The JBL Horizon promises poolside tunes and outdoor adventures with its portable, waterproof design and signature JBL sound. But does this stylish speaker truly deliver in all conditions, or is it just a splash of style with sonic shortcomings? Let’s dive right in and explore the strengths and weaknesses of this aquatic audio companion.
Design that Makes a Splash:
The Horizon boasts a sleek, cylindrical design that’s both eye-catching and practical. The woven fabric exterior feels durable and water-resistant, while the rubberized ends provide a secure grip even when wet. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors, adding a touch of personality to any outdoor activity.
Waterproof? Worry-free!
This speaker can truly take a dip. Its IPX7 rating means it’s submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it perfect for poolside parties, kayaking adventures, or simply braving the shower with your favorite tunes. No more worrying about accidental spills or unexpected rain showers.
Connecting the Dots:
Pairing the Horizon with your device is a breeze via Bluetooth. The connection remains stable within a decent range, ensuring uninterrupted listening even during your backyard barbecue. However, the lack of NFC pairing and Wi-Fi connectivity might be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Sound that’s Good, Not Great:
While the Horizon delivers decent sound for its size, it doesn’t quite live up to the “JBL Boom” reputation. The audio is clear and balanced at moderate volumes, but the bass can become muddy at higher levels. Additionally, the soundstage isn’t the widest, with music sometimes feeling a bit confined within the speaker itself.
Features for the Fun:
The Horizon offers a few handy features to enhance your listening experience. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, while the JBL Connect+ technology lets you wirelessly link multiple Horizon speakers for a more immersive soundscape. However, the lack of an equalizer or app control might leave some users desiring more granular audio customization.
Battery Life that Keeps the Party Going:
The Horizon boasts a 5-hour battery life on a single charge, enough for most poolside sessions or outdoor adventures. While not groundbreaking, it’s ample for casual listening sessions without the need for constant plugging in.
A Few Quirks in the Pool Party:
One minor gripe is the lack of a visual cue for battery level. You’ll only get an audio notification when the battery is running low, leaving you scrambling for the charger sometimes. Additionally, the controls, while responsive, are a bit on the small side and can be tricky to operate when wet.
Verdict: Stylish Splash with Audio Trade-Offs:
The JBL Horizon is a stylish and water-resistant speaker that’s perfect for casual outdoor listening. It’s durable, portable, and offers decent sound quality at moderate volumes. However, those seeking powerful bass, wider soundstage, or advanced features might find its audio performance lacking. Ultimately, the Horizon is a great choice for poolside fun and outdoor adventures where style and portability trump audiophile-level precision.
Share this:
Find any user manual, instantly. Our vast library of downloadable PDFs makes finding the information you need a breeze.
Quicklinks
© 2024 The Lost Manual. All Rights Reserved.
All brand logos and trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
User manuals found on TheLostManual.org are made possible by contributors. Although there is an editorial team responsible for content moderation and editing, we still can not guarantee 100% accuracy. That is why we need your help.
Found an error on this page? All you need to do is select the error category and click the “Report Error” button below and we will spring into action immediately. The text field below is optional and is only there for additional information.
