I start each day with music—it’s an essential part of my morning ritual. There’s something magical about beginning the day on the right note, and for me, music plays a pivotal role in setting the tone.
I Thought Radio Clocks Were Outdated – I Was So Wrong!
A few years ago, I decided to purchase a Bluetooth radio alarm clock, not realizing at the time how much joy it would bring into my daily life. I know, in today’s world of smartphones, a standalone radio clock might seem redundant, even old-fashioned. After all, our phones can do everything, from keeping time, wake us up to streaming music. But there’s something undeniably charming and functional about owning a device that’s built solely for telling time and playing music—one that blends seamlessly into your space and becomes a reliable companion on your nightstand.
At first, I was skeptical too. Why add another device to my bedside when my phone could handle everything? Yet, over time, this clock-radio has proven to be indispensable, and easy to use and it could play music with really nice spekers. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a joy to operate. With just a few taps, I can instantly create, edit, or delete alarms or switch between radio stations. There’s no fumbling through endless menus on a smartphone or forgetting to set an alarm—it’s always there, ready to go.
JBL Horizon 2 Review
Design and Build Quality
The JBL Horizon 2, in particular, has become one of my favorite pieces of gear. Its sleek, modern design fits effortlessly into any bedroom aesthetic, with a rounded shape, a large, clear LED display, and soft-touch materials that exude quality. The fabric-covered speaker grills add a touch of elegance, reminiscent of high-end designs like Bang & Olufsen or the new Marantz Horizon speakers, which eeraly looks alike and a re called alike, but are in whole diffrent startosphere of price level.
That big, bold display is one of its standout features. Whether you’re half-asleep or across the room, the time is always easy to read—perfect for those groggy early mornings. The oversized multifunction button on top is genius in its simplicity. It lets you adjust the volume, snooze, turn off the ambient light, and more. Additional buttons for preset alarms, radio stations, and Bluetooth connectivity are neatly placed and intuitive to use. And design wise fit in overall estetic langunage of this speaker. This clock is every interior designer dream.
Features and ease of use
Beneath the device, there’s a battery slot—not for wireless functionality, but to ensure the clock keeps accurate time even if it’s unplugged. This small detail might seem unnecessary, but trust me, it’s a lifesaver when moving the device between rooms or during power outages. It is very handy and good looking devie.
In terms of features, the JBL Horizon 2 is well-equipped: FM and DAB radio (though unfortunately not DAB+), dual alarms, ambient lighting, USB charging for your phone, and auto-dimming for the display. While the auto-dimming feature works beautifully for me, I’ve heard some users find it overly sensitive in mid-light conditions—something to keep in
mind.
Things I would love to see in future
Of course, there’s always room for improvement. I’d love to see wireless charging dock, DAB+, direct integration with streaming services like Spotify, Deezer or Tidal, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX support for higher-quality audio. But even without these additions, the JBL Horizon 2 delivers a remarkable experience for its price.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s talk about sound. Equipped with two full-range drivers and 5-watt amplification (likely Class D I am not certain here), the JBL Horizon 2 produces a neutral, articulate sound.
There is enough clarity and precision here to help you distinguish one instrument from another. Even when you raise in volume, the sound remains composed without any significant distortion in sound. And this sound can go loud, I never had a need to use this as a party speaker for it to really be loud. So keeping in at 50 to 60% of column was more than enough for me.
It is a great articulate sound, which was clear and present. It had enough of dynamic verve for me to be able to follow it around in my head. The vocal had enough of emotional grip for me to have a sing along wakeups. It was really nice and decent rounded sound.
Itis not to Forword, passionate or full of energy, not weighty. Just very clear and beautiful sound. The one you need when you wake up from haze of dreams. It is just true and true good sound that will satisfy many listeners. sound. The one you need when you wake up from haze of dreams. It is just true and true good sound that will satisfy many listners.
Conclusion
It is a great modern looking, device which have an amazing ease to use, as everything is at your fingertips. Great looks, fast and responsive controls, and what is important great sound. It truly is a 120e marvel that you need at your home. It is a great ratio price and quality. I love this radio clock, and I think you should too. But if you’re looking for something more premium, something build for audiophiles first, the Ruark R1 (or the R1S) is worth
considering.
Ruark R1 Review
Design and Build Quality
Firstly, we can discuss to no end who is better in design, JBL or Ruark. Ruark is more of a statement, with its wood grill and rectangular shape, and it is evident that Ruark is a company that builds audio gear with style. They truly do.
There are more colors and variations than JBL, with light cream and pine green being my favorite. With a smaller OLED screen and control panel at the top, I only wished the OLED screen was bigger. Maybe I am a bit spoiled by JBL's, but sometimes when you wake up in the middle of the night, or from afar, it is not so easily readable.
Besides that, Ruark provides more information on the screen, which makes the situation even a bit more difficult. Now, I really enjoy the design; I think it is awesome, but I have to mention that I prefer JBL's look. I prefer a bit more minimal aesthetics of JBL, a bigger screen, and more conspicuous buttons compared to the more plastic buttons of Ruark at the top. But it is really hard to say overall which one I like more, as Ruark is such a statement piece that people will notice right away, and you will be proud to display, while JBL is more in the background, perfectly blending in.
Features and Ease of use
Feature-wise, Ruark is just packed and better than JBL with no competition. Besides FM and DAB, it has DAB+, which means a better antenna and better sound. And that antenna is just miles better in quality than JBL. It has Bluetooth with APTX.
It has an additional battery for emergency power outages, but also additional battery packs for wireless usage. Just lovely.It has an adaptive EQ, which is a phenomenal thing to have, as it adjusts your sound on the go.USB charging but also a USB music shuffle, great! You can store not three like in JBL but a lot more audio stations, which was always a flaw in JBL. And a lot more features that I just recommend you go to their website and see. Because just like this, I am going to forget some.
Sound Quality
But where Ruark just comes fully swinging is sound, baby. They are not playing here.
It is an A/B class amplifier inside with Ruark NS+ neodymium full-range driver. It is a very clear, exciting, agile, and authoritative sound. Just a joy to listen to it.
The audio is crisp and detailed, revealing nuances with surprising clarity. Its sense of timing stands out, offering precision, agility, and a grounded solidity that makes every note feel natural and well-defined. The bass is tightly controlled, impactful, and gives songs a sense of rhythm and momentum that feels both powerful and satisfying.
It is a joy to listen to, especially coming from such a small box, with authoritative bass and very verve sound it makes your sound very palpable, which is not something you can say from radios. It has body, it is warm, but yet through all that haze, the details cut through. To make the sound expand and show itself to you with agility.
That is the sound you need in the morning if you want more excitement in your day. It is not the one which wakes you with birds chirping; this is more like pump the iron type of mood.
Conclusion
It truly is a wonderful sound that I cannot get enough of praise from this radio. The only downside could be its price, which highly varies from where you buy, from 280 to 350 euros. To me, how much this offers is fully justified and it is a great value. but some people might see this price as too much. As the JBL Horizon 2 provides an exceptional alternative at a fraction of the price.
Conclusion JBL Horizon 2 vs Ruark R1
In conclusion, both the JBL Horizon 2 and the Ruark R1 are fantastic devices, each catering to different needs and budgets. The JBL is an affordable, beautifully designed clock radio that integrates seamlessly into your daily life, while the Ruark offers a more premium, feature-rich experience with outstanding sound quality.
Ruark is more expensive but more feature-rich and a better-sounding device, and also great looking. Ruark has all the features and all the sonics that you need. But JBL offers a lot of much better easy-to-use operations, in a beautiful design, with a great big screen, and good sound. Ruark is better, but JBL is better value if you ask me. But whichever you buy you will be awarded with a new level of enriching your life with new energy that every morning brings. And it is on you, how well are you going to seize your day. Honestly, everyone needs a good audio radio clock right beside them.
Sometimes, the best audio devices aren’t the ones that push boundaries but the ones that quietly enhance our lives day after day. For me, the JBL Horizon 2 has been that device—a companion for four years that has made countless mornings brighter and more joyful. Whether you choose the JBL or the Ruark, you’re investing in more than just a clock radio—you’re embracing a new way to greet each day with music, energy, and style.
JBL Horizon 2 - Pros
✅ Affordable & Great Value – Delivers excellent quality at a fraction of the Ruark R1’s price.
✅ Sleek & Minimal Design – Blends into any space, with a large, clear LED display and intuitive controls.
✅ Ease of Use – Simple interface, quick access to alarms, radio stations, and Bluetooth connectivity.
✅ Good Sound Quality – Neutral, articulate, and clear sound with no distortion even at higher volumes.
✅ Practical Features – Includes FM/DAB radio, dual alarms, USB charging, ambient lighting, and auto-dimming.
✅ Reliable Battery Backup – Ensures the clock keeps time even during power outages.
Ruark R1 - Pros
✅ Premium Build & Elegant Design – Wood finish and statement-piece aesthetics.
✅ Superior Sound Quality – Rich, detailed, and dynamic audio with tight bass and clear highs.
✅ Very Advanced Audio Tech – Class A/B amplifier and Ruark NS+ neodymium full-range driver for enhanced clarity and warmth.
✅ Incredible Feature-Rich – Supports FM, DAB+, aptX Bluetooth, USB playback, and adaptive EQ for sound optimization
✅ Better Antenna Reception – Stronger signal for clearer radio playback.
✅ Wireless Capability – Optional battery pack for portable use.
✅ More Preset Stations – Can store more radio stations compared to JBL.
Bonus JBL Authentics 200 review
I also have in my home a JBL Authentics speaker, that I would love to throw small shout out at with a small review.
The JBL Authentics 200 is an impressive blend of classic aesthetics and modern technology, delivering premium sound in a compact, well-built design. One of its biggest strengths is its versatility—whether placed in a cozy living room, a busy kitchen, a home office, or even a bedroom, it adapts effortlessly to different environments without sacrificing performance.
Compact & Stylish Build
With its retro-inspired design, the Authentics 200 is both sleek and space-efficient. Unlike bulkier speakers, this unit is small enough to fit on a shelf or countertop while still looking premium. The solid build quality, combined with its leather-like texture and metal grille, makes it feel like a high-end addition to any setting.
Powerful, Well-Balanced Sound
Despite its size, the sound quality is rich, balanced, and room-filling. The combination of full-range drivers and a down-firing passive radiator ensures deep bass, crisp highs, and clear mids. Whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or using it for voice assistants, the audio remains clear and immersive.
Works Seamlessly Anywhere
What truly sets the Authentics 200 apart is how well it integrates into any space. It’s powerful enough for larger rooms yet compact enough for smaller areas. Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and multi-room compatibility, it connects easily to various smart home setups, making it perfect for both casual users and audiophiles.
Final Verdict
The JBL Authentics 200 is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact, stylish, and powerful speaker that fits seamlessly into different environments. Whether you want high-quality sound for your workspace, entertainment area, or even a bedside setup, it delivers exceptional audio performance in a small, well-designed package.
Comments