As a music lover, I’m always on the lookout for the best portable speakers that offer high-quality sound and durability. That’s why I was excited to try out the JBL CHARGE 5, the latest addition to JBL’s line of Bluetooth speakers. This speaker promises to deliver powerful audio with its improved sound quality and longer battery life compared to its predecessor, the CHARGE 4.
In this review, I’ll share my experience with the JBL CHARGE 5 and give you an in-depth analysis of its design and build quality, audio performance, battery life, water resistance, ease of use, and connectivity.
Plus, I’ll compare it against other popular models like Flip 5, Flip 6, and Sonos Roam so that you can decide whether or not this speaker is worth your investment. So let’s dive into it!
Design and Build Quality
You’ll love how sturdy and sleek the JBL CHARGE 5 feels in your hands, with its premium materials and water-resistant design making it perfect for all your outdoor adventures. The speaker has a cylindrical shape that’s easy to hold onto, and its rubberized exterior gives it extra grip. Plus, the CHARGE 5 is available in a range of colors to suit your style.
The build quality is impressive too. The speaker feels solidly built, with no creaks or wobbles when you handle it. All the buttons and ports are well-made and feel durable. And as mentioned earlier, the CHARGE 5 is water-resistant (IP67 rated), so you don’t have to worry about accidental splashes or rain ruining your speaker.
Audio Performance
The audio performance of the JBL CHARGE 5 is truly impressive. It delivers rich and clear sound that will make your music come alive. The speaker has a frequency response range of 65Hz to 20kHz, which means it can handle a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass to high treble. This makes it perfect for playing all types of music genres, whether you’re into rock, pop, jazz, or classical.
Furthermore, the JBL CHARGE 5 has a power output of 30 watts RMS (Root Mean Square), which is more than enough to fill a room with sound. I tested this speaker by playing different genres of music at various volumes and was amazed by how clear and powerful the sound was. Bass-heavy tracks were especially impressive as the speaker produced deep and punchy bass without any distortion or muddiness in the midrange and treble frequencies.
Battery Life and Charging
When it comes to battery life and charging, the CHARGE 5 is a reliable option for those who need a speaker that can last all day without needing to be plugged in. With its 7500mAh rechargeable battery, this speaker can provide up to 20 hours of non-stop music playback on a single charge. That means you won’t have to worry about running out of juice during your all-day pool party or beach trip.
The CHARGE 5 also features USB-C quick charging technology, allowing you to fully recharge the speaker in just under four hours. This is an improvement from its predecessor, the CHARGE 4, which took around five hours to charge fully. Additionally, if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for a full charge, just plugging it in for 15 minutes will give you up to two hours of playtime.
Water Resistance
You don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain or splashed by the pool because the JBL CHARGE 5 is fully waterproof and can handle any water activities you throw its way. This speaker has an IP67 rating, which means it can be submerged in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes without any damage. Additionally, the exterior of the speaker is made with a rugged fabric that is durable and able to withstand harsh environments.
With its waterproof capabilities, you can take this speaker on all your adventures without worrying about damaging it. Imagine listening to your favorite tunes while kayaking down rapids or lounging by the pool with friends. You won’t have to stress about accidentally dropping it or getting it wet because this speaker will continue playing music no matter what. The JBL CHARGE 5’s water resistance feature makes it a perfect companion for those who love spending time outdoors and want a reliable speaker to enhance their experience.
Ease of Use and Connectivity
You’ll love how easy it is to connect and use the JBL CHARGE 5 with your devices. The Bluetooth pairing process is straightforward, and I was able to connect my phone in seconds without any issues. Once connected, I could control the music playback and adjust the volume directly from my phone or any other paired device.
The JBL Connect app also adds some extra features that enhance the overall experience. For instance, you can customize the EQ settings to match your preferences or utilize PartyBoost mode to amplify the sound by connecting multiple JBL speakers. Additionally, a built-in power bank allows you to charge your devices while on the go using a USB-C cable.
Comparison to Flip 5, Flip 6, and Sonos Roam
Compared to its smaller siblings, the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Flip 6, as well as the popular Sonos Roam, the JBL CHARGE 5 is a powerhouse in terms of battery life and sound output. While the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Flip 6 offer good portability and decent sound quality for their size, they pale in comparison to the JBL CHARGE 5’s ability to keep the music going for up to 20 hours on a single charge. The Sonos Roam also has impressive battery life at around 10 hours but falls short in volume when compared to the Charge 5.
When it comes to sound quality, the CHARGE 5 produces a more dynamic and fuller audio experience than both JBL Flip models and even rivals that of the Sonos Roam. The bass response is particularly noteworthy – it’s deep without being overpowering or distorted.
However, while all four speakers have their strengths, choosing which one is best ultimately depends on individual preferences in terms of size, portability, sound profile, and brand loyalty. Overall, if you’re looking for a speaker with exceptional battery life and powerful performance capabilities that can fill up an entire room or outdoor space with rich audio detail, look no further than the JBL CHARGE 5.
My Verdict: Is the JBL CHARGE 5 Worth It?
Now that we have compared the JBL CHARGE 5 to its closest competitors, it’s time to answer the big question: is it worth buying? In my opinion, yes. The JBL CHARGE 5 offers superior sound quality, longer battery life, and better durability compared to the Flip 5 and Flip 6. Its waterproof rating makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
One of the key features that sets the JBL CHARGE 5 apart from other portable speakers is its ability to charge your devices while playing music. This feature alone makes it a valuable investment for those who are always on the go and need their devices charged at all times.
Final Thoughts
So, after using the JBL CHARGE 5 for the past two weeks and comparing it to other similar speakers, I can confidently say that this is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers out there. The sound quality is impressive, with clear highs and deep bass. It’s loud enough to fill a large room or outdoor space without sacrificing clarity.
The build quality feels sturdy and durable, and the water resistance adds an extra layer of protection when using it outside. Plus, the battery life is impressive and allows for extended use without needing to recharge frequently.
