Ive tested tons of Bluetooth speakers, and this little-known JBL feature is a major reason I recommend its products so strongly

Date:
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Description:
If you're looking to buy a new Bluetooth speaker, this one trick may tempt
you to pick one up from JBL.

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Ive tested a whole lot of Bluetooth speakers here at TechRadar everything from palm-sized audio companions to giant boombox-style models. So, more than anyone, I understand that the Bluetooth speaker market is incredibly convoluted, with a bunch of amazing and not-so-amazing options to choose from.

If youre looking to grab one of the best Bluetooth speakers , then, its crucial to find something that sets one model apart from the rest. Sure, we all want something that sounds good, looks attractive and offers good value for money but a special feature or two can really make a speaker stand out.

Thats why I often find myself recommending JBLs speakers. Yes, they often sound fantastic. They're typically vibrant, attractive, and waterproof too. But their excellent feature-sets and in particular their ingenious PlayTime Boost setting really give them that killer edge, in my view. But what is PlayTime Boost? Whats so useful about it? Ill reveal all down below. Keep the party moving (Image credit: Future)

PlayTime Boost is a feature on modern JBL speakers that adjusts a models
audio output to unlock even more battery life.

JBL itself claims that when PlayTime Boost is active, the speaker optimizes and tunes the performance for a louder and crisper sound. Lower-frequency sounds are typically less prominent with PlayTime Boost active, but JBLs speakers still sound great, and that extra lease of life can go a long way.

For instance, Ive found myself using PlayTime boost a fair bit when Ive forgotten to charge my speaker, but need a boost in a pinch. On a model like the JBL Grip , you can simply activate PlayTime Boost in the JBL Portable
app, and the speakers battery life will increase from 12 hours, up to 14 hours. Its just a great way to keep the party moving if youve not got a charger nearby.

Speakers with this feature built-in include the tiny JBL Go 4 , the mid-sized JBL Charge 6 , and the chunkier JBL Xtreme 4 . Best of all, youll find PlayTime Boost on the JBL Flip 7 a small model with big sound that proudly sits as my top overall recommendation in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers .

Given that a lot of JBL speakers already supply battery life in line with, or higher than, the bulk of their competition, PlayTime Boost really does make them easy to recommend. But rival manufacturers have released some incredible alternatives lately as well check out my list of the top 5 Bluetooth
speakers of 2025 to get the lowdown on the latest and greatest models you can buy.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/speakers/ive-tested-tons-of-bluetooth-speakers -and-this-little-known-jbl-feature-is-a-major-reason-i-recommend-its-products- so-strongly


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