If the goal is to keep your cell phone away from the bed but ensure you wake up at the correct time, the JBL Horizon 3 can be a viable option, as this Bluetooth speaker with FM radio operates as an alarm clock, allowing you to set alarms for a more peaceful awakening.
Olhar Digital conducted an analysis of the model to determine if it meets users' needs.
The JBL Horizon 3 has an oval shape, and its body is covered with textured fabric. A highlight of its design is the LCD screen, which displays the time in black and white. Additionally, the back features LED lighting that can be projected onto the wall. This display has good brightness and automatically adjusts its intensity via an ambient light sensor, ensuring it is not bothersome during the night.
Physical controls are located on the top of the device, including a main rotary selector and side buttons for navigating menus, activating the FM radio, and adjusting the volume. On the base, there are inputs for the power cable, the radio antenna connector, and a compartment for a backup battery. This battery does not power the speaker but serves to preserve the clock settings in case of a power outage. The USB-C port also allows for charging the cell phone overnight.
The JBL Horizon 3 is equipped with two 5W speakers each. At low and medium volumes, it reproduces audio with notable clarity, demonstrating efficiency when playing music, podcasts, or the integrated FM radio. However, at higher volumes, the sound quality may decrease slightly, resulting in loss of definition.
In FM radio mode, the transmission maintains the traditional analog signal, and minor static may occur depending on the station tuning. It is possible to customize the audio equalization using the brand's application on smartphones.
Because it is not an extremely powerful speaker, it is better suited for room use. This characteristic makes it ideal as an alarm clock: simply place it on the bedside table, program the alarm (the app allows setting different times for different days of the week), and wake up to relaxing sounds. The LED lighting simulates morning natural light, aiding in a more comfortable awakening.
The alarm can be configured to emit a standard sound, tune into an FM radio station, or use nature sounds. To aid sleep, the device offers a timer of up to 45 minutes, allowing background sounds to continue for a period before falling asleep.
The JBL Horizon 3 connects to other devices via Bluetooth 5.3 and supports multipoint functionality, which allows simultaneous pairing of two cell phones, facilitating switching between them. It is important to note that the model does not have Wi-Fi connectivity or integration with voice assistants like Alexa.
To listen to FM radio, an antenna must be connected to the bottom, and the device allows saving up to five stations in memory. It should be noted that this is not a portable speaker because it needs to remain connected to the power outlet to play any audio, whether streaming music or FM radio. The round battery serves exclusively to maintain the registered time, preventing the need for manual reconfiguration after power outages or disconnection from the outlet.
For those looking for a dedicated alarm clock, this JBL speaker is highly recommended. It offers the ability to set various alarms, access FM radio to catch up on morning news, and adaptive lighting for a gentle awakening. The multipoint feature benefits couples, allowing both to connect their smartphones to the bedside speaker. Furthermore, the USB-C port allows charging other devices.
In summary, although it is not a high-power speaker and lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, it requires being constantly plugged into the outlet to function. If wireless usage flexibility is a priority, the JBL Horizon 3 will not meet this demand.
