Ranking updated
Apps for Bluetooth speakers
A speaker plays over plain Bluetooth, but its maker’s app adds EQ, firmware updates and linking several speakers. JBL has two speaker apps: JBL Portable for Flip, Charge, Clip, Go, Pulse, Xtreme and Boombox, and JBL PartyBox for the PartyBox range; JBL headphones use JBL Headphones. Marshall also splits in two: Marshall Bluetooth and the newer Marshall. Ultimate Ears speakers run on UE | BOOM, Sony speakers and headphones on Sony | Sound Connect, and Tribit on Tribit.
How we picked: only the app each speaker maker publishes, from its App Store and Google Play listing, with the seller checked, and the supported models taken from the maker’s own list. Searching for a JBL app turns up look-alikes from other sellers, so the table names the official publisher. None of these apps has a Ukrainian interface.
JBL Portable or JBL PartyBox?
JBL Portable works with Clip 5, Go 4, Grip, Flip 3 to 7, Charge 3 to 6, Pulse 2 to 5, Tuner 3, Xtreme 1 to 4 and Boombox 1 to 4. It joins compatible speakers in Stereo mode or Party mode, lets you tune the speaker and installs software updates. JBL PartyBox is for PartyBox 110, 310, 520, 710, Encore, Encore Essential, Stage 320, Club 120 and Partylight; JBL says it does not work with PartyBox 100, 200, 300, 1000 and On-The-Go. JBL headphones use a third app, JBL Headphones. Store search for “JBL” also shows look-alike apps from other sellers, so check that the seller is Harman International.
Marshall: two apps
Marshall support lists which app runs each model. Marshall Bluetooth covers Emberton II and III, Middleton and Middleton II, Kilburn III, Willen, Bromley, Acton II and III, Stanmore II and III, Woburn II and III and Marshall headphones. The newer Marshall app covers Acton IV, Stanmore IV, Heddon and the Heston range, plus Acton III, Stanmore III and Woburn III. Marshall also says its products work without the app.
Ultimate Ears, Sony and Tribit
UE | BOOM runs the BOOM series: PartyUp links up to 150 speakers, there are EQ presets, and the app can switch the speaker on and off remotely. Sony | Sound Connect serves Sony headphones and Bluetooth speakers with an equalizer and software updates. Tribit lists the exact devices it supports, including StormBox Micro 2, StormBox 2, StormBox Blast and XSound Plus 2, with EQ and firmware updates.
Water in the speaker
If a phone speaker sounds muffled after rain, see speaker cleaner apps.
| App | For which speakers | Official seller | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL PortableApp StoreGoogle Play | Clip, Go, Grip, Flip, Charge, Pulse, Xtreme, Boombox | Harman International | iOS, Android |
| JBL PartyBoxApp StoreGoogle Play | PartyBox 110, 310, 520, 710, Encore and others | Harman International | iOS, Android |
| JBL HeadphonesApp StoreGoogle Play | JBL headphones | Harman International | iOS, Android |
| Marshall BluetoothApp StoreGoogle Play | Emberton, Middleton, Kilburn, Willen and other Marshall models | Marshall Group AB | iOS, Android |
| MarshallApp StoreGoogle Play | Acton IV, Stanmore IV, Heddon, Heston and some III models | Marshall Group AB | iOS, Android |
| UE | BOOMApp StoreGoogle Play | Ultimate Ears BOOM series | Logitech | iOS, Android |
| Sony | Sound ConnectApp StoreGoogle Play | Sony Bluetooth speakers and headphones | Sony | iOS, Android |
| TribitApp StoreGoogle Play | StormBox, XSound and listed Tribit models | Shenzhen Thousandshores Technology | iOS, Android |
Frequently asked questions
Which app do I need for a JBL speaker?
JBL Portable for Flip, Charge, Clip, Go, Pulse, Xtreme and Boombox, and JBL PartyBox for the PartyBox range. Both are from Harman International.
Why does JBL PartyBox not find my speaker?
JBL lists PartyBox 100, 200, 300, 1000 and On-The-Go as not compatible with the app.
How do I connect two JBL speakers?
JBL Portable joins compatible speakers in Stereo mode or Party mode.
Which Marshall app do I need?
Marshall Bluetooth for most Emberton, Middleton, Kilburn and II or III home models, and the newer Marshall app for Acton IV, Stanmore IV, Heddon and Heston.