Short answer: the KEF Muo gen2 for better sound quality, the JBL Grip for the lower price. The KEF Muo gen2 ranks #73 of 136 medium speakers at $249.99. The JBL Grip ranks #75 at $99.95, $150.04 cheaper.
The case for the KEF Muo gen2: KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance. The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass.
What the JBL Grip gets right: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. The catch: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
Buy the KEF Muo gen2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Grip if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the KEF Muo gen2 is rated for 24 hours versus 14 hours for the JBL Grip.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Muo gen2 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #73 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #75 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 KHz 24 bit | SBC |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs / 740 g | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.2" x 2.3" (216 x 82 x 59 mm) | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W | 16W |
| Max Volume | 90dB | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~68Hz |
| EQ | - | Yes (7 band) |
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- KEF Muo gen2 vs Sony ULT Field 1
- JBL Charge 5 vs KEF Muo gen2
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Muo gen2: $249.99 Amazon
Pros: KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance
Cons: Lacking deeper bass. Very thuddy bass. Appears to be the exact same hardware but with updated tuning. Bass distorts as volume increases, and the claimed 43Hz extension is really only audible at low listening volumes, with a few seconds of lag after volume changes. Loses most of its bass off-axis. Customer reviews are mixed, ranging from praise for detail at low volume to complaints of a boxy, hollow sound.
Full KEF Muo gen2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 KHz 24 bit |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.2" x 2.3" (216 x 82 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 90dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs / 740 g |
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JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons