Sound QualityThe JBL Link Portable has Good overall sound quality. Bass has decent impact but is a bit tubby and prominent, and doesn't go deep. Midrange is fairly even but is somewhat hazy, grainy, congested, and plasticy, and a bit nasal. Treble is fairly extended and somewhat smeared. So-so recovery of room ambience, sounds somewhat congested and a bit metallic, and lacks fine detail. The speaker is monophonic. There was no significant difference between Bluetooth and WiFi Sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room.
Versatility
Versatility is good. It's a monophonic speaker, with multi-room support but lacks stereo pairing support with another JBL Link. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and this unit has Bluetooth and can output to another speaker but lacks speakerphone functionality. Communications: Has support for calling but lacks texting and messaging. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated switch to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio input and outputs. Audio Tailoring: Lacks user adjustable treble and bass controls. OS Support: Android and iOS. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of many common streaming services such as Google-Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In and iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their "voice print" to access personal information.
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the JBL Link Portable is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a mobile device, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password and account setups. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent +/- control buttons with non-persistent graphical position markings of volume level is easily repeatable via verbal commands and easy to actuate. Audio mute: Unlabeled multi-function button, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged but it is not persistant. Microphone mute: Well marked, not well placed clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between inputs requires selecting the -cast- icon in a 3rd party supported app. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implimentation of cast selection. App remote: Volume control not obvious due to poor placement (on screen one level down); it is repeatable with clear graphic and index of setting. Mute: (Remote) Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes the line input. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
