A portable speaker that lights up and links up
JBL has announced the Pulse 6, a portable Bluetooth speaker that keeps the lightshow the line is known for and adds a handle that glows along with it (opens in a new tab). The company says the speaker combines its sound tuning with AI Sound Boost, which it describes as analyzing music as it plays to get more out of the acoustics while cutting distortion. A redesigned acoustic setup is said to deliver deeper bass than before.
- Price
- €299.99
- Available
- From October 6th, 2026, on JBL.com and at selected retailers
- Connections
- Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C for lossless audio playback, Auracast
- Battery
- Up to 12 hours
- Durability
- IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating
- App
- JBL One App for themes, Sunset Mode and EQ settings
The Pulse 6 goes on sale from October 6th, 2026, through JBL.com and selected retailers, priced at €299.99. JBL rates battery life at up to 12 hours and gives the speaker an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating. Bluetooth 6.0 handles wireless playback, and a USB-C connection supports lossless audio.
The metal handle is more than a grip. JBL says it carries its own integrated lightshow, and the handle is made with 93% recycled metal. The speaker itself uses recycled materials as well.
Lighting themes, Auracast and what you need the app for
JBL splits the lighting into 16 themes, with six aimed at parties and ten ambient scenes that include Universe, Firefly, Sea and Aurora. Sunset Mode fades the lights down over a countdown you choose, and it is set up in the JBL One app. A Bedside Lamp mode turns on with a double tap and needs no app at all.
Auracast lets the Pulse 6 link with compatible JBL speakers, and JBL says it works with any Auracast-enabled JBL speaker. Two Pulse 6 units can run as a stereo pair, with sound and lighting kept in sync between them. The speaker can also sync its sound and lights with compatible JBL PartyBox speakers and JBL PartyLights. For karaoke, it pairs with the JBL EasySing Mic Mini.
The JBL One app provides lighting-theme controls, Sunset Mode, EQ adjustments and mood-setting sounds. JBL frames the Pulse 6 for listeners who want strong sound and lighting effects together. The lightshow idea is not new for the brand: Carsten Olesen, President, Consumer Audio at HARMAN, said the 360-degree customizable lightshow "has been integral to Pulse's design since it first launched in 2013".
If you already own Auracast-enabled JBL speakers, the Pulse 6 is built to join them rather than sit alone. If you want the lighting without touching your phone, the double-tap Bedside Lamp mode covers that, while theme control stays in the JBL One app.