JBL Clip Quick Review

Summer trips are already popping into social media. An appreciated stuff one can bring is a portable speaker. If you’re looking for one, then you might want to check a speaker from JBL that’s very compact and can clip on to your straps. Hence the name, JBL Clip.

The JBL Clip features a circular design with a carabiner on top, all surrounded by a rubberized grip. The device is just as big as our palms. The carabiner can fit most straps, particularly those on topmost of travel bags or rucksacks. Cleverly, the controls and ports are placed around it.

The left side has the Bluetooth switch, the power button, and the answer key with the microphone beside it. While the right has the volume buttons, and the line in port to daisy chain several speakers. Below is the micro-USB port for charging. The front grille with the JBL logo covers the lone driver and an LED indicator. Going behind the device reveals the 3.5mm jack that is neatly tucked in its holder.

If there’s something we’ll nitpick about the Clip is the stiffness of the buttons. It is also hard to identify where the buttons are even though they are properly labeled. In addition, our unit’s orange rubberized body attracts dirt and smudges so keeping it clean can be a challenge.

With casual tests, we are able to find out that the JBL Clip can be a good portable speaker suitable for traveling. Connectivity-wise you have the option to use the 3.5mm jack or connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. Volume can get really high and the loudness can be heard even outdoors. Just make sure to pump up the volume on both the player and speaker to get the loudest output possible. Vocals sound decent, as well as the bass, though it isn’t as low as we wish it to be. Nevertheless, it delivers good performance overall.

You can also receive and answer calls through it. Making it an all-around hands-free speaker. We aren’t able to test how well the microphone can pick up voice when outdoors, but indoor performance is good.

According to JBL, the speaker has a rated battery life up to 5 hours but with our casual use, we are able to get around 4 hours. Not a bad number but battery life may vary depending on usage and volume levels.

If we are to bring a compact speaker for a trek or hike, we will definitely include the JBL Clip to our choices. Its portable design and loud yet clear output is already a good selling point. Add to that the Bluetooth and hands-free feature. However, the lack of water-proofing is a let-down. With an SRP of Php2,995USD 51INR 4,327EUR 49CNY 372, it is a good option for those who need it.

JBL Clip is available at:
JBL Sound Gallery- B3, Bonifacio High Street
JBL Acoustical Space- 4th Floor Cyberzone SM Megamall Bldg B
JBL Digital Dreams- 4th Floor Cyberzone SM North EDSA Annex
JBL/Harman Kardon Pop-up Store- Level 3, TriNoma (near Terra Agua and Top Man)
JBL/Harman Kardon Store- Level 3, Fairview Terraces

JBL Clip specifications:
Transducer: 1 x 40mm
Rated Power: 3.2W
Frequency response: 160Hz – 20,000Hz
Signal-to-noise ratio: >80 dB
Bluetooth v3.0
Bluetooth transmitter power: 0-4 dBm
Bluetooth transmitter frequency range: 2.402 – 2.480 GHz
Lithium-ion Polymer 600mAh
Dimension: 107 mm x 88 mm x 42 mm
Weight: 150 g

What we liked about it:

• Portable clip design
• High volume levels
• Clear vocals and good overall output
• Rubberized texture provide better grip and scratch protection

What we didn’t:

• Rubberized texture attracts dirt
• Bass can be better
• Mono sound
• No IPXX certification