JBL Pulse 3 Bluetooth Speaker Review – The Life Of The Party

JBL has been on top of the portable Bluetooth speaker game for quite a while now. Their popular speakers are known for their durability and come in a variety of sizes. From the Clip all the way up to the Xtreme and Boombox speakers these waterproof devices can be found nearly all over the world. The latest edition to the JBL Bluetooth speaker lineup is the colorful Pulse 3. This newer version of the original JBL Pulse features even more color and an app to customize your visual experience. The big questions of course are how does it sound and what improvements have been made?

In The Box

In the box with the JBL Pulse 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker you’ll get the following:

• 1 x JBL Plulse 3
• 1 x Power adapter
• 1 x Micro USB adapter
• 1 x Quick start guide
• 1 x Safety sheet
• 1 x Warranty card

Features

The JBL Pulse 3 is packed with features. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

360° Lightshow

The main feature of the JBL Pulse 3 is the new and improved light show feature. Think of it as a super fancy lava lamp with a built in speaker. This full color 360° feature has multiple color settings and changeable patterns. Using the JBL Connect app you can control the color and pattern settings of all your Pulse 3 Bluetooth speakers.

JBL Connect+

One of the coolest things about the JBL Pulse 3 is the Connect+ feature. This allows you to connect up to 100 speakers together. This means you can have the party music rocking in every room or even by the pool simultaneously. Any JBL Connect+ enabled speaker is fully compatible giving you the power to pump up the volume in a totally new dimension. You can select Stereo (2 speakers in stereo) or Party mode (3 or more speakers), then sync up your light show for a totally hip party experience.

Speakerphone

Yes it’s true. The JBL Pulse 3 is fully ready to act as a speakerphone for any connected smartphone. You can call your family and grill veggies at the same time. However you choose to use it, this is a nice feature to have.

Voice Assistant Integration

You can get access of Siri or Google Now directly from the JBL Pulse 3 speaker giving you a world of information at the touch of a button.

IPX7 Waterproof

JBL took this already fun-packed Bluetooth speaker and made it IPX7 rated waterproof. This means your speaker will be safe indoors, outdoors and even by the pool. Unlike most cell phones, the JBL Pulse 3 can even take a dive into the deep end without sustaining permanent water damage.

Excellent Bluetooth Range

I tested the Pulse 3 wireless range by simply connecting to my smartphone and walking away. Indoors it stayed solidly connected over 30 feet away and even with physical obstacles between the device and speaker. Definitely one of the best Bluetooth connections I’ve experienced so far.

Sound

The JBL Pulse 3 is a powerful 20 Watt speaker with 3 x 40mm speakers. This speaker can really push some serious volume. Although you can connect up to 100 speakers together, using just one can keep a decent party satisfied with an ample amount of sound. The best part of the Pulse 3 sound is the bass. Similar in size and strength to the JBL Xtreme, the Pulse 3 pushes some serious bass. The mid-frequencies are decent too. Jamming out to my favorite Spotify 80’s playlist I could hear every synth, guitar, vocal and drum hit like it was 1985 all over again. The high-end on the Pulse 3 was nice. Topping off at 20kHz this speaker will get you all the high frequencies you can possibly need at your home gathering or our outdoor party.

Final Review

I’m impressed with the whole line of JBL Bluetooth speakers and the Pulse 3 is definitely a hit. Having one or more of these speakers will add an interesting splash to any home or outdoor party. Get a few of them and you’ll have your own dancefloor lightshow. Any way you look at it, the JBL Pulse 3 is one of the best wireless speakers you can get for the price. It’s got solid sound, Connect+, voice integration and it’s IPX7 waterproof. The Pulse 3 retails for under $200. Get the Pulse 3 for the best price at Audio46 Headphone Store (use code “majorhifi“) or on Amazon

Specifications

Output power: 20W
Transducer: 3 x 40mm
Frequency response: 65Hz – 20kHz
Bluetooth: Version 4.2
Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥80dB
Battery type Lithium-ion polymer: (3.7V, 6000mAh
Battery charge time: 4.5 hour @ 5V 2.3A
Battery Life: 12 hours
Music playing time: up to 12 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)
Dimensions: (H x W x D)223mm x 92mm x 92mm