JBL Clip (Black) review: A tiny Bluetooth speaker that sounds good for its size and travels well

If the JBL Clip looks like a mini Bluetooth speaker that you've seen somewhere before it's because it's very similar to JBL's popular Micro Wireless speaker, which hit the market a couple of years ago. However, it has a couple of small changes, including a carabiner-style clip at the top (instead of a closed loop), and it also sports speakerphone capabilities. It should run around $50 in the US, which equates to AU$53. It will be available in the UK in mid-August for £39.99. Other international release dates are not currently available.

7.8

JBL Clip (Black)

The Good

The JBL Clip Bluetooth speaker is a compact, hockey-puck size speaker that has a built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery and offers decent enough sound for its size. It also has an integrated line-in cable that stows away in the bottom of the device, as well as speakerphone capabilities.

The Bad

Doesn't handle big bass well and distorts at higher volumes.

The Bottom Line

The JBL Clip is good for someone looking for a very compact, travel-friendly wireless speaker that's more affordable than the Jambox Mini.

Like its predecessor, the 32-pound (158kg) Clip delivers good sound for its small size. This is a mono speaker and is designed to be laid flat or worn -- yes, JBL calls this a "ready-to-wear speaker."

As I said, aside from the clip, the only other significant change here is the addition of speakerphone functionality. There's a call answer/end button on the side of the speaker, along with volume controls and a dedicated Bluetooth button for easy pairing.

Other extras include an audio input as well an integrated cord that allows you to connect the speaker to non-Bluetooth-enabled devices or, say, the audio output on a laptop computer. It's nifty how the cord stows in the bottom of the speaker.

Performance

Sound quality is pretty good for what this speaker is. There's some bass, just not a lot of it, and the speaker will distort with certain bass-heavy tracks at higher volumes (the American Authors' "Best Day of My Life," for example). It's strongest in the midrange, and it does best with acoustic music and speech. It makes for a good lightweight companion for a tablet or smartphone for watching movies, television shows and sporting events.

I thought it performed well enough as a speakerphone, but it helps to remain close to the microphone and not wander 10- or 15-feet away. Bluetooth range is the typical 10m or 33-feet (it's equipped with Bluetooth 3.0).

As for battery life, it's rated at 5 hours. That isn't terribly long but about average for this size speaker.

There are other speakers out there like the Clip. It performs similarly to Philips' BT2500 , which has more of a square design. Another competitor would be Divoom's Voombox Travel, which also costs $50, plays a bit louder and is more durable but a little heavier. The Voombox also distorts with certain tracks at higher volumes.

You get a micro-USB charging cable in the box -- the speaker charges in about 2 hours -- but no carrying case. I do think it's a good idea to cover it with something because the paint on the grill can chip off if the speaker rubs against something rough or sharp in your bag.

Conclusion

The JBL Clip retains the same likeable qualities as the earlier Micro Wireless while adding speakerphone capabilities and a carabiner-style clip at the top, should you want to clip the speaker onto a bag or even your own belt loop.

It's recommendable for someone looking for a very compact speaker that's more affordable than Jawbone's Mini Jambox . It produces decent enough sound for its tiny size and makes for a good traveling companion that won't take up much room in your bag.