A Google Home Speaker That Actually DOESN'T SUCK!?!

The JBL Link Portable could actually convince me to drop Alexa! This Smart Home Speaker does things Google's own speakers can only dream of. This video is a review of the JBL Link Portable; discussing Google Home functionality, TWS Stereo pairing, Speaker quality, Mic quality, Portability, Charging stand and Smart Home capabilities.
Video is sponsored by JBL. All opinions are my own.
I earn no commission on these speakers, I just genuinely think you should buy some:
BUY THE JBL LINK PORTABLE
Global Link: bit.ly/3g1i6Ou
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[@Alex.Nikolov]

Paul is 100% correct! What can you want more from an smart speaker? I own this one and it is amazing. I use it in the hallway just in front of the bathroom so when I go for a shower I take it with me. 😅 The charging station is a game changer. We need more innovation to smart speakers. Great job by JBL!

[@TheCoozinatoooor]

Hey Paul, I just bought a house and I'm busy buying all the bits and pieces for the smart blinds lighting and Google home stuff for when I move in in August. Thank you so much for your videos it's been really helpful for me to make purchasing decisions and follow the market for this kind of stuff really great & entertaining, keep up the great work!!

[@SJPDurham]

Hi Paul. I just come here for your 80s background music and the comedy. JBL speaker does look lovely with the charging dock.

[@nadine9142]

I just discovered your channel! So you're hilarious AND you're doing a great review. Subscribed! 👍

[@paulhibbert]

🥰

[@vkdirector3087]

Just commenting so it pushes u higher in the KZbin ranks because I think everyone should be watching your videos u funny bugger 😁 Ps. It sounded awesome on my bose earphones

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks dude!! 😍

[@Wolfy83]

Update- after a couple of days, the speaker updated and the eq was gone. Boo! I love your video, and it helped me to decide to purchase this over the Nest Audio. FYI, there is now an audio eq, and it makes a big difference!

[@ryanmillar8315]

I picked an older model of this (the Link 10) a while back and have been very happy with it so far. Have actually wound up replacing some of my other Bluetooth speakers since they weren’t google assistant speakers

[@ronhamelin]

Great video! Quite amusing! I'm surprised he didn't bring up the Google Home Max speaker. It gets great reviews from a variety of reviewers. Additionally, I'm using the JBL Link view with Google Assistant. It's got a great 8" screen and awesome JBL speakers.

[@troyturner2440]

Ever since I spotted this speaker in your house tour I've been obsessing over it, thank goodness you read my mind and made a video about it 😂

[@paulhibbert]

🤣 Next weeks video: how to read the minds of your fellow nerds!

[@kennethfribert6074]

Hi Paul, thank you for the insight, never noticed JBLs line.

[@frankie1o1]

So I bought one of these bad boys(JBL Link Portable) on special for $99NZD(£51UK) including delivery! I wouldn't of bought it if I didn't see your review, so I'm totally stoked! Keep up the awesome work 😊

[@DavidTobyTraylor]

Good morning , Paul, from Washington State....Great review, almost picked one of these up. Is the stereo pairing straight forward and able to sync well with televisions? Great review, hope you and your family are fairing well! Stay safe!

[@ReineVerran]

nice video, nice review!

[@michaelboys2602]

Very good video. Very entertaining. And, for once, quite educational. I will be getting one of these as I would love a portable google speaker that works.

[@ronm6585]

Sharp looking speaker. Thanks Paul.

[@Garzini]

"What? What do ya want?" - instant like !

[@danieljones9261]

Great review, would love to see a comparison to the UE Blast. Also, mini hack, the charging hubs can be powered from a razor plug, so if you want a smart speaker in the bathroom this is the best way to do it.

[@StuTay123]

Hi! Where did you get your hover board and Nike Air Mags from Paul? Not seems video about that unit behind you, and it’s full of great stuff! Keep the content coming!

[@djneo92nl]

I like that those JBL’s also do stereo pairing. I got 2 of these for dirt cheap. There amazing

[@hermankatnip]

Is stereo pairing possible with Bluetooth or just through google ?

[@dubaigeek1988]

Nice insight

[@marioStortuga]

Thanks for this was just looking at this.

[@ashleys6322]

I love the JBL stuff, I have 2 of their Link 10 portable speaker, a bit like this but maybe smaller and uses a cable, great for taking outside or into the shower (also waterproof). I have a JBL Link View for using the screen and great sound. I also have 3 JBL Playlist speakers. I love them all, especially linked in Google home for whole house sound. Keep making the great videos Paul, you make me laugh with your enthusiasm.

[@Jamminjared]

Hey Paul! Great video! This is my first video of yours that I've watched. Quick question: Do you think a simple update from JBL to make it a Bluetooth-capable hands-free speaker for calls? Or do you think this would only be a possibility with a future hardware version? P.S. You crack me up!!!!

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks dude. 😊 I think JBL will likely do this with a new speaker now.

[@bladimirlg5043]

I know that I'm late but in the case of the led lights it has a night modes that regulate the intensity of the LEDs :) but good review :)

[@thelazysewist4737]

Hi Paul I have the JBL link view and I couldn't be more happy with it so much better than the Google home hub.

[@PetersonBlanc]

Great review, while I already own one JBL Link Music Speaker, I couldn't help but purchase another one with more in the future depending on this question I have. Can in having a set of two JBL Link Music Speakers can I make them duo pair to listen as will there are in sync playing music?

[@jimisme21]

You make me wanna buy things I don't need, or can afford. 😆 Judging by the outtakes, it looks like you have loads of fun making these videos. Nicely edited too!

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks man! Hope I haven't hurt your wallet too much! 😉

[@jimisme21]

@@paulhibbert don't worry, there's nothing in my wallet to hurt!

[@paulhibbert]

😅😅😅

[@greatyong]

I've used JBL link 20 over 3 years. And love it very much. If you guys need more power then get JBL link 20 for portable or JBL Link 300 for stationary use. Alternatively, harman/kardon Citation series are out there.

[@shaunbaileyuk]

Paul Paul Paul, firstly Mr Socky needs his own channel.Secondly I started out not knowing if I could stand to watch you, I now find you are one of my favorite you tubers! You’re great fun know your apples and tell it like it is, Great production values too. Keep it up I’m a big big fan. P.s. should I get a Samsung smart hub?

[@txerapng]

That sound very good!!

[@ImpaledGryphon]

nice to see google home users finally get a version of the old amazon tap speaker, i love the tap its such a shame amazon never sold it in the uk (but it does work with the uk alexa app) as its by far my favourite and yes, it also has a charging base but i love that i can switch it from voice control to button control, it doesnt have the battery draining lights always on but you can always tap the button and say "battery status" to get the battery level to the nearest 5% (or if voice control is active use the "alexa, battery status" command).

[@scotiajinker8392]

The google speaker sounds like a car am radio in 70’s

[@chicagobrazil]

This would also be a nice feature - Should work exactly the same as it does at home when connected to Bluetooth, they should have added the capability to share internet over Bluetooth along wit the call feature you mentioned

[@mikedobkin7548]

This lovely speaker is nearly the same spec as the Echo Tap - and it has a charging cradle exactly like the JBL version. I bought one 2 years ago and was really surprised that it was only released in the USA. The audio quality is really impressive so try and check it out.

[@rickatgoogle]

My better half purchased a JBL LinkView for me for Christmas and I couldn't be happier with it. Google should probably partner with JBL on all their Home Assistant products.

[@booytoyy69]

No the speakers are ugly

[@DaanGroenProductions]

I have a couple of JBL link 10's and 20's. They are the predecessor of this new JBL Link portable. I think the charging dock is clearly a nice improvement. In my case I hardly move my speakers, so being tangled to the wall socket is not really an issue for me. If you don't mind unplugging it sometimes, but want the water resistance, sound quality and portability at a reasonable price, you could take a look at the Link 20 in the outlet or refurbished section from JBL. Just my 2 cts.

[@GuyverGamingTV]

Love them JBL speakers, we had one at work. It even had RGB. You know you can get charging stands for phones, I had a Samsung one but just got a new one from Anker. I also hate the cables all over, I got the stand for my pc room.

[@classicrando2531]

You'd love the new wireless warp charger for the Oneplus 8 pro, it's just as fast as the USB C warp charger, as far as I'm aware it's the first truly wireless charger that works as well as a cable.

[@Pwardy98etc]

Great speaker. Would ❤ an Alexa speaker to do the same. Incidentally, do you use Alexa on a smartwatch Mr Hibbert?

[@olipitt12]

i have had no end of problems with electronics lights, ive found 2 things that work really well, 1 colouring the powerlight in with a board pen (works better than a sharpie) and 2, tiny blob of bluetac on the light, you can make small enough that it only sits on the light, thin enough that you can still see some light through it ( if you want) and can even colour it in so it matches the electronics

[@RealWizardry]

Love it.

[@lucasbrown7338]

It has all the things going right for itself. Mediatek powered so very efficient. Well priced too

[@OverseerVRS]

I have the JBL Link 20 and love it. I believe the battery is bigger on the Link 20 than it is on the Portable. While the charging stand looks useful, I don't think it's worth me changing.

[@daveuns]

Yep, agree. The link 20 is an amazing speaker. I’ve got a couple of them :)

[@mankitlee]

I just bought one today and I love it. I can use it with my ipod as well as this speaker hv airplay 2

[@emailyarabrandao]

Paul, hi! Hey... Have you ever wondered if there are ways to hack the older versions of the Eufy robovacs...to have them at least navigate smartet???

[@MSFTSTRIO]

Paul, do you still have that unofficial Google Assistant for Alexa skill thing? I tried following your tutorial but a lot has changed since then

[@rygaros6669]

@Paul Hibbert you should do a rewiev of minirig 3...its made in UK aswell, insane speakers! you will be blown away how good they are

[@andydavies27]

Agree about the Google Home being base heavy, the only way I can listen for any length of time is having to turn the base eq right down on it and turning up the high end

[@Lanarri]

Love jbl. Extending it with google home and charging port is sooo right.

[@jaackelliott]

i wanna buy this now

[@zackula1]

Before watching this, I had purchased the non-rechargeable version of this. Hopefully its as good, without the portability factor. Either way, I believe google recommended me this video, because I was looking at the speaker. Don't know why I watched this after I already purchsed one... oh-well. Was one of the better review type videos I've watched, so I gave you thumbs up, and wrote this comment. you deserved it. thank you for the good content. Seriously the first of any of your videos that i've watched

[@paulhibbert]

Thanks man 😊

[@hermankatnip]

How do you enable TWS stereo pairing on these , manual does not give instructions on this feature

[@stepheng8779]

JBL speakers are great but there's always something missing from the very top. My car came with JBL audio and same problem, fortunately you can tweak that, it sounds bloomin lovely now 👍

[@trev2251]

Paul, have you looked at the Sonos Move? I would be interested in your views on that also

[@juiice]

I just bought a refurbished Link 10 for half the price, just in case the price is deterring anyone. It doesn't have a charging stand but appears identical otherwise. The sound quality is awesome :D

[@daveschorrtube]

Very nice

[@georger6707]

You gotta admit... You know where you stand with Paul.... If he thinks something is a sack of crap.. He'll tell ya hahahaha. I really do appreciate the honesty. And he does it with humour! It's quite refreshing!

[@edharding9363]

Now I want a warp core......... thanks Paul.

[@OnixCV]

Harman Kardon citation one duo they are just perfect for me. They have really deep bass for such small speakers I did replace google home with them.

[@welshtony1]

Looks like a great speaker, Question, Is that charging base the only way to charge it? As wondering if it can be charged out and about since it is a bluetooth speaker after all and you may want to take it lets just use camping as a example? Sorry not sure if you mentioned it, I was to busy making fun of you and posting that screenshot to your facebook haha

[@krugmanable]

Klipsch makes a pretty nice one too

[@1981dicke]

Please do a review of mini rigs speakers there fantastic.

[@daztheman552]

7:38 just to let people know, Lightwave smart sockets now dim down to 14% and hopefully this month turn off after firmware update 😃

[@TheNiemst]

In the topic of cables in the bedroom, have you considered to mount socket with USB inside the drawer of a night cabinet?

[@jimardee]

What is the difference between the JBL link 20 and the JBL link portable? Also... Can you link JBL link devices to create a stereo pair in the Google home app?

[@troyturner2440]

Hey Paul, have you had any luck using assistant with this speaker when using bluetooth mode and away from wifi? I can't get it to carry out a command because it's not connected to wifi, and it won't just go through bluetooth and use my phone for the assistant

[@Andrewstech]

That sounds good

[@vvanderer]

Listening to this on my JBL

[@RichardMatney]

Have you reviewed the Google Max speaker? How does that compare (other than a lot more money)?

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Where do cows go now that all the cinemas are shut then? on serious note with the charging port on the base if its sat on the floor outside and gets water spilled beneath it does the power short out or is there a cover for it?

[@sauna41]

How does this compare to JBL Link Music or Google Nest Audio sound quality wise?

[@redtid83]

Hi Paul, Does the stereo pairing work only in bluetooth mode or can they work in stereo when in Google home mode, like Google's own max speakers? Long time subscriber.

[@Scoop2992]

Stereo pairing should work when casting to them. It does on my JBL Link 20s.

[@DavidPirouet]

Hotspot connected to your mobile phone when you are out give your phone's hotspot the same name and password as the home network, it will work like it's at home, Bluetooth is handy but it will have full home functionality if you're using the phone Wifi.

[@tabaghdissar]

Hi paul, I have a JBL Link, I'm happy with it, but it's behind Google in updates, for example when you set a timer you can't say stop when the speaker ring, you should say ok Google then stop.

[@himmel9256]

Hey Paul, Can you use this as a PC speaker ? Can you try it ? I know they can lag sometimes when you play movies.

[@rchok2]

Is the link only limited to 2 devices? What if I have 4 of them in the house, can I have all of them to play music simultaneously?

[@davidbanner9001]

Nice.

[@joaquimfelipeborges3611]

Hey man!! Here I am 7 months later haha buying one of those... I already have a JBL link 500. How do I pair both of them? Cheers

[@redfirewolf4186]

I'm curious about this one vs the echo studio

[@TheHellis]

I don't know if I agree with you about the stands thing. Think about it again. What if you all your devices had their own stand model. You would have 5-6 different stands next to each other in every room. Isn't a cable better then? Also cables are universal, so I can go to someone else's house and charge my phone/speaker. Remember the time in the 90's when every phone had their own charger and plug. What a mess it was.

[@themunchkinbear]

Does it support APTX-HD/LL for better quality Bluetooth streaming ?

[@diogojosenogueira6596]

One question - Can it be remotely turned on either on Apple Home app or Google Home app? I’m imagining a scenario where the it’s off the charging station, turned off, but with battery… or a similar functionality to the “magic button” from Ultimate Ears speakers…

[@RyanDuffy]

Hey Paul, I hear you on the USB cable issue. Do yourself a favour and search “Magnetic USB Cable” on Ali Express or Amazon. Basically you get different USB tips (Lightning, C, or Micro) for each device and ONE charging cable (to rule them all) in each room. It’s like an Apple magsafe cable but for almost ANY USB device.

[@weeble3383]

I totally agree about the top end is missing a bit. My top end needs about another inch. 😂😂😂😂 And your giving us a sound demo from someone who is screeching, whaling, you’d be better off with someone who is singing, at least in tune

[@viniciusnoyoutube]

Good!

[@johnlratcliffe]

Does it need a subwoofer? Two echos are more than twice as good as one and adding the sub is stunning (but only tried it in a small room). I've not seen a review of two 'studios'. Anyway, at least they can be paired, which a good thing.

[@nicomero6287]

That charging base is absolutely awesome! I don't use Google smart stuff though, I'm an Alexa boi.

[@danieljones9261]

Try the UE Blast, charging base sold separately though :/

[@nicomero6287]

@@danieljones9261 I will look into that right now, thank you very much.

[@Cornwall1888]

Wonder how it compares to a Sonos one

[@EsotericArctos]

USB cables are the bane of my existence. I am hoping one day Wireless Power projection units will be taken onboard by the commercial entities. It exists, but hasn't been pushed hard yet. Most third party party speakers are better than the Google speakers, but you can tune the bass out of it using the Google Home App. There are bass and treble controls :). Google Nest Hub was definitely most disappointing for me at the default settings though. BTW, you can only change tone with Google branded speakers. The Google Home App does not support EQ for non-google branded speakers. I can already here the cries "all the Google" though lol.

[@reesericdotci]

Try a sonos one and enable GH

[@cliffharker2600]

Amazon Echo Tap had a battery, a dock and a Bluetooth connection, so not so radical. Imported one from the USA and have taken it abroad, tethered to wifi. Sounds ok too. Can't understand why they pulled it.

[@kevino.agosto1010]

I decided on it thank to this video, thank you a lot!!! Question tho: Does anybody know if I can turn the front single light off without turning the speaker off? Or is it on while the speaker is on.

[@timshields6572]

I have an Echo Tap, sound is good, it has a charging stand. To bad they shelved it.

[@quatie]

How does it compare with the Home Max?

[@JoshHodgson]

Have you tried the Google Home Max? I think that sounds pretty nice

[@xbox360benji]

I dont think he was sent a free max to make shine..

[@FourtyFourCab]

Subbed

[@oluchukwueziashi6240]

So if I decide to leave it plugged in forever. Does it work like a google home?

[@CalienteCarlos305]

Hey Paul, Does this speaker need to be powered on in order for the Google Assistant feature to work? Also, can it be used while it's sitting in the charge cradle? Thanks!

[@paulhibbert]

Yes to both. 😊

[@crhulsey56]

haha what is that clip from 5:36 lol never seen that one

[@thunderboom6666]

there’s a pretty good portable Alexa enabled speaker called the ultimate ears blast, it’s not the best, but it’s pretty good, it doesn’t have the Alexa communication features or multi room audio