The JBL Charge 5 is the latest addition to JBL’s popular line of portable Bluetooth speakers. As a top-of-the-line model, it promises to deliver superior sound quality, impressive battery life, and a rugged design that can withstand the demands of outdoor use. In this article, we’ll put the JBL Charge 5 through its paces to see if it lives up to its lofty expectations.

Design and Build

The JBL Charge 5 boasts a durable and water-resistant design with an IP67 rating, making it perfect for beach trips, pool parties, or other outdoor activities. The speaker’s rugged exterior is built from high-quality plastic that can withstand scratches and bumps, while the matte finish provides a comfortable grip.

Weighing in at around 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs), the JBL Charge 5 is surprisingly lightweight considering its size and features. Measuring 11.2 x 9.6 x 23.7 cm (4.4 x 3.8 x 9.3 inches), it’s a compact speaker that can easily fit in a backpack or purse.

Sound Quality

The JBL Charge 5 is equipped with a pair of 50mm drivers and a 10mm tweeter, which deliver crystal-clear sound with impressive bass response. The speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, allowing for seamless pairing with your device.

During our testing, we were impressed by the speaker’s ability to produce clear and balanced sound across various genres. From the deep bass of electronic tracks to the crisp highs of classical music, the JBL Charge 5 handled it all with ease.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the JBL Charge 5 is its impressive battery life. According to JBL, users can expect up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 18-19 hours of mixed usage, which is still an excellent result.

Additional Features

The JBL Charge 5 comes with several additional features that enhance its usability and convenience. These include:

• Water-resistance: IP67 rating for protection against dust and water
• Wireless charging: Compatible with Qi-compatible charging pads
• PartyBoost: Allows for linking multiple speakers together for a more immersive experience
• Voice assistant integration: Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Competitor Comparison

When compared to its competitors, the JBL Charge 5 stands out for its exceptional sound quality, impressive battery life, and robust design. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its main rivals:

Speaker	Sound Quality	Battery Life	Design
JBL Charge 5	Excellent	Up to 20 hours	Durable, water-resistant
UE Wonderboom	Good	Up to 10 hours	Compact, portable
Bose SoundLink Color II	Very good	Up to 8 hours	Water-resistant, durable

Conclusion

The JBL Charge 5 is an outstanding portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality, impressive battery life, and a rugged design. Its compact size, water-resistance, and additional features make it perfect for music lovers who enjoy listening on the go.

With its competitive pricing starting at around $150, the JBL Charge 5 is an excellent value proposition for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed portable speaker.

Technical Specifications:

• Drivers: 50mm x 2
• Tweeter: 10mm
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
• Water-resistance: IP67 rating
• Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.6 x 23.7 cm (4.4 x 3.8 x 9.3 inches)
• Weight: 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs)