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JBL Horizon Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£120
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Audio output power: 10.00 W
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: IPX4
  • Bluetooth version: 4.1
  • Weight: 890 g

JBL Horizon review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

5.9

Technical Score

20.0%

8.9

User score

Good
5.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

5.4

Audio

20.0%

8.1

Battery

18.0%

5.0

Durability

16.0%

6.1

Connectivity

8.0%

3.9

Controls

3.0%

8.3

Design

3.0%

4.9

Smart features

Good
8.9

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(2170)
amazon
4.3
(638)
amazon
4.3
(300)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(461)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(283)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.9
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    4.9

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.3

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 4.8
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.9

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.3

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.4
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    1.9

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.3

    Weight

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JBL Horizon is a multisensory Bluetooth clock radio speaker featuring two 1.5-inch full-range transducers delivering a 2 x 5W RMS power output, a 70Hz–20kHz frequency response, an FM radio with 5 presets, dual independent alarms, and dual USB fast-charging ports. Key pros include its rich, room-filling stereo sound, an integrated LED ambient nightlight that offers a soft wake-up glow, a built-in light sensor that automatically auto-dims the crisp LCD clock display, and a CR2032 battery backup system to maintain timekeeping during power outages. Notable cons consist of unlit, hard-to-feel top control buttons, the lack of automatic daylight savings adjustments, limited viewing angles on the reflective clock face, and the requirement of a continuous AC power wall plug connection since it is not a true battery-powered portable unit.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Horizon

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

5.4

Audio

20.0%

8.1

Battery

18.0%

5.0

Durability

16.0%

6.1

Connectivity

8.0%

3.9

Controls

3.0%

8.3

Design

3.0%

4.9

Smart features

5.9
JBL Horizon has a technical score of 5.91 points, which is lower than 91.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(2170)
amazon
4.3
(638)
amazon
4.3
(300)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(461)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(283)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

8.9
JBL Horizon has a user score of 8.91 points, which is higher than 73.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
10
JBL Horizon has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.5
JBL Horizon has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is lower than 68.8% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

10.00 W
JBL Horizon has an audio output power of 10.00 W which is lower than that of 66.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 10.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

45.00 mm
JBL Horizon has a driver unit size of 45.00 mm which is smaller than that of 60.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 8.6% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 45.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

2
JBL Horizon has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

70.00 Hz
JBL Horizon has a lowest frequency of 70.00 Hz which is higher than that of 61% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 70.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Horizon supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

4.1
JBL Horizon supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 4.1.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

?
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
Show more
IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX4
JBL Horizon has an IP rating of IPX4 which provides worse ingress protection than 77.7% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 21% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

0 m
JBL Horizon is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

?
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
Show more
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

890 g
JBL Horizon weighs 890 g which is heavier than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

16 cm
JBL Horizon has a height of 16 cm which is taller than that of 61.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.2% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

18.3 cm
JBL Horizon has a width of 18.3 cm which is wider than that of 51% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

8.6 cm
JBL Horizon has a depth of 8.6 cm which is deeper than that of 51.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none
Show more
Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

JBL One
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Horizon supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

USB
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Horizon does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

JBL Horizon vs the average portable speaker

  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Horizon has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has a power bank function
    JBL Horizon has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    Can charge another device only while the speaker is connected to mains power.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 1 more USB ports
    JBL Horizon has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 2.
    What it is: The number of USB ports available on the speaker.
    When it matters: When several wired accessories or storage devices need USB connections.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    JBL Horizon has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • Has a removable battery
    JBL Horizon has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the battery can be removed from the speaker by the user.
    When it matters: When replacing a worn battery or carrying a spare matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    JBL Horizon includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports firmware updates
    JBL Horizon supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
    When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
  • Has an FM radio
    JBL Horizon has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker includes an FM radio receiver.
    When it matters: When listening to broadcast radio without a separate source matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    JBL Horizon has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    What it is: The highest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When reliable use in hot weather or direct sunlight matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 45 °C

    JBL Horizon has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Horizon has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more USB ports
    JBL Horizon has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has a power bank function
    JBL Horizon has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Has a removable battery
    JBL Horizon has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    JBL Horizon includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    JBL Horizon has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Has an FM radio
    JBL Horizon has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Has a sleep timer
    JBL Horizon has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • Supports firmware updates
    JBL Horizon supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Smart features
  • 10 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Horizon has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (82 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 82.00 dB.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Horizon has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    JBL Horizon does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 10 W less audio output power
    JBL Horizon has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (10 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 10.00 W.
  • 5 mm smaller main driver
    JBL Horizon has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (45 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 45.00 mm.
  • 10 Hz less deep bass extension
    JBL Horizon has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (70 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 70.00 Hz.
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Horizon has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.1.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    JBL Horizon does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    JBL Horizon does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    JBL Horizon is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Worse ingress protection
    JBL Horizon has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    JBL Horizon does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    JBL Horizon does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    JBL Horizon does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    JBL Horizon does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 3.6 cm taller
    JBL Horizon is taller than the average portable speaker (16 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 5 older
    JBL Horizon was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2014 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2014.
  • Is not water resistant
    JBL Horizon is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 10 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Horizon has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (82 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 82.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    JBL Horizon has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (82 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).82.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Horizon has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    JBL Horizon has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    JBL Horizon does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
    When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    JBL Horizon does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
    When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    JBL Horizon does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    JBL Horizon does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    JBL Horizon does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Horizon does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features

Graphic comparison of JBL Horizon and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
2170 Reviews
amazon
4.3
638 Reviews
amazon
4.3
300 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
461 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
283 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about JBL Horizon?

  • Clear, pleasant, and room-filling stereo sound quality for a clock radio
  • Dual USB ports are highly convenient for charging phones and tablets overnight
  • Built-in ambient wake-up nightlight offers a soft, gradual glow
  • Large, clear, and easy-to-read LCD digital clock display
  • Reliable battery backup system ensures alarms still work during power outages
  • Sleek, modern, and attractive rounded design with a premium rubberised feel
  • Versatile multi-functional top button makes snoozing and volume control simple
  • Quick and seamless Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio

What customers dislike about JBL Horizon?

  • FM/DAB radio reception can be weak or patchy depending on the area
  • Control buttons on top can be flat, tricky to feel, and easy to mispress in the dark
  • Automatic display dimming feature can be overly sensitive or finicky
  • Sound lacks deep bass and can experience minor distortion at maximum volume
  • Oversized AC power plug can be difficult to fit into tight spaces behind furniture
  • Cannot use custom songs streaming directly from a phone as an independent alarm sound without keeping Bluetooth continuously active

Expert reviews

S
soundandvision.com
01/06/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon: Waking Up Ain't Hard to Do - Sound & Vision
I
ilounge.com
19/05/2021
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Horizon Bluetooth Clock Radio - iLounge
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/10/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon Review: Tired of hearing your alarm clock buzzing, aren ...
G
gadgetviper.com
25/10/2016
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon – Alarm clock and wake up light review - GadgetViper
L
lite-magazin.de
01/07/2015
Summary of the review
Test: JBL Horizon – way more than just an alarm clock.
(Translated)Show original
S
satvision.de
29/07/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon review - SATVISION
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
20/02/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon Review: Part Clock Radio, Part Bluetooth Speaker in Sound and Light
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
10/12/2014
Summary of the review
01net.com
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
22/12/2014
Summary of the review
Fnac
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
26/10/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon Review: Tired of Hearing Your Alarm Clock Ring?
(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
21/08/2015
Summary of the review
Testing the JBL Horizon, the 2.0 alarm clock for iPhone and Mac
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
27/10/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon Review: Tired of hearing your alarm buzz?
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
26/02/2020
Summary of the review
Thorough and independent JBL Horizon reviews - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original
I
icreatemagazine.nl
23/04/2015
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Horizon - iCreate
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
31/01/2017
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon White - Awesomehobo - Product reviews - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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