JBL Charge 5 Review

Summary / TL;DR

The JBL Charge 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed for music enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality and durability. It offers a rugged, stylish design with a cylindrical shape for stability, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. The fabric material provides a premium feel and protection, while rubberized accents enhance grip and shock resistance. However, its weight may be a downside for those seeking ultra-portability.

Sound performance is a highlight, with a 30-watt RMS output delivering powerful bass and clear mids and highs. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 20 hours of playtime, and it can also function as a power bank. Connectivity features include Bluetooth 5.1 and PartyBoost for pairing multiple speakers, though it lacks voice assistant support and a speakerphone function.

With an IP67 rating, the Charge 5 is dust-tight and water-resistant, making it ideal for pool parties and beach outings. While it competes well with other speakers like the Soundcore Motion+, Ultimate Ears BOOM 3, and Bose SoundLink Flex, it stands out with its robust sound and durability. Overall, the JBL Charge 5 is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, high-quality speaker for outdoor use.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the JBL Clip 5 or JBL Xtreme 4 or JBL Authentics 500.

Introduction

In a world where music is a constant companion, having the right speaker can make all the difference. Enter the JBL Charge 5, a portable Bluetooth speaker that promises to deliver both powerful sound and durability in one sleek package. This speaker caters to music enthusiasts who want a reliable, outdoor-friendly option without sacrificing audio quality.

What can you expect from this device? It's designed to be your trusty sidekick for beach outings, picnics, or backyard barbecues. With its water-resistant feature, it doesn't shy away from a bit of splash. But is it all sunshine and rainbows? While the JBL Charge 5 boasts impressive features, some users might find it a bit bulky for ultra-portability. Yet, for those who prioritize sound over size, this might just be the perfect fit.

As we dive into its specs and performance, let's see if this speaker can strike the right chord with you.

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Design and Build Quality

Let's dive into the design and build quality of this portable speaker, shall we? First off, it's got a rugged yet stylish look that can be your trusty sidekick for all sorts of adventures. You'll notice the cylindrical shape that offers a great balance, making it stable whether you place it horizontally or vertically. It's like a rockstar that doesn't topple over—handy for those unpredictable poolside parties!

The outer covering is made of a durable fabric material, which not only gives it a premium feel but also adds an extra layer of protection. It's tightly woven to withstand some rough handling. That's a must for a speaker meant to be your go-to for outdoor escapades. The ends of the speaker feature rubberized accents, providing a bit of a grip and shock protection, which is awesome if you’re clumsy like me. The speaker’s controls sit on the top, with clearly marked buttons for power, Bluetooth, volume, and play/pause functions. The buttons are tactile, so you won't be fumbling around trying to find them while your hands are wet or dirty. However, the speaker isn't the lightest out there. At a bit over two pounds, it can feel a tad hefty if you’re looking to pack light.

But hey, that extra weight comes with the bonus of solid build quality. Overall, this speaker strikes a fine balance between style and robustness, making it a solid choice for those who like their gear to be as tough as they are. Just be ready for it to take up a bit of space in your backpack!

Sound Performance

Sound Performance is where the JBL Charge 5 really shines. This speaker is like the life of the party, always ready to pump out tunes with remarkable clarity and depth. It's got some serious power under the hood, boasting a 30-watt RMS output which means it can easily fill a large room or backyard with sound. Let's talk about the bass first. If you're a fan of those deep, thumping bass lines, you're in for a treat. The passive radiators do a stellar job at delivering punchy bass that doesn't get muddy. That said, if you’re someone who prefers a more balanced sound, you might find the bass a tad overpowering.

For those who love vocals and instruments to be crystal clear, the midrange performance is solid. You'll notice that even at higher volumes, the mids stay consistent and don't get lost in the mix. As for the highs, they’re crisp without being harsh, allowing for a pleasant listening experience whether you're into rock, pop, or classical music. One minor downside is that when you crank it up to max volume, there can be a hint of distortion. But honestly, at such a loud volume, you might not even notice it over your own excitement! In summary, the JBL Charge 5 offers a dynamic sound experience with powerful bass and clear mids and highs, making it a great choice for both party playlists and chill acoustic sessions.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the things everyone loves about the JBL Charge 5 is its impressive battery life. This little gadget boasts up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. So, if you're planning a long day out at the beach or a weekend camping trip, this speaker's got your back without constantly searching for a power outlet.

Charging the Charge 5 is pretty straightforward. It uses a USB-C port, which is becoming the standard for many devices these days. This means you can charge it up quickly and even use the same cable for other gadgets, reducing cable clutter — a neat little perk in today’s tech-filled life.

However, if we're nitpicking, the speaker takes around 4 hours to reach a full charge. Not exactly lightning-fast, but hey, those 20 hours of playtime make up for it. It's like a marathon runner who takes their time warming up but then runs all day without breaking a sweat.

And here's a little bonus: the speaker doubles as a power bank. Yep, you can charge your phone or other devices using the Charge 5, which is super handy if you're out and about. It's a great feature, but just remember that using it as a power bank will cut into your playtime.

Connectivity and Features

The connectivity and features of the JBL Charge 5 show that this speaker isn't just a one-trick pony, but rather an all-rounder. First up, you've got Bluetooth 5.1. This might not sound like a big deal, but it means you get a more stable connection and improved range. Picture this: you're hosting a backyard BBQ, and your phone's still connected to the speaker even when you're inside grabbing drinks. Sweet, right?

Let's talk about PartyBoost. It's JBL's feature that lets you pair multiple speakers together for a sound that'll blow the roof off (not literally, hopefully). If you've got other JBL speakers with the same feature, you can seriously up your sound game.

Now, on to the USB port. Besides juicing up the speaker itself, it works as a power bank. So if your phone's battery is in the red zone, this speaker's got your back. Just plug it in and you're good to go. The downside? It doesn’t support USB-C charging for your devices, which feels a bit like using a tape player in a streaming world.

For those wondering about voice assistant support or a speakerphone function, sorry to say, the JBL Charge 5 doesn't have them. It’s a bit of a letdown if you’re used to barking commands at your devices or taking calls hands-free. But hey, not everyone needs their speaker to chat back.

All in all, the mix of solid connectivity and handy features makes this speaker pretty versatile. Just remember, it’s more about the music and less about the fancy extras with this one.

Durability and Water Resistance

When it comes to durability and water resistance, the JBL Charge 5 is like that friend who can handle a bit of rough play and still come out smiling. It boasts an IP67 rating, which means it's dust-tight and can be dunked in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. So, bring on the pool parties, beach outings, or even a sudden downpour; this speaker can take it! It's like having a tiny life jacket for your tunes.

Constructed with rugged materials, it feels robust in your hands, ready to withstand a few bumps and drops. The rubberized ends give it an extra layer of protection, ensuring that minor accidents don't lead to major heartbreaks. But, remember, it's not invincible. While it can handle water splashes and sand, it's probably not best to test its limits by submerging it for extended periods or throwing it around like a football. Treat it like you would your phone—some care goes a long way.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors or just tend to be a bit clumsy, the Charge 5 has your back. Just don't forget that while it's tough, it's still a piece of tech and not a magic box. But honestly, for most daily adventures, it’s more than prepared to keep the music playing without a hitch.

What's in the Box

When you crack open the box, you’ll find everything you need to get the music going. Right up front, you've got the JBL Charge 5 speaker itself, looking all sleek and ready to party.

• USB-C Charging Cable: This is your lifeline to keep the tunes flowing. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense cable, but hey, it’s essential.
• Quick Start Guide: Nobody wants to spend too much time reading, right? This guide keeps it simple with easy-to-follow setup instructions.
• Safety Sheet: Yeah, it’s not the most exciting read, but it’s good to know your speaker isn't about to explode or anything. Safety first!
• Warranty Card: Just in case something goes awry, this little card's got your back for peace of mind.

The box is pretty minimalistic—there’s no fancy carrying case or extra accessories. But hey, if you're looking for simplicity and efficiency, this package delivers just that. It's like showing up to a party with everything you need and nothing you don't. So, while the extras might be sparse, the core essentials are there. Just plug in, power up, and let the good times roll!

Competitor Comparison

When you're on the hunt for a mobile speaker, it can feel like you’re searching for a needle in a haystack. There are tons of options out there, and each one claims to be the best. Let’s take a look at how the JBL Charge 5 stacks up against some of its closest rivals in the market.

Soundcore Motion+ is a solid contender. It boasts a decent sound quality with impressive bass for its size, and it’s priced a bit lower. However, while it does have great sound, it lacks the overall loudness and clarity that ours offers. The JBL Charge 5 can fill a room with sound effortlessly, whereas the Motion+ might struggle at higher volumes.

Another competitor is the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3. This speaker is known for its 360-degree sound and stylish design. It’s lightweight and very portable, making it ideal for taking on the go. The JBL Charge 5, however, has a slight edge with its longer battery life and more robust bass output. If you’re a bass-head, you might find the BOOM 3 a little lacking in the thump department.

Then there's the Bose SoundLink Flex. Bose is synonymous with premium sound, and the SoundLink Flex lives up to that reputation with exceptional clarity. However, it comes in at a higher price point and doesn’t quite match the JBL Charge 5 in terms of waterproofing and battery duration. If you’re planning on long days by the pool, the JBL might be your better bet. In summary, while each competitor has its own unique strengths, the JBL Charge 5 strikes a nice balance between price, performance, and durability. It may not have the fanciest design or the highest price tag, but it delivers where it counts. It's like the classic pair of sneakers that never quite go out of style, offering reliability and quality without breaking the bank.

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Conclusion

Wrapping it all up, the JBL Charge 5 proves to be a solid choice for those in search of a reliable and robust mobile speaker. Its impressive sound performance and the ability to double as a power bank give it a significant edge over many competitors. If you’re someone who loves to take your music on the go, this device won't let you down with its long battery life and water-resistant design. On the flip side, while the speaker offers great portability, its slightly bulky design might not be ideal if you're looking for something that fits easily into smaller spaces.

The lack of a speakerphone feature might be a bummer for those who like to have hands-free calls. In terms of connectivity, its Bluetooth capabilities are spot on, though some might miss having Wi-Fi support. But let's be real, for most of us, Bluetooth is the bread and butter of wireless sound.

Should You Buy It?

If you're on the hunt for a speaker that combines powerful audio with a sturdy build and decent battery life, the JBL Charge 5 should be on your radar. While it's not without a few minor quirks, its positives far outweigh the negatives. Plus, for its price range, it delivers a bang for your buck. So, if you're ready to pump up the volume and enjoy some killer tunes, this speaker might just be your new best buddy on the move.

FAQ

• How does the JBL Charge 5 connect to devices?
  The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to most devices. This version offers a stable connection, but remember to check if your device is compatible.

• Can I use the JBL Charge 5 while charging?
  Yes, you can! It's safe to play music while charging, so the party doesn't have to stop when the battery runs low.

• Is the JBL Charge 5 suitable for outdoor use?
  Absolutely! With its IP67 rating, it's both dustproof and waterproof. So, whether you're poolside or on the beach, it's ready for action.

• How long does the battery last on a single charge?
  The battery can play up to 20 hours, but this varies with volume levels and content. Cranking up the bass might drain it faster.

• Can I connect multiple speakers?
  Yes, you can use the PartyBoost feature to link multiple compatible speakers. It’s great for larger gatherings or when you want to spread the sound throughout a space.

• Does it come with a charger?
  The package includes a USB-C charging cable, but you'll need your own charging block. It's a minor inconvenience if you don't already have one at home.

• What if the speaker gets too wet?
  While the JBL Charge 5 is waterproof, it's smart to dry it off when you can, especially the charging port. Think of it like a sponge – too much water is never great!
• How does it compare to other speakers?
  In terms of sound quality and durability, it's a solid contender. However, some might find it a bit heavy for travel, compared to more compact options.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications