JBL Playlist Review | 130 Data compared

The Computer Bild review awards the JBL Playlist a "satisfactory" (2.7) rating, highlighting its strong Google Chromecast integration for seamless multiroom audio streaming. While praised for versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AUX, the speaker is criticized for a narrow soundstage and a setup process that is highly susceptible to interference.

The LowBeats review highlights the JBL Playlist as a powerful wireless speaker offering impressive, room-filling sound and deep bass for its price, with versatile connectivity including Google Chromecast and Spotify Connect. While praising the easy setup and multi-room functionality, the review notes cons such as high susceptibility to network connection drops, a lack of brilliance in high frequencies, and no built-in equalizer.

The Area DVD review labels the JBL Playlist an "acoustic streaming multi-talent," praising its excellent value, integrated Chromecast functionality, stable dual-band Wi-Fi, and impressive, clear, bass-heavy audio performance. While the speaker boasts high-quality construction and a sleek design, it is limited by a lack of an internal battery and a vulnerable rear passive radiator.

The Heise review finds the JBL Playlist to be a competitively priced compact multiroom speaker offering good sound quality and versatile connectivity via Google Cast, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm Aux input. Key drawbacks include a lack of native Amazon Music support, inability to pair units for stereo, and limited expansion options within JBL's ecosystem at the time of testing.

The JBL Playlist is a powerful, affordable network speaker that excels with high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio streaming via built-in Chromecast, dual-band Wi-Fi, and impressive bass from an exposed rear passive radiator. The review notes ease of setup for multi-room audio, though, as a con, it lacks a battery for portability and is hindered by a very short power cord that restricts placement options.

According to a test featured on Welt, the JBL Playlist, rated 2.7 (satisfactory), is a Wi-Fi speaker with built-in Chromecast supporting high-quality audio streaming, broad app compatibility, and simple operation. While lauded for superior sound over Bluetooth and, it is limited by a lack of support for Apple Music and Amazon Prime Music, alongside some functional quirks.

The JBL Playlist is a compact €180 Wi-Fi speaker featuring Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm input, praised for its strong, dynamic audio performance and seamless multiroom control. While offering excellent connectivity, the review notes the speaker lacks a built-in battery for portability and is missing integrated microphones for smart assistant functionality.

The JBL Playlist earned a "very good" rating and "Highlight" award from audiovision for its adult, lively sound, excellent spatial separation, and crisp speech. Its strengths include a powerful, detailed bass alongside seamless connectivity options featuring Google Chromecast, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, while limitations include a lack of internal battery and restricted access to detailed test data.

The HiFi-Journal review highlights the JBL Playlist as a compact, oval-shaped active stereo Wi-Fi speaker featuring integrated Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth 4.2 for robust high-resolution streaming. While praised for its impressive, room-filling sound and potent bass, the speaker lacks a built-in battery, meaning it requires constant mains power, which limits its portability. Further, user reviews note a plastic-heavy finish and a short power cable as drawbacks, despite its strong audio performance.

The JBL Playlist home speaker is described as a well-performing, budget-friendly device with clear audio, deep bass, and convenient, built-in Google Chromecast and Spotify Connect functionality. While it offers excellent versatility for multi-room audio, the speaker lacks an internal battery, requiring a constant AC connection, and it is more optimized for Android users than iOS users.