JBL's new Grip speaker features a durable design, strong audio performance, and an affordable price.

Slightly costlier than the JBL Clip 5 and considerably cheaper than the JBL Flip 7, this first-of-a-kind Bluetooth speaker promises to offer "bold" sound and excellent battery life.

JBL's new Grip portable speaker, priced at $99.95, will be available in the US on September 28. It fits into JBL's lineup between the $80 Clip 5 and $150 Flip 7.

The Grip may not have the most powerful sound or advanced features, but it offers 16W output, AI Sound Boost, and IP68 water and dust resistance. This makes it a potentially better value than the JBL Flip 7.

The JBL Grip aims to provide "bold sound" in any setting, using an AI tool to analyze music in "real time" and optimize output for "bigger sound with less distortion."

JBL's marketing claims are generally accurate. The Grip's 12-hour battery life is impressive for its small size and durable design.

Weighing less than 400 grams, it can withstand water, dust, and drops from up to 1 meter. Playtime Boost can extend battery life to 14 hours.

The speaker has a simple design with a rope loop for better grip and customizable ambient lighting.

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