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JBL Pulse Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£210
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Audio output power: 40.00 W
  • Battery life: 12 hours
  • IP rating: IPX7
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: ?

JBL Pulse 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.

6.6

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%

6.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.6

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%

5.8

Audio

20.0%

6.3

Battery

18.0%

8.0

Durability

16.0%

6.2

Connectivity

8.0%

8.1

Controls

3.0%

8.3

Design

3.0%

6.3

Smart features

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

  • 7.8
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    5.7

    IP rating

    20.0%

    ?

    Weight

    15.0%

    5.2

    Battery life

  • 6.5
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    5.6

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    5.2

    Battery life

    15.0%

    ?

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 4.9
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    5.6

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    ?

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £210

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 Pulse 5 is a portable Bluetooth 5.3 speaker delivering 40W RMS of total output power through a 30W woofer and a 10W tweeter, featuring a frequency response of 58 Hz to 20 kHz. Its standout pro is the highly customizable, vibrant 360-degree LED light show that dynamically syncs to the music rhythm, alongside a rugged IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating and up to 12 hours of battery life. However, notable cons include the complete absence of physical volume and playback controls on the device, a relatively heavy weight of 1.47 kg (3.2 lbs), and an outer acrylic shell that is highly prone to smudges and fingerprints.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Pulse

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

6.6
JBL Pulse has a technical score of 6.62 points, which is lower than 61.9% 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 Pulse 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%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

7.5
JBL Pulse has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is lower than 68.8% 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

40.00 W
JBL Pulse has an audio output power of 40.00 W which is higher than that of 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.7% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 40.00 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

40.00 mm
JBL Pulse has a driver unit size of 40.00 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 40.00 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 Pulse 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

6.00 dB
JBL Pulse has a frequency response tolerance of 6.00 dB which is higher than that of 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 16.7% of portable speakers.
Frequency-response tolerance: ±6.00 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

58.00 Hz
JBL Pulse has a lowest frequency of 58.00 Hz which is lower than that of 53.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 58.00 Hz.
Show more
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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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

?
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

?
Show more
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

12 hours
JBL Pulse has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% 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

4,000 mAh
JBL Pulse 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
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

3 hours
JBL Pulse has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% 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

5 W
JBL Pulse 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
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 Pulse has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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

yes
JBL Pulse resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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

?
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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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

?
Show more
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

?
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

21.4 cm
JBL Pulse has a height of 21.4 cm which is taller than that of 81.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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

9.6 cm
JBL Pulse has a width of 9.6 cm which is narrower than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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

7.9 cm
JBL Pulse has a depth of 7.9 cm which is shallower than that of 54.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% 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

strap
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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

JBL Portable
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 Pulse 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 Pulse 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 Pulse does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

JBL Pulse vs the average portable speaker

  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Pulse 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 Pulse 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
    JBL Pulse 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 Pulse provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    JBL Pulse includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Pulse includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    JBL Pulse has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 2.
    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 Pulse has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    JBL Pulse has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 app eq bands.
    What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
    When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5 bands

    JBL Pulse has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).3 vs 0
  • Has an equalizer
    JBL Pulse 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 Pulse has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    JBL Pulse resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
    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

    JBL Pulse resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    JBL Pulse has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 40.00 W.
    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

    JBL Pulse has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20.00 W).40.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    JBL Pulse provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    JBL Pulse includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    JBL Pulse has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    JBL Pulse has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    JBL Pulse has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
  • 1,400 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Pulse has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Pulse has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
  • Resists accidental impacts
    JBL Pulse resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Better ingress protection
    JBL Pulse has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    JBL Pulse has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    JBL Pulse has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    JBL Pulse has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports party mode
    JBL Pulse supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Has a sleep timer
    JBL Pulse has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • 8.5 cm narrower
    JBL Pulse is narrower than the average portable speaker (9.6 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • Supports voice assistants
    JBL Pulse supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    JBL Pulse supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features
  • 3 dB wider frequency-response tolerance
    JBL Pulse has a wider frequency-response tolerance than the average portable speaker (6 dB vs 3.00 dB).
    Frequency-response tolerance: ±6.00 dB.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Pulse has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 6 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Pulse has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (86 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 86.00 dB.
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    JBL Pulse has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
  • 37 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    JBL Pulse has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (64 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 64.00 mm.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Pulse has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    JBL Pulse has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    JBL Pulse has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    JBL Pulse does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 9 cm taller
    JBL Pulse is taller than the average portable speaker (21.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 6 older
    JBL Pulse was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2013.
  • 3 dB wider frequency-response tolerance
    JBL Pulse has a wider frequency-response tolerance than the average portable speaker (6 dB vs 3.00 dB).
    Frequency-response tolerance: ±6.00 dB.
    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

    JBL Pulse has a wider frequency-response tolerance than the average portable speaker (6 dB vs 3.00 dB).6.00 dB vs 3.00 dB
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Pulse has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    JBL Pulse has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • 6 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Pulse has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (86 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 86.00 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 Pulse has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (86 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).86.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    JBL Pulse has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 40.00 mm.
    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

    JBL Pulse has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50.00 mm).40.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    JBL Pulse has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    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

    JBL Pulse 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
    JBL Pulse has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= -10 °C

    JBL Pulse has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 37 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    JBL Pulse has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (64 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 64.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of the integrated subwoofer driver.
    When it matters: When the built-in subwoofer needs to move more air for stronger bass.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 75 mm

    JBL Pulse has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (64 mm vs 101 mm).64.00 mm vs 101 mm
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Pulse 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 Pulse has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features

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

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about JBL Pulse?

  • Stunning and highly customizable 360-degree LED light show
  • Excellent build quality with rugged, durable construction
  • IP67/IPX7 dustproof and waterproof rating suitable for pools and beaches
  • Clear, loud vocal delivery and precise mid-range performance
  • Convenient app integration for tailored EQ and light pattern setups
  • Seamless multi-speaker pairing capabilities via JBL PartyBoost

What customers dislike about JBL Pulse?

  • Noticeable lack of deep sub-bass performance compared to standard portable speakers
  • Absence of physical onboard media playback and volume controls on newer models
  • Glossy outer acrylic body easily collects fingerprints, smudges, and scratches
  • Noticeably heavy and bulky for its form factor, reducing ultra-portability
  • Relatively short battery life when operating the light show at maximum brightness
  • Lacks premium connectivity features such as an auxiliary input or speakerphone microphone

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
21/11/2013
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse portable Bluetooth speaker review - CNET
P
pcmag.com
23/01/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse Review - PCMag
T
techradar.com
18/02/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse Wireless Bluetooth Speaker review - TechRadar
T
techwelike.com
15/03/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review – #HearTheTruth
T
tomsguide.com
30/04/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse Bluetooth Speaker Review: See Your Music - Tom's Guide
U
uk.pcmag.com
19/02/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse Review - PCMag UK
A
areadvd.de
21/08/2014
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Pulse Portable Bluetooth Speaker - AREA DVD
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
30/10/2013
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse: The portable speaker that lights up your playlists
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
14/11/2013
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Pulse, a Bluetooth speaker that lights up your music
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
09/01/2014
Summary of the review
Review: The Sound and Light Show of the JBL Pulse Speaker
(Translated)Show original
E
enceintesbluetooth.fr
12/02/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse Review: The Bluetooth Speaker That Puts on a Show
(Translated)Show original
W
wearemobians.com
13/12/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse Bluetooth Speaker – Sound and Light Show
(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
22/12/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: A Celebration of Music and Colours
(Translated)Show original
I
igizmo.it
15/07/2020
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4: Bluetooth speaker or designer lamp? Much more
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
24/11/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse 4 Review: Good sound and many more colors
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
26/11/2014
Summary of the review
JBL Pulse - THWIT - Product reviews
(Translated)Show original
G
gadgetgear.nl
19/12/2013
Summary of the review
Review: JBL Pulse wireless speaker
(Translated)Show original

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