JBL Link Music Sound Quality (vs Google Nest Mini)

watts on 18/09/2020 - 12:11
Last edited 18/09/2020 - 15:01

Just after opinions on the sound quality from JBL Link Music speaker, especially from anyone who's compared to a Google Nest mini.

https://www.jbl.com.au/LINK+MUSIC.html

I'm currently using a nest mini for music in an outdoor covered area, but now want better sound with the same functionality on a tight budget.

I can get a JBL Link Music speaker for $100, which seems like about the best option for the money, but I have no idea how it actually sounds and can't test (homebound Victorian leper).

cheers

edit: changed updated link music price from $80 to $100, since the good guys don't let you use store credit when also price matching. grrr

Electrical & Electronics JBL Speakers Voice Assistant

Comments

  • LukeSmith on 18/09/2020 - 12:49
    +3

    I don't have that exact model, I've got a Link 10 and a Link 20 - but it's safe to say that it will sound 10x better than a Mini (which I have a couple of as well).

    • chartparker on 18/09/2020 - 13:08

      Agree. Link 10 sounds way better than Mini i or ii, but the minis have been more reliable. My battery doesn't charge on the Link10 and it also just randomly stops producing sound and requires a restart

    • kerfuffle on 18/09/2020 - 13:11

      I would have said anything JBL makes would sound better than a Nest Mini as JBL are primarily known for making audio devices

    • watts on 18/09/2020 - 14:00

      cheers.

      I think the Link Music should be similar to Link 20 in performance, just since I think both are rated at 20w.

      I'd also be happy with a Link 10 or 20, but need to find a good deal.

      $129 for link portable might be good. I think this is better than the link 10?
      https://www.harveynorman.com.au/jbl-link-portable-smart-spea…

      • chartparker on 18/09/2020 - 14:33

        There seem to be few reliability issues with Link10 so maybe the newer Portable is a safer bet

        • watts on 18/09/2020 - 15:00

          I agree.

          If I understand correctly the link 10 and 20 are few years old and the link portable is supersedes both in the JBL lineup (but equivalent in power to link 20).

          Considering link 10 deals have been ~$100, i think $129 for the updated and more powerful model is a good buy. It's probably a good buy compared to the link music too. I don't 'need' the portability, but for only $30* more I'll take it.

          *I've realised the link music would be $100, not $80 as hoped because I can't use TGG store credit in conjunction with price matching.

          • chartparker on 18/09/2020 - 15:10

            @watts: The Link 10 is also "portable" - the built in battery lasts 5 hours (or did until mine decided to stop holding a charge). I'd definitely go for the Portable for the minor price difference

            • watts on 18/09/2020 - 17:06

              @chartparker:

              The Link 10 is also "portable"

              Sorry, the portability comment was in comparison to the Link Music.

    • watts on 18/09/2020 - 13:07

      Been there. Nothing suitably informative.

  • cubes81 on 18/09/2020 - 17:31
    +1

    Did exactly this. Definitely better. Not mind blowingly better but worth it

  • wombat_58 on 18/09/2020 - 23:49

    I have a JBL link and the sound is leaps and bounds better than the nest mini, better than the Google home as well. No regrets for my purchase it is a good sounding speaker with lots of volume and responds well to the wake word when playing loud.

    • watts on 19/09/2020 - 06:11

      Which link model do you have ?? (10,20,300,500,music,portable, etc)

      • wombat_58 on 19/09/2020 - 09:00

        The one linked to st the top of the post, Music.

  • lost in transit on 19/09/2020 - 09:08

    Just be aware if you don’t have the internet at home good luck trying to get it to work , tried for a week, even trying to hotspot off another mobile, it’s going back soon as BigW opens back up.

  • watts on 03/11/2020 - 18:46
    +2

    I ended up getting a JBL Link Portable. Very happy with it.

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