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 Link 10 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£80Audio output power:16.00 WBattery life:5 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:710 g

JBL Link 10 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.

6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▼Worse than 72% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 71%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

6.4

Audio

20%

4.8

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

5.4

Controls

3%

8.7

Design

3%

7.6

Smart features

▼Worse than 62%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £80
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Link 10

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

6.4

Audio

20%

4.8

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

5.4

Controls

3%

8.7

Design

3%

7.6

Smart features

6.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
JBL Link 10 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Audio output power
16 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 16 W which is lower than that of 54.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.6% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
40 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 40 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
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
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
4.2
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
5 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 5 hours which is shorter than that of 91.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 5.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
4,000 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh which is larger than that of 70.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.9% of portable speakers.
Charging time
4 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 4 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 19.3% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
5 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 5 W which is lower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 38.5% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; side; rear
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
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
710 g
This portable speaker weighs 710 g which is lighter than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
16.9 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 16.9 cm which is taller than that of 65.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Width
8.6 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 8.6 cm which is narrower than that of 83.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Depth
8.6 cm
This portable speaker 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
none
Show more
Companion app name
Google Home
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
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

JBL Link 10 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • 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 microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 1,400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 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 microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Wi-Fi standard detailed
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 1,400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 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 a hardware microphone mute switch
    This portable speaker has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
    Has a physical microphone mute control.
  • 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.
  • 9.5 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (8.6 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    8.6 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 7 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 12 hours).
    5 hours vs 12 hours
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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 stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 4.21x less popular
    JBL Link 10 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 1.3% worse value for money
    JBL Link 10 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.45 vs 7.5).
    7.45 vs 7.55
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • 4 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (16 W vs 20 W).
    16 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.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 7 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 12 hours).
    5 hours vs 12 hours
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 4.5 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (16.9 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    16.9 cm vs 12.4 cm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
05/01/2018
Summary of the review
A
au.pcmag.com
06/01/2018
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
28/02/2018
Summary of the review
M
majorhifi.com
03/04/2018
Summary of the review
M
majorhifi.com
11/04/2018
Summary of the review
P
phonearena.com
02/05/2018
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
31/07/2018
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
05/01/2018
Summary of the review
C
computerbild.de
30/11/2017
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
18/07/2018
Summary of the review
N
nextpit.de
09/12/2017
Summary of the review
H
hifi-journal.de
05/01/2018
Summary of the review
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
13/02/2018
Summary of the review
C
cnetfrance.fr
08/03/2018
Summary of the review
A
afdigitale.it
22/01/2019
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Link 10

  • Built-in Google Assistant allowing for independent, hands-free voice control over Wi-Fi
  • IPX7 waterproof and rugged design, making it safe for pool parties or outdoor use
  • Dual connectivity options with support for both Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Bluetooth streaming
  • Integrated Chromecast for direct multi-room streaming from supported audio apps
  • Clear vocals and rich mid-range audio performance that outperforms the standard Google Home
  • Compact and lightweight cylindrical form factor that is easy to carry around

What customers don't like about JBL Link 10

  • Short battery life providing only up to 5 hours of continuous playback time
  • Lacks deep or punchy bass response, which can disappoint bass-heavy music listeners
  • Audio starts to distort or sound harsh when pushed near maximum volume levels
  • Missing native software capabilities found on standard Google Home devices, such as phone calling and adjustable EQ (bass/treble) settings
  • Uses an outdated micro-USB port for charging instead of modern USB-C, and takes up to 4 hours to fully charge
  • No wall plug adapter included in the retail box, only the micro-USB cable

Verdict

The JBL Link 10 is a rugged, voice-activated portable stereo speaker measuring 8.6 x 16.9 cm and weighing 670g, featuring dual 45mm transducers that deliver a total power output of 16W (2 x 8W) across a frequency response range of 65Hz to 20kHz. Key advantages include dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, built-in Google Assistant with far-field voice recognition, integrated Chromecast for multi-room streaming, and a fully waterproof IPX7-rated chassis that allows submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. However, its 4,000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers a relatively short playback runtime of up to 5 hours (requiring a 4-hour recharge), and the speaker suffers from a slow boot-up time of 20 to 30 seconds along with noticeable audio distortion at high volume levels.

Compare JBL Link 10 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of JBL Link 10 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

No results found