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