OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

JBL Horizon 3 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Audio output power:10.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:5.3Weight:780 g

JBL Horizon 3 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.

JBL Horizon 3
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

80%

6.5

Technical score

20%

5.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 73% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

32%

5.7

Audio

20%

7.4

Battery

18%

5.3

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

8.8

Controls

3%

8.4

Design

3%

5.8

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 56%
5.9

User score

User score
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 97%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Horizon 3

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

32%

5.7

Audio

20%

7.4

Battery

18%

5.3

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

8.8

Controls

3%

8.4

Design

3%

5.8

Smart features

6.5
User score
User score
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

3.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
5.9
Popularity
Popularity
3.7/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Popularity:
JBL Horizon 3 has a popularity score of 3.7 points, which is lower than 52.1% of products in this category.
3.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.4
Audio output power
10 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 10 W which is lower than that of 66.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
38 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 38 mm which is smaller than that of 89.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
65 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 65 Hz which is higher than that of 57.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.3
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 5.3 which is newer than that of 78.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
?
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker 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
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
?
Show more
Weight
780 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 780 g which is lighter than that of 50.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
13.7 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 13.7 cm which is taller than that of 54.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
20.9 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 20.9 cm which is wider than that of 58.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
8.3 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 8.3 cm which is shallower than that of 49.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
JBL One
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
OTA
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

JBL Horizon 3 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 7 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (7 vs 0).
    7 vs 0
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports Auracast
    This portable speaker supports Auracast, while the average portable speaker does not support Auracast.
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Auracast
    This portable speaker supports Auracast, while the average portable speaker does not support Auracast.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 0.3 Bluetooth levels newer
    This portable speaker has a newer Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (5.3 vs 5).
    5.3 vs 5
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 7 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (7 vs 0).
    7 vs 0
  • 4 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (4 vs 0).
    4 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has an FM radio
    This portable speaker has an FM radio, while the average portable speaker does not have an FM radio.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 6 newer
    This portable speaker was released more recently than the average portable speaker (2025 vs 2019).
    2025 vs 2019
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50 mm).
    38 mm vs 50 mm
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 10 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (10 W vs 20 W).
    10 W vs 20 W
  • 36.5% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Horizon 3
    the average portable speaker
    JBL Horizon 3 has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (5.86 vs 8).
    5.86 vs 8
  • 1.6% worse value for money
    JBL Horizon 3 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.42 vs 7.5).
    7.42 vs 7.55
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50 mm).
    38 mm vs 50 mm
  • 10 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (10 W vs 20 W).
    10 W vs 20 W
  • 5 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (65 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    65 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

S
senses.se
17/10/2025
Summary of the review
Review: JBL - Horizon 3 - Senses.se
G
gamereactor.fr
18/11/2025
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon 3: Let me know if you need links to reviews in other languages (such as English or Scandinavian sites) or a technical comparison of its au...
(Translated)Show original
G
gamereactor.es
18 de noviembre de 2025
Summary of the review
Hardware Review: JBL Horizon 3 - Gamereactor
(Translated)Show original
L
larazon.es
12/09/2025
Summary of the review
JBL Horizon 3 Review: The Clock Radio That Sounds (and Looks) Way Better Than You'd Expect
(Translated)Show original
5
5top.nl
15/07/2025
Summary of the review
The 5 best clock radios of 2026 tested
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about JBL Horizon 3

  • Good sound quality with impressive stereo output and rich bass performance
  • Attractive and sleek modern design with rounded edges that blend well into bedroom decor
  • Useful built-in ambient light with a gradual sunrise simulator to wake up gently
  • Convenient USB-C port for fast charging phones and other electronic devices overnight
  • Intuitive controls featuring a large rotary knob, soft-touch buttons, and JBL One app integration
  • Automatic time synchronization from phones or digital radio signals
  • Includes Auracast support for linking multiple compatible speakers together

What customers don't like about JBL Horizon 3

  • Lacks an internal rechargeable battery and operates strictly on mains AC power, reducing portability
  • DAB and radio reception can be weak or unsatisfactory due to a short integrated antenna
  • Inability to set custom music playlists (like Spotify) as a personalized wake-up alarm
  • Built-in ambient sound loops for sleeping are noticeably short
  • Display auto-dimming can still feel too bright in a completely dark room for some users

Verdict

The JBL Horizon 3 is a clock radio and Bluetooth speaker featuring two 1.5-inch full-range drivers that deliver an output power of 2 x 5W RMS, a frequency response of 65 Hz to 20 kHz, and Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Auracast connectivity. Main characteristics and pros include its dual alarms, integrated FM/DAB+ radio, a large frosted LCD display, a convenient 5V/3A USB-C device charging port, and customizable ambient backlighting with a sunrise effect managed via the JBL One app. However, it is held back by a lack of native battery operation for standalone portability, short loops for its built-in nature sounds, and an inability to use personalized streaming music for your wake-up alarm.

Compare JBL Horizon 3 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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