JBL has added a new portable Bluetooth speaker to its already extensive lineup, and it’s aimed squarely at people who want powerful sound in a small, durable package. Priced at $99.95 and launching officially on September 28, 2025, the Grip slots neatly between JBL’s bigger Flip 7 and the more compact Clip 5. It’s small, sturdy, and packed with enough features to make it more than just your average portable speaker.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Grip is its shape. It’s about the size of a slim can of seltzer—easy to grab, easy to carry, and even easier to toss in a backpack or clip onto your bike. It weighs just 385 grams, which means it’s light enough for everyday adventures without feeling flimsy.

JBL’s gone with an upright design for this one, with a vertical logo and a tough woven fabric cover that’s not just for looks. The Grip is rated IP68, meaning it’s waterproof, dustproof, and designed to survive drops from up to a meter. So whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or just your backyard, you don’t have to baby this thing.

Inside the Grip is a 43 x 80mm full-range driver that pumps out 16 watts of audio power. And JBL’s added something called AI Sound Boost, which sounds fancy but really just means it listens to your music in real time and adjusts the output for more volume and better bass—without the annoying distortion you sometimes get when cranking up the sound.

Want even more audio oomph? You can pair two Grips together for stereo sound, or go big and connect multiple JBL speakers using Bluetooth Auracast. It’s a cool feature if you want to fill a larger space or sync up the music around a campsite or house party.

The JBL Grip gives you up to 12 hours of playtime, which is plenty for a full day of music. And if you switch on the Playtime Boost mode, you can squeeze out an extra 2 hours by slightly adjusting how the speaker handles power and sound. It’s a handy option if you're low on battery and still want to keep the party going.

Connectivity-wise, the Grip uses Bluetooth 5.4, which means faster pairing, better signal stability, and support for newer features like Auracast.

One of the fun extras on the Grip is the ambient light panel on the back. You can cycle through colors using a button on the speaker, or dive into the JBL Portable app to fine-tune the color, brightness, and even save your favorite lighting combos. It’s more than just eye candy—if you're using the Grip at night or around the fire pit, it adds a nice touch to the atmosphere.

You don’t need a degree in audio engineering to use the Grip. It has chunky playback and volume buttons right where you’d expect them. Everything is intuitive, whether you're using the speaker on its own or controlling it via the app.

JBL is also making an effort to be more eco-conscious. The Grip is made from post-consumer recycled plastic, and the box it comes in is FSC-certified paper packaging—so less guilt when you unbox your new toy.

If you’ve been eyeing the JBL Clip 5 but want a bit more sound, or the Flip 7 but prefer something smaller and lighter, the Grip is your Goldilocks option. It delivers punchy performance without taking up much space and brings more versatility with features like Auracast, ambient lighting, and app support.

And compared to mini speakers like the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, the Grip holds its own with a more powerful output and a more rugged build. For under $100, that’s hard to beat.

The JBL Grip is available for pre-order now at JBL.com for $99.95, with full availability starting September 28. It comes in six colors: black, white, purple, red, blue, and camo.