Are you looking to create a system that can upgrade your audio experience and still give you the best sound to enjoy your home entertainment with friends?
Connecting speakers makes this easy and also lets you listen to the same sound on multiple speakers in excellent stereo quality.
But how do you achieve this?
Well, brands like JBL allow you to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers.
A JBL is a popular and unique brand that offers you well-designed and quality speakers. Their products support connect+ and PartyBoost features, which allow you to connect to two or more JBL speakers, like the JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Xtreme 3. These multiple JBL speaker connections help you to get the best audio sound experience from your music across a larger space.
You can connect up to 50 or more JBL speakers wirelessly via Bluetooth. You can also double the volume or listen to stereo sound, as JBL has several technologies to connect multiple speakers.
Short on time or prefer visuals? No worries! Click below for a quick video guide that’ll get your JBL speakers connected in a snap.
Below is the list of JBL speakers that can be connected
Speakers with JBL Connect include:
- JBL Clip 2.
- JBL Flip 3.
- JBL Pulse 2.
- JBL Charge 3.
Speakers with JBL Connect+:
- JBL Boombox.
- JBL Xtreme 2.
- JBL Flip 4.
- JBL Charge 4.
- JBL Pulse 3.
Also speakers with PartyBoost:
- JBL Flip 5.
- JBL Flip 6.
- JBL Pulse 4.
- JBL Xtreme 3.
- JBL Boombox 2.
- JBL Charge 5.
How do you connect multiple JBL speakers?
When connecting multiple speakers, it’s essential to recognize that compatibility often depends on the specific technology used within the devices. For instance, speakers with PartyBoost technology can only be paired with other PartyBoost-enabled speakers. Similarly, speakers featuring Connect+ technology are designed to sync exclusively with other Connect+ devices. This ensures that the speakers communicate seamlessly, providing a unified and high-quality audio experience. Attempting to connect speakers with different technologies may lead to compatibility issues, hindering the overall performance and sound synchronization.
To learn how to connect multiple JBL speakers, read on as I explain all the steps you need to follow below.
Here are the 5 simple steps to connect multiple JBL speakers:
- Step 1. Power on all your JBL speakers. The first step to connecting multiple speakers is to switch on all the JBL speakers you want to connect.
- Step 2. Switch on the Bluetooth. Now, go to the source device, your phone, or laptop, and switch on the Bluetooth. Also, turn on the Bluetooth on your primary speaker.
Make sure you are seeing the name of the speaker as one of the devices to link with. Hence, click on the name of the device.
- Step 3. Connect the first JBL speaker. Connect 1 speaker to the source device and play audio music on the connected laptop or phone through a music player or music app like Spotify to be sure it’s connected. When paired, the speaker will inform you with an audio voice prompt or you see a blinking light that shows the source devices, and your JBL speakers are successfully paired.
- Step 4. Press the connect button on the speakers. Now, move to the already paired speakers, and then click on the Connect, Partyboost, or Connect Plus button. Next, press the ‘Connect Button’ on each speaker and wait for the audio cue.
- Step 5. Wait for the connection. This is the last step when it comes to connecting multiple JBL speakers together. After pressing the connect button on the all speakers, wait for like 30 seconds for all of them to connect. And as soon as all the JBL speakers are done connecting, the music will be played through all the speakers simultaneously. You can now enjoy the same music sound at the same time from all the connected sources.
How do you disconnect the speakers?
On the other hand, to disconnect one or multiple JBL speakers from the other connected speakers in a multi-pairing without causing any interruption, you have to press the power button to turn that particular speaker off or press the disconnect button to unpair it.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Issue: Speakers Not Connecting
- Solution: Make sure both speakers are compatible and fully charged. If they still don’t connect, try resetting both speakers.
- Issue: Audio Lag Between Speakers
- Solution: This could be a range issue. Try placing the speakers closer together. If the problem persists, disconnect and reconnect.
- Issue: One Speaker Disconnects Frequently
- Solution: Check for firmware updates for your speakers. An outdated firmware could cause connectivity issues.
- Issue: Can’t Switch to Stereo Mode
- Solution: Ensure you’re using the JBL Portable app to control the speakers. If the option is grayed out, it means the speakers are not compatible for Stereo mode.
Different Scenarios and My Testing
I decided to put these tips to the test. I had a JBL Charge 4 (Connect+) and a JBL Flip 5 (PartyBoost), and I wanted to see if they would connect to each other for a backyard party I was hosting.
Scenario 1: Mixing Different Technologies
I tried connecting my Charge 4 and Flip 5, but no luck. They just wouldn’t sync. This was a live example proving that you can’t mix technologies like Connect+ and PartyBoost.
Scenario 2: The Backyard Party
Next, I borrowed my friend’s JBL Flip 5 to pair with my own Flip 5. I placed one near the BBQ grill and another on the patio table. I switched to Party mode, and voila! The sound filled the entire backyard, making the party much more lively.
Scenario 3: The Quiet Evening
For a quieter setting, I used two JBL Charge 4 speakers in my living room. I set them to Stereo mode using the JBL Portable app. The sound quality was amazing, and it felt like a mini-home theater experience.
How Far Can You Go? Comparing the Range of JBL Connect+ and PartyBoost
Did you know that the range of connectivity varies between JBL Connect+ and PartyBoost? In my testing, I found that PartyBoost offers a more extended range, up to 60+ feet, compared to 30+ feet with Connect+. So if you’re planning a larger gathering, PartyBoost might be the way to go.
The Evolution of JBL Connectivity Features”
JBL. If you’re an audiophile like me, just hearing the name probably brings a smile to your face. But did you know that JBL wasn’t always the Bluetooth powerhouse it is today? Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to see how JBL’s connectivity features have evolved over the years.
Back in the day, JBL was more focused on traditional wired speakers. They were great, don’t get me wrong, but they didn’t offer the kind of freedom we’ve come to expect today. Then came Bluetooth, and JBL was quick to jump on the bandwagon, introducing portable speakers that could sync up with your phone or laptop wirelessly. It was a game-changer, to say the least.
But JBL didn’t stop there. They introduced the “Connect” feature with models like the Pulse 2, Clip 2, and Flip 3. This was cool because it allowed you to link two JBL speakers together. Imagine that—a mini surround sound system right in your living room or at the beach! But they capped it at two devices, which was a bit of a bummer if you were planning a bigger gathering.
Enter “Connect+,” the next evolution. Now, this was where things got really interesting. JBL upped the ante by allowing you to connect up to 100 speakers. Yes, you heard that right—100 speakers! Models like the Flip 4, Xtreme 2, and Boombox came equipped with this feature. It was like having a full-blown concert at your fingertips.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, JBL rolled out “PartyBoost.” Not only did it maintain the ability to connect up to 100 speakers, but it also improved the range of connectivity. I’ve personally tested this, and PartyBoost offers a range of up to 60+ feet compared to the 30+ feet you get with Connect+. So if you’re throwing a big bash, PartyBoost is definitely the way to go.
So there you have it—a quick look at how JBL has continually pushed the envelope when it comes to speaker connectivity. From simple Bluetooth pairing to the PartyBoost feature that lets you connect a small army of speakers, JBL has come a long way. And if you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with next.
Conclusion
A JBL speaker was initially made to connect only two speakers but as the company progressed, they saw the usefulness for outdoor parties where friends can have fun at the beach by connecting to multiple speakers to enjoy the audio sound of their music, So right, the JBL speakers are upgraded to connect to as many speakers as possible without any inconvenience as far as they have the same function or follow the same protocol.
Thankfully, you have read and understand how to connect multiple JBL speakers, whether you wish to party at the beach with friends or you just want to turn your smartphone into a sound system to have the best sound experience, understand that JBL speakers offer unique sound for everyone to enjoy.
Still having issues or something didn’t work as expected? Drop a comment below detailing your problem, and I’ll do my best to help you out. Your perfect sound experience is just a question away!
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the technology each speaker uses. JBL Connect+ speakers can only connect with other Connect+ speakers, and the same goes for PartyBoost speakers. Always check compatibility before attempting to connect.
With JBL Connect, you can connect up to two speakers. With JBL Connect+ or PartyBoost, you can connect up to 100 speakers.
In Party mode, all speakers play the same audio, making the sound louder and more immersive. In Stereo mode, one speaker plays the left channel, and the other plays the right channel, offering a true stereo experience.
Unfortunately, most older models can’t be upgraded to support newer technologies like PartyBoost. The only exception is the JBL Charge 3, which can be upgraded.
Make sure both speakers have the same connectivity feature (Connect, Connect+, or PartyBoost). If they do and you’re still facing issues, try resetting both speakers and start the pairing process again.
Yes, some JBL models come with an AUX input. However, the Connect and PartyBoost features work only over Bluetooth.
No, you only need to connect one speaker to your Bluetooth source. Use the JBL Connect feature to pair the additional speakers.
Generally, connecting multiple JBL speakers should not affect the audio quality. However, make sure all speakers are within range for optimal performance.
Latency issues are more common in Stereo Mode. Switching to Party Mode may reduce this problem. Also, make sure both speakers are running the latest firmware.
It’s a good practice to keep your speakers updated to the latest firmware. This can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance. Check the JBL app or website for updates.
The range can vary depending on the model and the environment, but generally, you can expect a range of 20-30 feet for Connect+ and up to 60+ feet for PartyBoost.
Most JBL speakers give you the option to choose between Stereo and Party Mode. You can usually toggle between these modes using the JBL app.
I’m Shaun Conroy, an audiophile & founder of HiFi Audios. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering, I bring deep expertise in audio devices and offer insights & recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.
