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

I’ve seen a whole lot of influences for wireless audio products (single-use pill packaging and cassette tapes, for instance), however JBL’s Grip is a primary. Based on 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 whenever you see the Grip, it seems like a strong Bluetooth speaker on paper. JBL says the Grip has 16W of sound and IP68 water and mud safety, so that you don’t have to fret about this factor getting moist. For context, IP68 means this system may 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 may slide a rope by means of and tie it to your bike, which you’ll be able to positively nonetheless experience, given you haven’t drunk an excessive amount of… seltzer.

The Grip additionally comes with AI Sound Enhance, which is supposed to present this speaker “extra highly effective and deeper” bass with out inflicting distortion. For funsies, there’s a light-weight on the again panel, too, which JBL says may be adjusted utilizing its companion app to alter the colour and brightness. Should you’re feeling a bit of wild, you may as well pair the Grip with one other speaker by way of Auracast to make use of each concurrently.

One of many largest downfalls of transportable audio system is often the battery life, since a smaller system often means a smaller battery, however JBL says its Grip is rated for 12 hours of playback and might get an additional two hours if Playtime Enhance is activated. If these estimates are true, that’s not a nasty battery life for a speaker on this weight class. The Grip will are available a number of colours, together with white, black, pink, blue, and camo, however my private favourite is the purple one. Should 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 ahead to a wider launch on Sept. 28. Cheers.