JBL Playlist Bluetooth Speaker Review

JBL has created an enhanced high-tech home speaker that comes with a built-in Google Chromecast technology with Wi-Fi connection capabilities. The JBL Playlist enables the user to stream music, podcasts, and radio channels instantly from their smartphones or laptop computers. Unlike any other Bluetooth portable speaker, with the Playlist the user can obtain a high-quality sound due in part to its Wi-Fi access. With the Playlist speaker, listeners have the advantage of connecting to other JBL speakers to further amplify the speakers sound. By accessing applications such as Spotify and Pandora, the Bluetooth speaker has access to an unlimited amount of song and podcast options. If you are like most and seem to be more familiar with Bluetooth portable speaker options, keep in mind that the JBL Playlist contains various warranty options that allow the user to have some peace of mind when considering this investment. The Playlist however is designed for whatever it is you might have in mind — it can sit on the kitchen counter, next to you in a camp site, or even be elegantly presented in high-class environments. Let us take a look at some of the unique features that the JBL Playlist offers.

Features of the JBL Playlist speaker

• Spotify and Pandora connect ability for the optimal way to listen to your music
• 24bit/96kHz for enhanced sound quality powered by the cloud
• Built-in Google Cast to easily cast your music to your speakers
• Multi-room control with the Google Cast app
• Simplified set up that contains a step by step guide
• 3.5 mm Bluetooth music playback
• One Touch feature to play your favorite playlists instantaneously
• Dual band Wi-Fi

Overall portable speaker standouts

As opposed to a lot of other Bluetooth speakers under $200 in the Playlist’s price range, this one is a standout not because of its sound quality, power, or even BT range\battery life. By incorporating Google Chromecast, the JBL Playlist offers an affordable and convenient way to directly send music from your phone to your speaker. Is this a new trend? Getting rid of having to fiddle around with different apps in your smart device altogether? We’ll let the years play out to see, but right now we’re definitely impressed, especially if you’re a Chromecast user. This technology enables the user to instantaneously access their favorite music and audio channels from their favorite music apps such as Spotify and Pandora without having to worry about Bluetooth. Due to Wi-Fi accessibility, the user can enjoy higher audio quality, as the music is being sent from the iCloud instead of from a mobile device, creating a higher quality sound. The cheapest option is without a doubt Chromecast, simply plug into your HDMI and play on your television. Alternatives include Google cast as well as Android TV which provide nearly the same quality.

By using the JBL Playlist you can fully utilize this alternative technology to enjoy your music more cost effectively. In addition to built-in Google tech, the Playlist comes with impressive one touch features that allow you to play your favorite songs instantly. The built-in Chromecast feature that the JBL Playlist offers is truly helpful to the listener, as you can continue using your phone while enjoying music. Often times while enjoying music from the internet, it is required to stop listening in order to respond to a text or check an email. With the Playlist’s Chromecast, you can now continue using your speaker while using your phone to utilize your apps, send texts, or even answer a phone call without any interruption or emptying your speaker’s battery. Not too bad!

One of the major advantages of the Chromecast features is that the JBL Playlist can connect it with other speakers and further use it to intensify your sound. By utilizing the Playlists Multi-Room capabilities, this is a home speaker system that is perfect for parties and can easily be used to enjoy music in every room. Simply set up your portable speaker system and use the Google Home app to dictate your multi-room playback. The playlist comes with a guide, to clear up any confusion as well.  Whether you are in you are upstairs, downstairs, or even in the garage, if you have a JBL Playlist connected you can enjoy the music throughout the house.

Additional JBL Playlist speaker features

In addition to some of the internet features previously mentioned, the JBL Playlist offers Dual Band Wi-Fi providing optimal flexibility for the listener. Dual Band accessibility essentially creates a network that is capable of transmitting in either of the two different 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels as well as connectivity up to 802.11ac network device. Dual Band enables wireless home connection to move significantly faster, as well as creates more stability and infrequent dysfunction with your internet.

Ultimately, the JBL Playlist allows for a simple setup and an easily usable product. Google Cast facilitates additional options as to how you can fully enjoy this speaker. The multi-room control feature generates an easier set up for your system as well as contains a step by step in-app guide that makes life a whole lot easier while attempting to stream your music.

Additionally, like most Bluetooth home speaker systems, the Playlist features passive radiators that lets you literally feel the bass performance. The passive radiator is often an overlooked aspect of the speaker system, regardless of it being a Bluetooth portable speaker, or something larger. The passive radiator system essentially makes it easier for the system to generate the deepest possible pitch. Often times, these pitches can be difficult, and even damaging for the speaker to produce.

Conclusion of the JBL Playlist

While considering the pros and cons of the JBL playlist it is important to remember the enhanced technological features that comes with this speaker and for a relatively higher-than-most price. The Playlist is a little different from your typical Bluetooth portable speaker, but when you consider the Google Chromecast features as well as the enhanced Dual Band Wi-Fi that is provided, it’s hard to refute that the Playlist is just as good, if not better than the rest. If you have the cash and these few specific features are keen to your eye, we say grab it and don’t look back.

Of course, if you’re into multi-room and don’t have other speakers, you’ll have to buy a few more of course, so fact that into your budget as well. The simplicity of the Playlist also mitigates further doubts and inhibitions when considering this product. You can of course always read our top Bluetooth speakers guide if you want some other models to compare and contrast, but a lot of them definitely aren’t as unique as this one (for now).

Often times people come to me and say certain electronic products were a pain to set up, and they need help from their friends. Well, the Playlist is as simple as they come and comes to you with a step by step manual enabling sufficient support. Bluetooth Portable speakers are growing in popularity by the day, and all things considered, the JBL Playlist is right there with the rest of the pack in terms of popularity if you find it suitable for your personal audio (and more, as we can see) needs.