If your Bluetooth speaker is looking a little worn-down — my trusty JBL Clip has survived hundreds of showers and pool days, but is now inexplicably covered in toothpaste — the newest offering from JBL might be the upgrade you're looking for, especially as the holiday season approaches.
On Sept. 21, JBL celebrated the launch of their new Authentics line of home speakers, which come in three sizes: 200 (90-watt), 300 (100-watt), and 500 (270-watt). The launch party, held at the Park MGM in Las Vegas and which Teen Vogue attended, was a star-studded affair. Madison Beer (fresh off her album release, Silence Between Songs); Bruno Mars, who gave a performance; Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross; sisters Olivia Culpo, Sophia, and Aurora; Jay Ellis; Rocky Barnes; Lenny Kravitz, and more all were there as fans of the brand. The event was also timed to the brand's JBL Fest, held annually in Las Vegas as part of the Life Is Beautiful music festival. Bebe Rexha, Khalid, and Kim Petras all performed on the stage last weekend.
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The speakers themselves have a sleek retro aesthetic that feels a little nostalgic (it has boom box vibes) without being too on the nose. The 300 will likely be my pick, as it has a handle for easy moving from room to room, but the 200 is better for smaller spaces, like college dorms or a studio apartment. The built-in battery can go for around eight hours before you need to charge it again.
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All the speakers have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, if the internet of things is your deal. But the sound is what's really important, and after listening to various models all weekend, I'm sold on its ability to soundtrack a room (and my memories) without that tinny aspect some speakers have at parties.
