Is the JBL Charge 5 Worth It? Our In-Depth Review

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Introduction
Overview of the JBL Charge 5
JBL Charge 5: Key Features and Specs
User Opinions and Market Reception
JBL Charge 5 vs. JBL Flip 6: Key Differences You Need to Know
Final Verdict and Recommendations

Is the JBL Charge 5 Worth It? Our In-Depth Review

Curated by

cdteliot

2 min read

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The JBL Charge 5, a popular portable Bluetooth speaker, has garnered mixed reviews from audiophiles and casual listeners alike. While praised for its robust build quality, impressive battery life, and loud volume output, some users have expressed disappointment with its bass response and overall sound quality compared to expectations for a JBL product in this price range.

Overview of the JBL Charge 5

pcmag.com

The JBL Charge 5 is a versatile portable Bluetooth speaker designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes

. The speaker boasts impressive audio quality with an optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators, delivering rich and clear sound

. With a battery life of up to 20 hours and the ability to function as a power bank for charging other devices, the Charge 5 is well-suited for extended outdoor activities

. It also supports PartyBoost technology, enabling users to connect multiple compatible JBL speakers for an enhanced audio experience

3 sources

JBL Charge 5: Key Features and Specs

The JBL Charge 5 boasts several key features that make it stand out in the portable speaker market. Here's a concise overview of its main attributes:

IP67 water and dust resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
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20-hour battery life for extended use
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40W output power for robust sound
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PartyBoost function to connect multiple compatible JBL speakers
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Built-in powerbank to charge other devices
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Bluetooth 5.1 for improved wireless connectivity
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Optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators for enhanced audio quality
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Available in multiple colors and customizable designs
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These features combine to create a versatile, durable, and powerful portable speaker suitable for various outdoor activities and extended use.

4 sources

User Opinions and Market Reception

JBL Charge 5 Portable Waterproof Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker with Powerbank

5.0

(4)

$179.95

Audio46 Headphone Store

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JBL Charge 5 Review – ABSOLUTELY Worth it - YouTube

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The JBL Charge 5 is widely praised for its impressive sound quality, robust build, and versatile features. Users appreciate its powerful audio output, long battery life, and the ability to function as a power bank. While some find it less portable than smaller models, its durability and waterproof design make it suitable for outdoor use.

Buy this if you want a durable, high-quality Bluetooth speaker with excellent sound, long battery life, and the ability to charge other devices, ideal for outdoor gatherings and parties

Sound Quality
Delivers bold, clear audio with optimized drivers and bass radiators
Battery Life
Offers up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge
Durability
IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating for outdoor use
Size
Larger and less portable than some other Bluetooth speakers
Price
Relatively expensive at $179.95 retail

Key Features, Reviewed By

JBL Charge 5 vs. JBL Flip 6: Key Differences You Need to Know

When comparing the JBL Charge 5 to other models like the JBL Flip 6, several key differences emerge. The table below highlights the main distinctions between these two popular JBL portable speakers:

Feature	JBL Charge 5	JBL Flip 6
Battery Life	20 hours	12 hours
Weight	960g	550g
Power Output	40 watts	30 watts
Power Bank Function	Yes	No
IP Rating	IP67	IP67
Price Range	Higher	Lower

The JBL Charge 5 offers superior battery life and the ability to charge other devices, making it ideal for longer outdoor excursions

. However, the JBL Flip 6 is significantly lighter and more compact, which may appeal to those prioritizing portability

. Both speakers feature the same IP67 water and dust resistance rating, ensuring durability in various environments

. While the Charge 5 provides slightly more powerful audio output, the Flip 6 still delivers impressive sound quality for its size

. Ultimately, the choice between these models depends on individual preferences for battery life, portability, and additional features like the power bank function.

4 sources

Final Verdict and Recommendations

mashable.com

The JBL Charge 5 offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile portable speaker. With up to 20 hours of battery life and a convenient battery indicator, it outperforms many competitors in longevity

. While it lacks smart speaker or smart home capabilities, it compensates with powerful bass speakers and the ability to create stereo sound when paired with another unit

. The speaker delivers louder sound and more balanced audio compared to previous models, though some users note that the bass performance could be stronger, especially at max volume

. Its Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, but it lacks Wi-Fi capabilities or an audio jack for wired connections

. The Charge 5's water resistance and JBL Connect feature for pairing multiple speakers are cool features that add value

. When comparing volumes and overall audio performance to other speakers in its class, the Charge 5 holds its own, offering a good balance between lows, mids, and highs

. Ultimately, whether the JBL Charge 5 is worth it depends on individual needs, but for many, its combination of durability, sound quality, and battery life make it a solid choice in the portable speaker market.