Reviews

JBL Link Portable, the smart speaker now adds battery

Usually the speakers with support for virtual assistants They are designed to place them in an ideal position at home and always have it at hand when playing music or receiving information. However, if its design reduces dimensions and integrates a battery it can also be very useful for outdoor activities, and that’s what it clearly offers JBL Link Portable.

JBL Link Portable is a smart speaker that offers professional quality sound and surround thanks to its 360º system, while its integrated battery provides energy for use over eight hours. With Wi-Fi connectivity or through the classic Bluetooth, any need for cables is eliminated, while Google Assistant adds thousands of possibilities to take advantage of it every day.

JBL Link Portable Features

JBL Link Portable
Brand JBL
Model Link Portable
Dimensions 88 x 170 mm
Weight 735 grams
Colors Black, gray, green, blue, yellow, brown
illumination No
Power 20W
Frequency range 65 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal to noise ratio > 80 dB
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n / ac (2.4 / 5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.2
Autonomy 8 hours
Loading time 2.5 hours
Integrated battery Yes, 4800 mAh Lithium-Ion
Microphone Yes
Voice assistant support Yes, Google Assistant
Chromecast built-in Yes
Power input 100 – 240 V – 50/60 Hz
Box contents 1 x Link Portable, 1 x USB Type-C Cable, 1 x Charging Base, 1 x Safety Sheet, 1 x Quick Start Guide, Warranty Cards

Small, multi-color design

JBL Link Portable

JBL Link Portable takes up very little space

As can be seen in the images, this model has a fairly classic style to what has already been seen in the market previously, with a cylindrical format that also takes its dimensions to just 88 x 170 mm and a weight of 670 grams, which makes sense of its name compared to the standard version.

The intention to use the JBL Link Portable is focused on command from external devices or just saying it out loud, so it makes sense that there are not several physical buttons in its structure and there is hardly the option to increase or decrease the volume as well as quickly activate Google Assistant.

It is also relevant to mention the Presence of IPX7 certification that makes it compatible with contact with dust, water and extra resistance before the typical bumps or falls, so there is nothing to worry about if you want to take it with you to the edge of the pool, an afternoon at the beach or on excursions in the open air.

Finally, the speaker is for sale in a variety of colors available, starting from a classic black or gray and reaching more cheerful tones such as blue, green, yellow and brown throughout its external surface.

360º sound experience

JBL Link Portable

JBL Link Portable has a fairly minimalist style

The reasons for its design are not only on the aesthetic side, as the cylinder makes it possible to distribute the sound in all directions thanks to the integration of a full-range transducer with 360 degree capability. The result you get Ranges from crystal clear highs through flawless mids to deep, powerful bass so that no musical genre is left out of the advantages.

In total, JBL Link Portable has a total power of 20W, while mentioning a frequency of 65 Hz – 20 kHz, signal-to-noise ratio of> 80 dB and support for a wide range of audio formats including HE-AAC, LC-AAC, MP3, Vorbis, WAV (LPCM), FLAC and Opus.

Connectivity and battery, its best facet

JBL Link Portable

JBL Link Portable has a detachable base

As we indicated above, JBL Link Portable is designed to be taken with you outside the home or transported between rooms, so your 4800 mAh Lithium-Ion unit provides enough power for eight-hour music playback. Then, when recharging it, you just have to place it on its base (waiting time of approximately 2.5 hours) or leave it there to forget about autonomy problems when you are at home.

This last aspect is the main one that differentiates it from the JBL Link Music that was previously analyzed, since the rest of the operating characteristics are identical but its use is limited to using its power cable.

In terms of connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2 makes it possible to play any content from mobile phones and computers no wires in between, though the best is in its support for Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n / ac (2.4 / 5 GHz) that allows you to play audio from any online service autonomously, including streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube Music and Apple Music.

Thanks to its integrated microphone and compatibility with Google Assistant You just have to say “Hey, Google” to be able to play your favorite songs, search for information online or even remotely interact with other smart devices that are synchronized to the same home network. Chromecast is not missing either, so its configuration is done through the same Google Home App instead of requiring other external applications.

JBL Link Portable availability and pricing

It can buy the JBL Link Portable since MediaMarkt with shipping available within the Spanish territory, while there are also units in stock from El Corte Inglés with a competitive price.

PROS:
  • Lightweight design and various colors available
  • Good sound quality in 360º
  • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for standalone use
  • Support for voice commands via Google Assistant
  • Built-in battery for portable use for 8 hours
CONS:
  • Total sound power is low (20W)
  • It does not have auxiliary audio input or AirPlay 2 connectivity
8.5 Total score

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