JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker: A Comprehensive Review

In the ever-growing and evolving world of portable audio devices, JBL has consistently set the bar high with its range of Bluetooth speakers. The JBL Charge 5 is the latest addition to that lineup.

This portable Bluetooth speaker promises to deliver powerful sound, durable build quality, and an impressive battery life.

Whether you’re planning a beach party, a backyard barbecue, or simply want to enjoy your favorite tunes on the go, the JBL Charge 5 wants to be your portable audio BFF. But does it deliver?

In this product review, we’ll examine its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if this portable powerhouse deserves a spot in your tech arsenal.

Sound Quality

First and foremost, let’s take a look at how this speaker really sounds. The JBL Charge 5 has an impressive sound quality thanks to its advanced internal components.

This portable speaker features a racetrack-shaped driver, a separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators, all working together for a well-rounded audio experience.

The racetrack driver is designed to deliver crystal-clear mids and highs, ensuring that vocals and instruments are rendered with exceptional clarity.

Meanwhile, the tweeter enhances the high frequencies, adding a layer of crispness that brings music to life, especially in genres that rely on intricate high-end details.

The dual bass radiators might be the most notable feature, providing deep, punchy bass that is both powerful and precise.

Long Battery Life

The JBL Charge 5 features a long-lasting battery that delivers up to 20 hours of playtime. This makes it perfect for long trips, outdoor adventures, and extended listening sessions. You don’t have to worry about running out of battery halfway through your day or night!

The Charge 5’s battery is rechargeable, so you can keep the music going without having to constantly replace batteries.

IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating

The JBL Charge 5 is designed to be durable and rugged, with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating.

This means that it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes, and is completely protected against dust and other small particles.

Whether you’re by the pool, at the beach, or in the rain, the Charge 5 will keep playing without any interruptions or damage.

PartyBoost Feature

The JBL Charge 5 comes with a PartyBoost feature that allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together in stereo or link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for really incredible sound.

This means that you can take your party to the next level with exceptional sound quality and volume. You can also use this feature to create a surround sound experience, or to listen to music in different rooms or areas.

Carrying and Mounting

For carrying your speaker with you, the Charge 5 does not have a handle but does have a built-in strap loop. This allows you to attach a carrying strap or carabiner.

This makes it easy to secure the speaker to a backpack, bicycle, or even a tent pole, enhancing its versatility for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or camping.

When it comes to mounting, the Charge 5’s design is straightforward and practical. While it doesn’t have a dedicated mounting bracket or stand, its stable, cylindrical shape allows it to sit securely on various surfaces.

You can place it on a picnic table, a rock, or even the edge of a pool without worrying about it tipping over. Its balanced weight distribution ensures it remains steady during use, even when playing bass-heavy music at high volumes.

Built-in Powerbank

The JBL Charge 5 is not just a Bluetooth speaker, but also a built-in powerbank that lets you charge your devices without taking a break.

This means that you can take your Charge 5 with you on the go and use it to charge your phone, tablet, or other devices. You can also use it to charge your devices while you’re listening to music, without having to worry about running out of battery.

Versatile Use

The JBL Charge 5 is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re using it to listen to music, watch movies, take calls, or charge your devices, the Charge 5 delivers exceptional performance.

It’s small enough to be portable and easy to carry, but powerful enough to fill a room or outdoor space with high-quality sound. The Charge 5 is a great investment for anyone who wants a reliable and high-performance Bluetooth speaker.

Pros:

• JBL Pro Sound with optimized long-excursion driver and dual bass radiators
• Up to 20 hours of playtime with long-lasting battery
• IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating for durability and portability

Cons:

• No carrying handle or mounting points for easy transportation
• Mono speaker only, party mode only possible on cellphone or laptop
• Low-volume situations may experience noticeable increases in volume with each click

Conclusion

JBL Charge 5 is an impressive portable speaker with a long-lasting battery, robust waterproofing, and dustproofing features.

Overall, we would recommend the JBL Charge 5 to anyone who wants a portable speaker with good audio quality and durable features.

Questions & Answers:

Question: Can the JBL CHARGE 5 be used in a car?
Answer: Yes, the JBL CHARGE 5 can be used in a car, offering a portable and convenient option for enhancing audio on the go. However, it’s important to note that while the speaker is capable of producing powerful sound, the bass levels might not be as pronounced in a noisy car environment, potentially being drowned out by road noise. For optimal listening, it may be best suited for quieter car rides or when the vehicle is stationary.

Question: Is the JBL CHARGE 5 compatible with JBL PartyBoost speakers?
Answer: Yes, the JBL CHARGE 5 is compatible with JBL PartyBoost, a feature that allows you to wirelessly pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple PartyBoost-compatible speakers to create a bigger, more immersive listening experience. This makes the JBL CHARGE 5 an excellent choice for those looking to amplify their audio setup for parties, gatherings, or simply to fill a larger space with sound.

Question: How is the battery life on the JBL CHARGE 5?
Answer: The JBL CHARGE 5 boasts an impressive battery life, offering up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music, podcasts, or other audio content for long periods without worrying about frequent recharging, making it perfect for day trips, outdoor adventures, or anywhere you need reliable, long-lasting sound.

Question: Can the JBL CHARGE 5 charge other devices?
Answer: Yes, one of the standout features of the JBL CHARGE 5 is its ability to double as a power bank. This means you can use the speaker’s built-in battery to charge your smartphones, tablets, or other devices via the USB port. This feature adds a layer of practicality, ensuring that your devices stay charged and ready to use, even when you’re away from power outlets.

Question: Is the JBL CHARGE 5 waterproof?
Answer: The JBL CHARGE 5 is designed with durability in mind and features an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. This makes the speaker capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, as well as being protected against dust ingress. Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or caught in the rain, the CHARGE 5 is built to handle the elements.

Question: What audio input options are available on the JBL CHARGE 5?
Answer: The JBL CHARGE 5 primarily connects to audio sources via Bluetooth, allowing for wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, it does not include a 3.5mm audio input jack, which means that wired connections are not supported. This design emphasizes wireless convenience and portability, aligning with the preferences of many users today.

Question: How does the sound quality of the JBL CHARGE 5 compare to previous models?
Answer: The JBL CHARGE 5 offers enhancements in sound quality compared to its predecessors, with improved clarity, deeper bass, and more powerful output. It features an optimized long-excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators, all of which contribute to a more dynamic and immersive audio experience. These improvements make the CHARGE 5 a significant upgrade in terms of audio performance.

Question: What colors are available for the JBL CHARGE 5?
Answer: The JBL CHARGE 5 is available in a variety of colors to suit different tastes and preferences. Options often include classic black, blue, red, and gray, among others. Availability may vary based on region and retailer, so it’s a good idea to check with authorized sellers for the full range of color options.