Shopping for a small speaker that actually sounds like more than a pocket radio? This season JBL’s lineup is showing up on sale across the board — from carabiner-ready Clip models to party-ready, light-ring PartyBox units, and a fresh new Grip speaker that’s earning good early praise.
The standout deals right now
- JBL Flip 7 — down to $100 from $150 in most retailers. The Flip 7 is the model reviewers keep pointing to as the sweet spot: rugged IP68 build, punchy stereo sound, app EQ and up to roughly 14 hours of battery life (longer in boost mode). If you want a small speaker that behaves like a proper little stereo, this is the one. It's available on Amazon if you want to check latest price: available on Amazon.
- JBL Clip 5 — about $60 (was roughly $80). Tiny, loud for its size, and now with a wider carabiner so it clips easily to backpacks and belt loops. You’ll get around 12 hours of playtime (with a Playtime Boost option that can squeeze a bit more out of a charge) — perfect for day hikes, poolside playlists or travel.
- JBL PartyBox Encore Essential — a record-low for a compact 100-watt party speaker: about $200 (down from $330). It’s built to throw bass, it has a front-facing light ring that pulses to the beat, and a grab-and-go handle for moving the mini rave from patio to porch. Battery life sits in the single-digit hours for loud party use (manufacturers list around six hours), but for backyard hangs this kind of speaker delivers atmosphere and volume you won’t get from pocket-sized units.
- JBL Flip 6 — if you prefer the previous-gen Flip family, some retailers have dropped the Flip 6 into steeper discounts (examples in the $90 neighborhood). It’s still a solid option if you want good sound without hunting every color of the Flip 7.
- JBL Grip — this one’s new and less about markdowns than impressions: reviewers say the upright Grip punches well above its size, bringing more detail and weight than cheap budget models. It sits between a palm-sized novelty and a real portable upgrade; battery life is advertised around 12 hours and the companion app offers EQ and light controls.
Who each speaker is for
If you want a pocketable everyday companion: the Clip 5 is best. It clips on, survives splashes, and won’t fuss on a trail. For the most reliable all-round portable sound — balanced mids, fuller bass and rugged endurance — the Flip 7 is the pick; reviewers repeatedly called it “the best for most people” because it marries portability with real audio heft. If your priority is loud social gatherings and a little light show, the PartyBox Encore Essential is the bargainous way to get much bigger sound without renting a PA.
A couple of practical notes: the PartyBox’s light ring and 100-watt amplifier are great for atmosphere but cost battery life at high volumes; the Flip series trades raw output for clarity and battery efficiency. If you’re buying gifts or hunting early holiday steals, this is a good moment — retailers often stack limited-time discounts and colors sell out fast. If you’re tracking broader season sales, our earlier roundup of early Black Friday deals is useful, and similar small-ticket gadgets (like accessories) are dropping too — see how the AirTag 4-pack hit a record low during recent sales here.
Prices and stock change quickly on these items; if a specific color or model matters, act sooner rather than later. For quick access to the most-discussed option above, you can check latest price on Amazon.