Introduction
The JBL Charge 5 is the latest iteration in JBL’s Charge series, succeeding the popular JBL Charge 4. As a portable Bluetooth speaker, the Charge 5 is designed to deliver high-quality audio in a compact and durable form factor. Whether you’re moving from room to room or heading outdoors, this speaker promises to bring your favorite tunes along with robust sound and extensive features. With an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, it is well-protected against the elements. Additionally, the JBL Charge 5 offers sound customization through the JBL Portable app and compatibility with PartyBoost for enhanced audio experiences. In this comprehensive review, we will explore various aspects of the JBL Charge 5, including its design, sound quality, battery life, and additional features, to provide a detailed evaluation of this Bluetooth speaker.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Durable Construction
The JBL Charge 5 sports a sleek, cylindrical design that is both visually appealing and practical. The exterior is covered in a rugged fabric material that not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances its durability. The ends of the speaker feature rubberized caps that protect the passive radiators and provide additional shock resistance. The build quality of the JBL Charge 5 feels solid, making it a reliable companion for both indoor and outdoor activities.
IP67 Rating: Waterproof and Dustproof
One of the standout features of the JBL Charge 5 is its IP67 rating, which signifies that the speaker is both waterproof and dustproof. This rating ensures that the device can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes and is completely protected against dust ingress. Whether you’re at the pool, beach, or a dusty campsite, the JBL Charge 5 is built to handle tough environments without compromising performance.
Portability
Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, the JBL Charge 5 is highly portable. It fits easily into backpacks or can be carried by hand, making it a great option for on-the-go music lovers. The compact size does not detract from its ability to deliver powerful sound, and the built-in strap points allow for convenient attachment to bags or other gear.
Sound Quality
Balanced Mid-Range and Clear Audio
The JBL Charge 5 delivers impressive sound quality, particularly in the mid-range frequencies. The speaker is equipped with an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators. This combination results in rich, clear audio with well-defined mids that reproduce voices and lead instruments with excellent clarity and detail. This makes the Charge 5 suitable for a wide range of music genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.
Bass Performance
While the JBL Charge 5 provides good overall sound quality, it does fall short in the low-bass department. As a smaller speaker, it cannot produce the deep, rumbling bass that larger, more powerful speakers can achieve. However, the bass it does produce is still punchy and sufficient for most casual listening scenarios. The dual passive radiators help enhance the bass response, but those seeking a thumping bass experience may find it lacking.
High Volume and Distortion
The JBL Charge 5 performs admirably at high volumes, maintaining sound clarity without significant distortion. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor use, where higher volumes are often necessary to overcome ambient noise. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a day at the park, the Charge 5 can provide ample volume to keep the music going strong.
Battery Life
Long-lasting Playtime
One of the key selling points of the JBL Charge 5 is its impressive battery life. The speaker boasts up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, allowing users to enjoy their music all day and well into the night without needing to recharge. This long battery life is ideal for extended outings and ensures that the party doesn’t have to stop prematurely.
Powerbank Feature
In addition to its long battery life, the JBL Charge 5 includes a built-in powerbank feature. This allows users to charge their devices, such as smartphones and tablets, directly from the speaker. The convenience of having a portable speaker that can also serve as a backup charger is a significant advantage, particularly during outdoor activities where access to power sources may be limited.
Connectivity and Features
Bluetooth Connectivity
The JBL Charge 5 utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 technology, providing a stable and reliable wireless connection. Pairing the speaker with devices is straightforward, and the range is ample for most typical usage scenarios. The speaker supports simultaneous connections with multiple devices, making it easy to switch between different music sources without having to disconnect and reconnect each time.
JBL Portable App and Sound Customization
The JBL Portable app offers users the ability to customize the sound profile of the Charge 5. The app features a graphic equalizer that allows users to adjust the bass, mid, and treble levels to suit their personal preferences. This level of customization is a valuable addition, enabling users to fine-tune the audio output to match their listening environment and music genres.
PartyBoost Compatibility
One of the standout features of the JBL Charge 5 is its compatibility with JBL’s PartyBoost technology. PartyBoost allows users to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to create a more immersive audio experience. This feature is particularly useful for larger gatherings or outdoor events, where additional speakers can help spread the sound evenly across a wider area.
Lack of Speakerphone and Voice Assistant Integration
It is worth noting that the JBL Charge 5 does not include speakerphone capabilities or integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. While these features may not be essential for all users, their absence is notable, especially considering that many modern Bluetooth speakers offer these functionalities. However, the primary focus of the Charge 5 is on delivering high-quality audio and robust durability, and in these areas, it excels.
Performance in Various Environments
Indoor Use
The JBL Charge 5 performs exceptionally well in indoor environments. Its balanced sound profile and clear mid-range make it suitable for a variety of listening scenarios, from casual background music to more focused listening sessions. The ability to customize the sound profile via the JBL Portable app adds to its versatility, allowing users to optimize the audio for different room sizes and acoustics.
Outdoor Use
Thanks to its rugged design and IP67 rating, the JBL Charge 5 is perfectly suited for outdoor use. Whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or on a hiking trail, the speaker can withstand the elements and continue to deliver high-quality sound. The long battery life and powerbank feature are particularly beneficial for outdoor activities, ensuring that your music and devices stay powered throughout the day.
Travel and On-the-Go Use
The portability of the JBL Charge 5 makes it an excellent choice for travel and on-the-go use. Its compact size and durable construction mean that it can easily be packed into a suitcase or backpack. The Bluetooth connectivity and long battery life further enhance its suitability for travel, allowing users to enjoy their music without worrying about cables or frequent recharging.
Comparison with JBL Charge 4
Design and Build
While the overall design of the JBL Charge 5 is similar to that of its predecessor, the Charge 4, there are notable improvements. The Charge 5 features a more rugged and refined design, with enhanced durability thanks to the IP67 rating. The addition of rubberized caps on the ends provides better protection for the passive radiators.
Sound Quality
The JBL Charge 5 offers improved sound quality over the Charge 4, with a more refined mid-range and clearer audio. The addition of a separate tweeter and optimized long excursion driver contributes to this enhanced sound performance. While both models may lack deep bass, the Charge 5 provides a more balanced and satisfying listening experience overall.
Battery Life and Features
Both the Charge 4 and Charge 5 offer excellent battery life, with up to 20 hours of playtime. However, the Charge 5 includes the added benefit of PartyBoost compatibility, which allows for more versatile audio setups with multiple speakers. The Charge 5 also retains the powerbank feature, making it a convenient choice for charging devices on the go.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fantastic Battery Life: With up to 20 hours of playtime, the JBL Charge 5 ensures that your music can keep going all day and night.
- Balanced Mid-Range: The speaker delivers clear and detailed audio, particularly in the mid-range frequencies, making it suitable for various music genres.
- Rugged and Durable: The IP67 rating for water and dust resistance makes the Charge 5 a reliable choice for outdoor use.
- PartyBoost Compatibility: This feature allows users to pair multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
- Built-in Powerbank: The ability to charge devices directly from the speaker adds to its convenience, especially during outdoor activities.
Cons
- Lack of Deep Bass: The smaller size of the speaker limits its ability to produce deep, rumbling bass, which may be a drawback for bass enthusiasts.
- No Speakerphone or Voice Assistant Integration: The absence of these features may be a disadvantage for users who prioritize hands-free calling and voice control functionalities.
Conclusion
The JBL Charge 5 is a robust and versatile portable Bluetooth speaker that excels in delivering high-quality sound in a durable and compact package. Its balanced mid-range, impressive battery life, and rugged design make it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use. The addition of PartyBoost compatibility and the built-in powerbank further enhance its appeal, providing users with flexible audio setups and convenient device charging options. While it may lack deep bass and certain modern features like speakerphone and voice assistant integration, the JBL Charge 5 focuses on its core strengths, making it a standout option in its category.
Recommendation
For those in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers a combination of durability, sound quality, and long battery life, the JBL Charge 5 is highly recommended. Its IP67 rating, balanced audio performance, and additional features like PartyBoost and powerbank functionality make it a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of listening scenarios. Whether you’re an avid traveler, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a high-quality speaker for home use, the JBL Charge 5 delivers on its promises and is well worth considering.