design.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

JBL Grip review: design

• Rugged, durable exterior with IP68 rating
• Easy to grip and ultra light
• Attractive looks with fun array of color options

I’m not always bowled over by the look of JBL’s Bluetooth speakers, but I actually love the Grip’s design.

When I visited JBL at the Nordisk Film studio in Copenhagen, an employee noted how research was undertaken in the food and drink industry finding that consumers widely preferred the slim and tall soda can style over the traditionally shorter and stubbier alternative. As a result, the Grip is made to resemble the former, and is “inspired by the proportions of a seltzer can”.

I for one love the shape and size of the Grip. As its name suggests, it’s easy to grab on to, with its textured exterior providing additional grip. Its also pleasingly light, earning it top-class portability.

Playback controls are elegantly positioned towards the ‘lid’, while power, Auracast, and pairing buttons sit on the top. A light control button can be found on the reverse side, where you can also find a fabric loop that can be used to hook the speaker onto something.

As is typically the case with JBL, the Grip comes in a beautiful array of colors, including: Black; Blue; Pink; Purple; Red; Squad (camo); and White. I tested the Purple variant and it really stands out from the crowd in the best way, and the inclusion of a light panel compliments the vibrant colorways even further.

But the good times keep rolling. Yes, the JBL Grip is extremely durable, largely thanks to its impressive IP68 dust and waterproof rating. This means that the speaker is fully dustproof, and can be submerged in 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. That makes it perfect for listening in the bath or shower, or even at the beach. JBL also calls the Grip ‘drop-proof’, so it truly is a hardy lil’ fella.

• Design score: 5/5

JBL Grip review: value

• Not exactly cheap for its size
• JBL Flip 7 offers superior overall sound-per-pound value
• Still, plenty of quality here

JBL has positioned the Grip right between the Clip 5 and Flip 7, pricing it at just under $100 / £90 / AU$130.

Now, that’s hardly super expensive, but it's not exactly cheap for a speaker of this size. The mightier, more detail-oriented Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2 is on-sale pretty regularly for around the same cost, and the larger JBL Flip 6 can often be found at a similar price as well.

On top of that, the new Flip 7, which we awarded a glowing five-star review, feels like a slightly better value pick, at least in some territories. OK, in the US, it’s a full $50 more, but in the UK, you can pay just £20 more for the Flip 7, and experience significantly better audio, with rumbling low-end output and improved dynamics. You’ll also get more playtime in an only marginally larger, heavier package.

I want to give the Grip its flowers, though. It's still a solid sounding, aesthetically pleasing, and feature-rich Bluetooth speaker. And for less than $100 / £90, I think a lot of consumers will enjoy its soda-can dimensions, durable build, and fun lighting.

• Value score: 4/5

Should you buy the JBL Grip?

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JBL Grip review: also consider

JBL Grip review: how I tested

• Tested for two weeks
• Used at home and at Future Labs
• Tested using Spotify and Tidal

I spent more than two weeks testing out the JBL Grip, using it instead of my typical go-to Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Flex Gen 2. I exhausted all of the Grip’s features, using a range of light customization options and listening across a variety of spaces.

For the most part, I used the Grip in my kitchen while cooking and cleaning – but I also used it while taking showers and for analytical listening at our music testing room at Future Labs. Here, I went through the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a range of genres. I also listened to songs from my personal library – via both Tidal and Spotify.

More generally, I’ve reviewed dozens of speakers, headphones, earbuds, soundbars, and more here at TechRadar, where I have a particular focus on audio-visual technology. I’ve tested most of the Grip’s competition, so I know what it takes for a speaker to stand out in a highly convoluted market.

• First reviewed: October 2025
• Read more about how we test