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 Link 20 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:10 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:4.2Weight: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.

6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 60% of portable speakers
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–²Better than 59%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

32%

6.3

Audio

20%

6.4

Battery

18%

7.7

Durability

16%

6.4

Connectivity

8%

8.5

Controls

3%

8.4

Design

3%

7.6

Smart features

â–²Better than 69%
?

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    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.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Link 20

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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–² Better than 69% of models
Score components:

32%

6.3

Audio

20%

6.4

Battery

18%

7.7

Durability

16%

6.4

Connectivity

8%

8.5

Controls

3%

8.4

Design

3%

7.6

Smart features

6.9
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
JBL Link 20 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
7.7/ 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–² Better than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.7
Audio output power
20 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 20 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
50 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 50 mm which is larger than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10.2% 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
4.2
Market range: <3 – >5.3
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
Market range: <10 m – >30 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; HFP; HSP
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
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker 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
6,000 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker 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
4 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 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
10 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker 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
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
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
Market range: <0 m – >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
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
top
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
950 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker 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
21 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker 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
9.3 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker 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
9.3 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker 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
handle
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
OTA
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 20 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
  • 3,400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    6,000 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • 3,400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 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
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 8.8 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (9.3 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    9.3 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.
  • 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
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 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.
  • 5 fewer paired devices remembered
    This portable speaker remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (3 vs 8).
    3 vs 8
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 8.6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (21 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    21 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 4.21x less popular
    JBL Link 20 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 2x more expensive
    JBL Link 20 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • 5 fewer paired devices remembered
    This portable speaker remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (3 vs 8).
    3 vs 8
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    10 hours vs 12 hours
  • 8.6 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (21 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    21 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

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

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 don't like 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

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.

Compare JBL Link 20 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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