If you are always on the go and love your music, the JBL Clip is the “ultra-portable rechargeable speaker” for you. At under $50 and sporting an integrated carabiner, it is an affordable way to enjoy your music anywhere you go. Whether connecting via Bluetooth or the integrated 3.5mm cable, you’ll be ready to rock on the go.
If you are familiar with previous JBL mobile speakers the design of this speaker will be immediately familiar. It looks like the JBL Micro Wireless but, to my mind, has a somewhat cleaner look. Like the Micro Wireless it has a loop at the top of the speaker. Unlike the Micro Wireless however, the CLIP has a small break in the loop that turns it into a carabiner clip. It is a small speaker, but it puts out sound that will surprise you… In a good way.
The packaging of the JBL Clip is rather simple and uninspired. That’s no surprise considering the sub-$50 price tag. Inside the box you will find everything you need to get started. That includes:
- The Clip
- A microUSB Cable for charging
- A Safety sheet
- A Quick start guide
The Clip is small and light but also rugged, and powerful. That’s a good combination and makes it a terrific choice for taking music on the go. The speaker serves up about 5 hours of sound per charge and offers you the option to connect either over Bluetooth or by using the integrated 3.5mm audio cable.
Buttons and controls sit on the surface of the soft-touch material that rings the speaker itself. They don’t give the satisfying “click” of a mechanical button, and they aren’t raised for eye-free control, but they do get the job done. Key features include:
- Clip-on Convenience: Integrated carabiner is designed to hook onto your clothes, backpack or messenger bag.
- Built-in Microphone: The built-in microphone allows you to answer calls without skipping a beat.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows you to wirelessly stream music through any Bluetooth enabled device.
Speaking of the cable, like the JBL Micro Wireless, the Clip’s cable is permanently attached and has its own “house” in the form of a channel that runs around the speaker’s circumference. When you want to make a connection, simply pull the cable free and plug it into the audio source you are currently using.
JBL describes the speaker this way:
…where the JBL Clip truly earns its name is its built-in carabiner, letting you hook it easily to whatever clothes you’re wearing or backpack you’re shouldering. On-the-go listeners, listen up: here’s a portable speaker that keeps pace with whatever pace you set.
Specifications:
- 40mm speaker housed a plastic case
- 4 1/5″ high, 3 1/2″ wide and 1 2/3″ deep
- Pushes out 3.2W of sound
- Sports Bluetooth 3.0
- Offers a permanently affixed 3.5mm Aux-In cable
JBL Clip Video Review
I like the JBL Clip quite a lot. Its small size, innovative clip, and simple use make it a great on-the-go speaker. Its low price makes it a great speaker if you are looking for an inexpensive gift, and its rugged design and bright colors make it great for kids. You can learn more here.
MSRP: $49.95
What I Like: Small size: Rugged design; Integrated 3.5mm cable; Gets louder and sounds better than one might expect; Integrated carabiner clip is surprisingly useful
What Needs Improvement: Buttons are not tactile; Just 5 hours of playback;
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the JBL Clip
