JBL is a company that has an exhaustive number of Bluetooth speakers on the market, and these bright and colorful rugged speakers have become outdoor music staples. However, the JBL Playlist is something a little different. Instead of being a portable battery-powered speaker, this is one meant for the home that you’re going to need to keep plugged in at all times.

The only potential downside is that the Playlist still absolutely has JBL’s signature sound which, while completely at home in a rugged Bluetooth speaker, some users might feel is out of place in a home speaker.

Design and Features

Available in black or white, the JBL Playlist is a fun-looking speaker that’s all bold curves and speaker mesh. This design not only makes it visually appealing but also enhances its functionality by allowing sound to emanate freely from the speaker. The aesthetics can complement various home decors, making it a versatile choice for many users.

Aside from a small JBL logo and Wi-Fi connectivity light, the front of the speaker is otherwise one large speaker grill. This minimalist design ensures that the speaker can blend seamlessly into your living space without being an eyesore.

Along the top, there are a couple of control buttons. From left to right, there’s an on/off button, volume down, play/pause, volume up, and a button to put the speaker into Bluetooth mode. The button layout is intuitive, making it easy for anyone to operate without needing to refer to a manual.

Yes, in addition to supporting streaming over your home internet connection, the JBL Playlist can also be streamed to via Bluetooth, which is helpful if your home network is being slow or unreliable. This dual connectivity option ensures that you can always enjoy your music without interruptions, making it a reliable choice for any user.

Direct controls on the speaker are also helpful. Depending on the speed of your home network, there can sometimes be a delay when you want to turn the speaker’s volume up or down – directly controlling the speaker removes this problem. This feature is particularly useful during gatherings when quick adjustments are needed.

Round the back of the speaker, you’ve also got a 3.5mm input (just in case you want to opt for a wired connection for any reason) and a two-pin power connector that accepts the speaker’s annoyingly short power cable. While the short cable may be a drawback for some, it can be easily remedied with an extension cord if necessary.

If you’ve ever set up a Chromecast before, then the setup process for the JBL Playlist shouldn’t be too unfamiliar. Simply download the Google companion app, ‘Google Home’, and it will guide you through connecting to the speaker and subsequently getting it connected to your home’s Wi-Fi. This user-friendly setup process makes it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy.

If you want to sync up the speaker with other Google Cast-equipped speakers, then the setup is a little more involved, but it’s still deftly handled by the same app. This multi-room functionality is a significant advantage for users looking to create a cohesive audio experience throughout their home.

We got the JBL Playlist paired with a Chromecast Audio to allow the same music to be played across two different rooms, and the two streams synced up perfectly, as we’d expect from Google’s ecosystem. This functionality is ideal for parties or family gatherings where music continuity is key to the atmosphere.

It might seem strange to include support for both Google Cast and Spotify Connect. After all, both are accessed in exactly the same way in the Spotify app where you select the JBL Playlist from the bottom of the ‘Now Playing’ screen, and Google Cast does more or less everything that Spotify Connect does but with support for many more apps including Tidal, Deezer, and podcasting apps like PocketCasts. This versatility allows users to enjoy a wide range of audio content beyond just music.

But Spotify Connect also has its own unique functionality whereby you can use Spotify players on a desktop or laptop to control the speaker – which isn’t available using Google Cast. We found this especially useful when listening to music while working; it was simply much easier to control Spotify with a keyboard and mouse rather than picking up our phone. This feature enhances user experience and convenience, especially for those who work from home or spend extended periods at their desks.

Sound Quality and Performance

This is a JBL speaker through and through, and so for better or for worse it shares the same DNA that’s made the company’s Bluetooth speakers so popular. The sound quality is a critical factor for any speaker, and the JBL Playlist does not disappoint in this regard.

In short, that means a bass response that’s thick and chunky, with mids and trebles taking a backseat to a certain extent. For bass lovers, this speaker delivers a punchy performance that can fill a room, making it perfect for parties and lively gatherings.

It seemed only fitting to start off our listening session with some energetic pop punk from The Offspring. The driving offbeat drumbeat in “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” had power aplenty, with the Playlist providing a really energetic listening experience. The bass was pronounced, making it a delight for fans of high-energy music.

It’s a similar story if you switch to “From Her Lips to God’s Ears (The Energiser)” by Against Me! where the song’s frantic pacing is delivered in spades by the speaker. The JBL Playlist excels in genres that require a strong bass presence, making it a great choice for those who enjoy upbeat tracks.