JBL Link Portable Review

As smart speakers increase in popularity, we're starting to see more hybrid options that work on Wi-Fi when they're plugged in at home, and as standard Bluetooth speakers when on the go. At $179.95, the JBL Link Portable isn't significantly more expensive than some of the company's Bluetooth-only models of similar size, and offers Wi-Fi connectivity with Google Assistant compatibility, not to mention a waterproof build and solid bass depth. Given that the Sonos Move—another portable hybrid speaker—is $400, the Link Portable feels like a bargain. There are more powerful, better-sounding speakers out there, but few can match the Link's feature set for the price. Design Available in black, blue, or gray, the 6.7-by-3.5-inch (HW), 1.6-pound Link Portable resembles a cylinder, but actually has four broadly rounded corners and thus panels that are almost flat. It ships with a charging base that connects to power via a removable USB-C cable. The speaker itself has a wraparound cloth gri...

The JBL Link Portable speaker offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity along with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and hands-free Google Assistant support in a waterproof design with solid audio performance for its size.

Solid audio performance; Streams via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; Support for AirPlay 2 and Chromecast; Hands-free Google Assistant access; Waterproof

Audio performance is more in line with slightly cheaper (non-smart) speakers; No aux input

Next level bluetooth speaker

I have a few bluetooth speakers, and this one sounds good as expected from JBL. But adding wifi and Google really takes it to a whole new level. No issues so far, love it

Solved our Issue, Outside\Garage

Its not the loudest or the most clear sound, but its Very Good. Fills the outside dinning area well when having Drinks\Eating. So handy that the charging base detaches as you lift it. Mic seems better that 1st Gen Google Home. Very Happy with Purchase, Glad I didn't buy the baby brother version. 5 Stars given if it had Anti teenager shock device when they pick it up. :-)

Best portable smart speaker...

One of the best portable speakers. Beauty of this is the unique charging mechanism. Don't need to worry about getting the cable into speaker.. Just pop it on the cradle and all done.. Google assist adds more value along with the fact that this can be used a casting device. Much better than the Bose soundlink...

It's good as well as bad

Good: Its sound it pretty clear and good. Bad: I bought this to connect my phone and laptop but at one time it connects with one device. so you have to disconnect it before using it with other device which is annoying. The problem is every time you turn it on, you have to go to the device again and connect it. the pairing stays but it does not auto connects to the device it was connected last time. I actually wanted to return it because of its connectivity issues but I don't have time. When you put it on charging it turns on automatically but push you unplug the power cable it stays on that eventually drains out the battery. whats th...view more