JBL marks 80 years with a future-focused audio takeover

Portable speakers, smarter headphones, and next-gen karaoke tech lead JBL’s biggest local launch of 2026

Eighty years in, JBL is less interested in nostalgia and more focused on how sound fits into modern life. To mark the milestone, JBL Philippines gathered media, creators, gamers, and music fans at the Clark Marriott Hotel in Pampanga on May 15, 2026, unveiling a massive wave of new audio products alongside a full-scale community event that turned Clark into a one-day sound playground.

Rather than centering the celebration on a single hero product, JBL presented an entire ecosystem designed around different lifestyles — from karaoke and content creation to gaming, travel, and large-scale parties. The launches reflected how audio today moves fluidly between private listening and shared experiences, often within the same device lineup.

Larry Secreto, Director at Consumer Audio, Harman Philippines and Grace Koh, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Audio, Harman Asia Pacific

One of the biggest highlights came from JBL’s new EasySing lineup, which pushes karaoke into a more portable and spontaneous direction. The compact EasySing Mic Mini Duo and EasySing Mic Mini introduce real-time AI Vocal Removal that can reduce or fully remove vocals from streaming tracks instantly, eliminating the wait for official karaoke versions. Designed for casual singing sessions, livestreams, and quick content creation, the microphones also feature voice enhancement, noise suppression, and flexible recording setups. JBL expanded the same technology into larger party-ready systems through the EasySing Mics and the new PartyBox speakers, turning portable entertainment into a more interactive, social experience.

Megan Lee, Director of Product Planning & Strategy, Consumer Audio Harman Asia Pacific

The brand also expanded its portable speaker range with updated versions built for mobility and outdoor use. The JBL Go 5 arrives in a tougher waterproof and drop-proof design with ambient lighting and simplified speaker pairing, while the JBL Xtreme 5 focuses on stronger sound performance, longer battery life, and reduced distortion at louder volumes. For larger gatherings, the new PartyBox 130 leans fully into immersive party culture with dynamic lighting, karaoke support, and bigger sound designed for open spaces and all-night events.

On the personal audio side, JBL introduced refreshed headphone and earbud lineups across the Live and Tune Series. The new models combine upgraded noise cancelling, spatial audio, longer battery life, and more fashion-conscious finishes, signaling JBL’s growing focus on blending performance with lifestyle aesthetics. Meanwhile, the Quantum gaming series continued the brand’s push into competitive gaming with modular headset designs, spatial sound technology, and long-wear comfort intended for extended play sessions.

The anniversary celebration extended beyond product demos through the JBL Audio Playground held on May 16, 2026 at Clark Global City. The full-day event brought together different communities through a mix of music, gaming, movement, and live entertainment. Guests participated in a community fun run, DJ workshops, dance sessions, skate showcases, and a Mobile Legends tournament, before the day closed with performances from Ben&Ben, HORI7ON, Dionela, Al James, and G22.

For more updates on the product launches, follow JBL on their socials