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JBL Link 20 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£180
  • Avg. price in US: ~$200
  • Audio output power: 20.00 W
  • Battery life: 10 hours
  • IP rating: IPX7
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 950 g

JBL Link 20 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.

7.0

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%

7.0

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.0

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%

6.5

Audio

20.0%

6.4

Battery

18.0%

7.7

Durability

16.0%

6.4

Connectivity

8.0%

8.8

Controls

3.0%

8.4

Design

3.0%

7.6

Smart features

Very good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.9
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    5.7

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

  • 5.3
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 8.5
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.2

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £180

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 Link 20 is a voice-activated portable smart speaker equipped with dual 50mm drivers delivering 2 x 10W of output power, a frequency response of 65Hz–20kHz, and 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio streaming. Key hardware features include dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 4.2, built-in Google Assistant with far-field voice recognition, and integrated Chromecast for multi-room playback. It is powered by a 6000mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery offering up to 10 hours of playtime and a rugged, IPX7-rated waterproof fabric design. Its main advantages are seamless smart home ecosystem integration, reliable hands-free voice controls, and high durability for outdoor usage. However, notable drawbacks include its slow startup boot times, lack of a 3.5mm auxiliary input, an outdated micro-USB charging port, and a somewhat underwhelming bass response.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Link 20

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%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

7.0
JBL Link 20 has a technical score of 6.96 points, which is higher than 58.1% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
JBL Link 20 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% 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%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.7
JBL Link 20 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 40.7% 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

20.00 W
JBL Link 20 has an audio output power of 20.00 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 20.00 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

50.00 mm
JBL Link 20 has a driver unit size of 50.00 mm which is larger than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 50.00 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 Link 20 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

65.00 Hz
JBL Link 20 has a lowest frequency of 65.00 Hz which is higher than that of 57.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 65.00 Hz.
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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 Link 20 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

4.2
JBL Link 20 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.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
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

10.00 m
JBL Link 20 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 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 Link 20 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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

10 hours
JBL Link 20 has a battery life of 10 hours which is shorter than that of 53.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 12.9% of portable speakers.
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

6,000 mAh
JBL Link 20 has a battery capacity of 6,000 mAh which is larger than that of 88.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.5% of portable speakers.
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

4 hours
JBL Link 20 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
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

10 W
JBL Link 20 has a maximum charging input power of 10 W which is higher than that of 44.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 26.1% of portable speakers.
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

yes
JBL Link 20 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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+

IPX7
JBL Link 20 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
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

yes
JBL Link 20 is water resistant. 38.3% 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

yes
JBL Link 20 is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

1 m
JBL Link 20 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
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 Link 20 lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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

top
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 Link 20 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

yes
JBL Link 20 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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 Link 20 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 Link 20 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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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

950 g
JBL Link 20 weighs 950 g which is heavier than that of 54.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

21 cm
JBL Link 20 has a height of 21 cm which is taller than that of 79.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% 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

9.3 cm
JBL Link 20 has a width of 9.3 cm which is narrower than that of 78.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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

9.3 cm
JBL Link 20 has a depth of 9.3 cm which is deeper than that of 57.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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

handle
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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

Google Home
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 Link 20 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

OTA
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

yes
JBL Link 20 supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct 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 Link 20 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
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JBL Link 20 vs the average portable speaker

  • 2 more multipoint connections
    JBL Link 20 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 3.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    JBL Link 20 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).3 vs 1
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    JBL Link 20 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    JBL Link 20 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Link 20 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    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

    JBL Link 20 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).1 m vs 0 m
  • 3,400 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Link 20 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    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

    JBL Link 20 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).6000 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    JBL Link 20 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
    What it is: Indicates whether sound is spread evenly in all directions.
    When it matters: When even sound coverage around the speaker matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    JBL Link 20 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    JBL Link 20 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
    Supports Chromecast built-in.
    What it is: Shows whether Chromecast is integrated for direct casting.
    When it matters: When direct casting from compatible apps matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Link 20 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Link 20 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 Link 20 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    JBL Link 20 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Link 20 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    JBL Link 20 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Link 20 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more microphones
    JBL Link 20 has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    JBL Link 20 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    JBL Link 20 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    JBL Link 20 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    JBL Link 20 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Wi-Fi standard detailed
    JBL Link 20 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
  • 3,400 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Link 20 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Includes a power adapter
    JBL Link 20 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Link 20 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
  • Better ingress protection
    JBL Link 20 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
  • Has an equalizer
    JBL Link 20 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports party mode
    JBL Link 20 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    JBL Link 20 has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
  • Supports playback mute
    JBL Link 20 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a sleep timer
    JBL Link 20 has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • 8.8 cm narrower
    JBL Link 20 is narrower than the average portable speaker (9.3 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • Supports multi-room audio
    JBL Link 20 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports voice assistants
    JBL Link 20 supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    JBL Link 20 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    JBL Link 20 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Link 20 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 90.00 dB.
  • 5 Hz less deep bass extension
    JBL Link 20 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (65 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 65.00 Hz.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    JBL Link 20 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.
  • 5 fewer paired devices remembered
    JBL Link 20 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (3 vs 8).
    Remembered Bluetooth devices: 3.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Link 20 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    JBL Link 20 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    JBL Link 20 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 8.6 cm taller
    JBL Link 20 is taller than the average portable speaker (21 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    JBL Link 20 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    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

    JBL Link 20 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).4 hours vs 3 hours
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    JBL Link 20 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 Link 20 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    JBL Link 20 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.
    What it is: Indicates whether a standard 3.5 mm analog audio socket is present.
    When it matters: When you need a reliable wired analog audio connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Link 20 does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 5 fewer paired devices remembered
    JBL Link 20 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (3 vs 8).
    Remembered Bluetooth devices: 3.
    What it is: The number of previously paired devices the speaker can remember.
    When it matters: When many household devices reconnect to the speaker regularly.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 8

    JBL Link 20 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (3 vs 8).3 vs 8
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    JBL Link 20 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    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

    JBL Link 20 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).10 hours vs 12 hours
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Link 20 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
    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

    JBL Link 20 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Link 20 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 90.00 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 Link 20 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).90.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 8.6 cm taller
    JBL Link 20 is taller than the average portable speaker (21 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    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

    JBL Link 20 is taller than the average portable speaker (21 cm vs 12.4 cm).21 cm vs 12.4 cm
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Design

Graphic comparison of JBL Link 20 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Link 20?

  • Excellent, well-balanced sound quality that can fill large rooms without distortion
  • Hands-free Google Assistant voice control functionality directly built-in
  • Fully IPX7 waterproof and rugged design, making it safe for outdoor use and showers
  • Dual connectivity options with both Wi-Fi streaming and standard Bluetooth pairing
  • Chromecast built-in allowing for seamless multi-room audio speaker grouping
  • Substantially louder audio and deeper depth than the original Google Home speaker
  • Highly sensitive microphones that successfully pick up voice commands even over loud music

What customers dislike about JBL Link 20?

  • Slow boot-up and network connection time when first powering on the device
  • Auto-sleep battery saving feature completely shuts down the voice assistant capabilities
  • Noticeable soundstage compression and a lack of deep bass thump at maximum volumes
  • Lacks a physical 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack for wired devices
  • Inability to make native phone calls directly through the speaker via Google Assistant
  • Known hardware durability issues regarding the micro-USB charging port flap over time

Expert reviews

W
whathifi.com
24/05/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 review - What Hi-Fi?
C
cnet.com
13/02/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 review: No Alexa, but still a top voice-enabled portable Wi-Fi speaker
T
trustedreviews.com
19/02/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Review
T
tomsguide.com
02/03/2021
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 review: Google Assistant in a portable bluetooth speaker
T
techradar.com
14/12/2017
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Google Assistant smart speaker review - TechRadar
S
soundguys.com
16/04/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Review - SoundGuys
D
digitaltrends.com
12/05/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Review - Digital Trends
E
expertreviews.co.uk
24/08/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 review: Google Assistant makes a splash on JBL's portable speaker
W
wired.com
18/12/2017
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Link Speakers (with Google Assistant) - WIRED If you need any specific metrics compared, I can compile a performance table or pull battery...
L
lowbeats.de
09/12/2017
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 review with Google Assistant: Big Brother inside
(Translated)Show original
A
audiovision.de
25/03/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 (Review) - audiovision
(Translated)Show original
A
allround-pc.com
01/02/2018
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Link 20 - All-Round PC
(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
01/02/2018
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Link 20 Streaming/Google Assistant Speaker
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
30/11/2017
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Review: Speaker with Google Assistant
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi-journal.de
05/09/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Review
(Translated)Show original
N
netzwelt.de
30/11/2017
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Review: The Better Google Home?
(Translated)Show original
L
lite-magazin.de
27/05/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20: Waterproof wireless speaker with Google Assistant
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
06/02/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Speaker Review: A Compelling Alternative to Google Home
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
11/03/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Lab Test: Everything to please
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
19/10/2017
Summary of the review
We tested the JBL Link 20 speaker: how good is the first Google Home alternative?
(Translated)Show original
C
cnetfrance.fr
20/02/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20: The Best Alternative to Google Home
(Translated)Show original
A
audio-power.fr
N/A
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 review
(Translated)Show original
D
dday.it
27/06/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 Review: Google Assistant on the Go and at the Beach
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
25/05/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20: sounds good and Google Assistant makes the difference DDay.it +1
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
22/01/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20 & Link 10 - Digital Audio & Video
(Translated)Show original
M
motorbox.com
13/12/2018
Summary of the review
JBL Link 20: How the Speaker Works with Google Home
(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
19/08/2019
Summary of the review
Seven Google Assistant speakers tested - JBL Link 20
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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