JBL vs Pure Audio Systems

JBL and Pure cover overlapping ground, from speakers for travel to systems for the home. JBL's line-up here includes the GO 4 at £39.99, the CHARGE 6 at £169 in white or red, and the Partybox Club 120 at £329. Pure offers the WOODLANDGLOW waterproof speaker with LED lamp at £89, the CLASSIC-CD6 DAB+/FM CD Radio at £179 in black and walnut or white and oak, and the Evoke Home All-In-One Music System at £299.

The feature sets barely overlap. JBL focuses on Bluetooth portability, with waterproof builds on the CHARGE 6 and loud, bass-rich output from the Partybox. Pure concentrates on radio and CD, with DAB+, FM and internet radio on the Evoke Home, a colour TFT display and wake-up alarms on the CLASSIC-CD6, which has two 15-watt outputs, and presets on the Evoke Home. Walnut and oak finishes give Pure a warmer, more traditional look, and the WOODLANDGLOW adds an LED lamp to its waterproof design.

JBL suits people who need a speaker that goes outdoors, on holiday or to a party, because its waterproof and drop-proof builds handle rough use. Pure suits radio fans who want a stylish system for the kitchen, bedroom or living room, with stations on tap and a CD player for an existing collection. Pure's CD radios fit a fixed spot better than travel, so anyone who needs a portable speaker should choose JBL. Buyers choosing between them are really choosing between a travel speaker and a home system, which makes the decision clearer.

Bottom line: choose JBL if portability, waterproofing or party sound matter most, from £39.99 to £329; choose Pure if radio, CD playback and a stylish all-in-one for the home matter more, with prices from £89 to £299.