I bought the JBL Link 10 because I was looking for a wireless speaker that I mainly want to use at home. I chose the JBL Link 10 because it has both a battery and Google Assistant. This gives the speaker the best of both worlds.
Unpacking
When unpacking, I immediately discovered a number of negatives. Only a bright orange USB cable is included without an AC adapter. Since it is a smart speaker, it is part of the interior. For that reason, I do not find the lack of a mains adapter and the choice for striking cables very logical. It is also noticeable that the supplied manual is very limited.
Design & build quality
The design of the JBL Link 10 is not very special. This is also a bit of a shame since the speaker is part of the interior. The JBL Link 10 does not have a luxurious or beautiful appearance and therefore adds little to the interior. The narrow and high design ensures that the JBL Link 10 does not subtly blend in with its environment. The illuminated Wi-Fi Symbol that is always on does not help either. Fortunately, a simple color scheme has been chosen so that the JBL Link 10 does not detract from the environment.
The JBL Link 10 feels robust. In any case, you will not be bothered by loose or breakable buttons, rattling parts or bendable materials. Finally, it is a plus that the speaker is waterproof.
Sound quality
The sound quality is fine. If you play a radio station or music in the house, the volume is more than sufficient and the sound quality is fine. So far I have never used the JBL Link 10 at full volume to avoid arguing with my neighbors. The sound quality is relative. If you are really looking for the best sound quality or the best volume, it is better to look further. However, this speaker is very suitable for the average user.
I have not used the speaker outdoors yet. Based on my experiences so far, I think that the speaker also has sufficient quality and volume for outdoors. It seems perfectly suitable for a barbecue with friends or a cup of coffee in the garden. I don't think the speaker is suitable for louder or larger environments.
Installation and ease of use
My opinion about the installation and ease of use of the JBL Link 10 speaker is quite variable. I'm reasonably tech-savvy, I'm familiar with Google products and features, and I'm handy with apps and electronics, but I've still experienced some problems. The installation is basically very simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, something did not go quite right with me when setting up the Google Assistant, and as a result I had to spend a lot of time on the internet several times to look for the right solution. Neither Google nor JBL have helped me with this.
I also have mixed feelings about the ease of use. Despite my skills, I had to search the internet several times to discover and master all the voice commands and possibilities. The Google Assistant works with various apps and services and these often have their own voice commands and features. If you really want to use the speaker well, you will have to invest some time. In addition, the Google Assistant is very strong on some points, but on other points it depends on the way in which you ask something.
Once you have mastered everything, using the speaker is very easy and you will be amazed by the possibilities and skills that the system entails.
Possibilities
The speaker itself is fine. You can play via Bluetooth and via the Google Assistant (Wi-Fi). Due to the presence of the battery, the speaker can be used both at home and on the road. The battery life of the speaker is limited to 4 to 5 hours. All in all, there are few situations in which the speaker does not come into its own.
With regard to the Google Assistant, the options are variable. Many features of the Google Assistant depend on other products, apps, services and subscriptions. Apart from the skills of Google Assistant itself, it therefore works as a network to which you can connect various things. For example, your smart lighting, your Google Chromecast, your Spotify subscription or your specific services that you use. It can therefore be wise to check in advance what you can do with the Google Assistant and to what extent it matches your specific situation.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that this speaker has some drawbacks, it is a very nice product to have at home. The speaker is ideal for those who want to get acquainted with the smart speakers or are looking for a speaker with different options. It may not be a top-class product, but the base of this speaker is in good order and you can use it in different ways. All in all, a nice product that is definitely recommended if you have no special or specific wishes.
