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The JBL Flip 6 leads the charge in a slew of new speaker and headset releases
- The JBL Flip 6 portable Bluetooth speaker features a better battery life and durability rating over the Flip 5.
- The company expanded its line of Partybox speakers with the 710 and 110, the latter of which is available now.
- It added a host of true wireless earbuds to its portfolio, growing the Reflect Flow, Tune, and Endurance lines; alongside the Quantum 350 gaming headset and JBL JR460NC kids headphones.
While we’ve known for some time that IFA 2021 is a no-go, this didn’t stop JBL from refreshing its line of speakers, headphones, and earbuds when the convention would have taken place. Out of this deluge of noise-cancelling earbuds, party speakers, and headphones, something is bound to catch your eye. The product that’s likely to draw the most attention, though, is the JBL Flip 6.
JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip series of Bluetooth speakers is one of the most ubiquitous around. The Flip 6 promises to improve upon the generation before it with better sound quality and a more durable IP67 dust- and water-resistant build. The Flip 6 has a dual-passive radiator system, along with the woofer and tweeter which should yield better audio quality.
Related: Everything you need to know about IP and ATM ratings
Just like the Flip 5, the Flip 6 works with JBL PartyBoost, so you can connect two PartyBoost speakers together for stereo playback. PartyBoost also lets you wirelessly connect up to 100 compatible speakers for loud mono playback. JBL added Bluetooth 5.1 firmware to this everyday speaker and a more impressive 12-hour battery life.
The JBL Flip 6 will be available in December in the US and will cost $129.95. JBL will release the Flip 6 in Europe this November for €139. It comes in five color variants: Grey Stone, River Teal, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, or Squad.
JBL Partybox 110 and Partybox 710
The JBL Partybox 110 and Partybox 710 both make it possible to take the party anywhere. These speakers have plenty in common like an IPX4 rating, Bluetooth and USB inputs, and support through the JBL PartyBox app. When music is streamed through the Partybox, a synchronized light show emits from the embedded RGB lights. When multiple Partybox speakers are in close proximity, you can use JBL’s one-touch true wireless stereo to link them for double the volume. Musically inclined owners can even plug in a guitar and microphone into either Partybox.
Differences between the two speakers have much to do with power output. The Partybox 710 has an 800W RMS output that handily outperforms the Partybox 110’s 160W output. The larger Partybox also has wheels. The 110 model has something the 710 lacks: 12 hours of battery life. Unlike the Partybox 710, the smaller speaker doesn’t require a power source to work.
The JBL PartyBox 110 is available now for $399.95/€359, and the JBL PartyBox 710 will be available on November 14, in the US for $799.95 and will reach Europe in October for €749.
JBL Quantum 350
The Quantum 350 joins the ranks of JBL’s other gaming headsets and uses a familiar 2.4GHz USB dongle adapter for lossless, lag-free wireless streaming. PC gamers can use the JBL QuantumEngine software to customize the headset, which sports the company’s QuantumSound profile and works with JBL QuantumSurround. As we’ve seen before, the Quantum 350 wields a Discord-certified detachable boom mic.
It has a 22-hour battery life and just five minutes of charging over the included USB-C cable provides 60 minutes of use. The comfortable, lightweight build enables hours-long gaming sessions thanks to the leatherette memory foam ear pads. Gamers of all varieties will enjoy the $99.95/€119 Quantum 350 once it’s released this month.
JBL Reflect Flow Pro
The Reflect Flow Pro true wireless earphones support both active noise-cancelling (ANC) and Smart Ambient mode, the latter of which amplifies background noise to keep you aware of your surroundings. Six embedded microphones promote clear voice transmission for conference calls and assist with ANC. These versatile earbuds also merit an IP68 rating, making them just as at home on the beach as they would be on your next run.
Battery life is quite good with eight hours of playtime when noise-cancelling is on and an extra 20 hours of playback from the wireless charging case. The case can fast charge the earbuds with 10 minutes of charge providing 60 minutes of playtime. You can say, “Hey Google” to activate the digital assistant, and the headset uses Bluetooth 5.0 to connect to your smartphone. Either earbud may be used independently thanks to JBL Dual Connect + Sync. This lets you determine which earbud you want to use for phone calls, and designate certain functions to one earpiece over the other.
The JBL Headphones App makes it easy to customize the touch controls on these everyday earbuds. The JBL Reflect Flow Pro will be available on November 14, for $179.95/€179.
JBL Tune 230NC and Tune 130NC
The Tune 230NC and Tune 130NC share a number of features, with the former being the more premium headset. Let’s start with the similarities. Both pairs of ANC true wireless earbuds boast an eight-hour battery life with ANC on, and an extra 24 hours of playtime from the case. Fast charging efficiency is also identical: 10 minutes of charge supplies 60 minutes of playtime. Both the Tune 230NC and Tune 130NC use Bluetooth 5.2, support Dual Connect + Sync, house a four-microphone array, and work with the JBL Headphones app.
So what about the differences? Well, the Tune 230 have a popular stemmed design that contrasts the Tune 130’s traditional earbud design. Another difference: the JBL Tune 230NC use 5.8mm dynamic drivers — quite a bit smaller compared to the Tune 130NC’s 10mm drivers. This may sound odd since many believe that larger drivers are better, but it isn’t quite that simple.
Both the JBL Tune 230NC and JBL Tune 130NC will be available on October 17, for $99.95/€99, and both models come in three color options: black, white, and blue.
JBL Endurance Race
The Endurance Race true wireless earbuds join the company’s activity-themed headsets. These earbuds feature an IP67 rating that protects them against dust and water damage, a small footprint, and fast charging. The Endurance Race last 10 hours on a single charge, and the case provides an extra 20 hours of playtime. Just 10 minutes in the case provides 60 minutes of listening, which means you never have to worry about a dead battery ruining your workout.
Other features include JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound profile, interchangeable ear tips, and Ambient Aware listening, all for $79.95/€68.24. The JBL Endurance Race will be available in black on October 17.
JBL JR 460NC
Kids (3-10 years old) aren’t forgotten with this litany of releases; the wireless JBL JR 460NC are the first JBL JR headphones to include active noise-cancelling. ANC and JBL Safe Sound, an onboard volume limiter that caps output to 85dB, work together to protect your child’s hearing against external noise and unsafe playback volume. These headphones even have an integrated microphone, so your child can easily participate in any virtual schooling.
The JR 460NC last 20 hours and support fast charging. JBL designed these headphones to withstand wear and tear without breakage, and the detachable 3.5mm cable is perfect for console gaming, and for when the battery depletes.
The JBL JR 460NC will be available this month for $79.95.