JBL Charge 5 Review

Today I’ll give you my own take on JBL Charge 5.

I’ve spent a good few weeks with this speaker and got some interesting thoughts to share with you.

Below, is a quick pros and cons table in case you want a quick verdict.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality: Clear vocals and instrumentation, with a well-rounded, balanced sound.
2. Impressive bass response: Provides a satisfying listening experience for bass-heavy music genres.
3. Lightweight and portable: Weighing just 970 grams, it’s perfect for travel and outdoor use.
4. Durable build: Fabric and rubber materials ensure resistance to scuffs, tears, and damage.
5. Long battery life: Up to 20 hours of playback at 50% volume, and over 14 hours at higher volumes.

Cons:

1. Mono setup: Lacks stereo sound and the ability to produce stereo sound when multiple speakers are connected.
2. Not as loud as some competitors: Although the volume is sufficient for most situations, it may not be as loud as other speakers in the same price range.

Sound Quality

Ok, let’s start with sound quality, and I must say, the sound quality is fantastic.

The speaker has excellent clarity and bass response, especially at lower listening levels.

I compared it to the Soundcore Motion Boom and the Motion+, and it held its own against both, even though the Motion Boom has a stereo setup and can produce deeper bass.

The Charge 5 excels at providing a well-rounded, balanced sound that’s perfect for a variety of music genres.

Design and Portability

Weighing in at just 970 grams, the Charge 5 is incredibly portable and perfect for travel.

It is lighter than both the Motion Boom and the Motion+, making it a more convenient option for those on the go.

The build quality is top-notch, and the combination of fabric and rubber materials ensures durability and resistance to scuffs and tears.

The speaker is easy to carry with one hand or fit into most bags, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures.

Battery Life

The battery life of the JBL Charge 5 is impressive, lasting up to 20 hours at 50% volume and more than 14 hours at 80-90% volume.

This longevity makes it perfect for long listening sessions, and the speaker even doubles as a power bank to charge your devices when needed.

The USB-C charging port and included USB C-A cable make it convenient to charge with your existing chargers.

App and Features

The JBL Portable app, available for Android, provides a 3-point equalizer, battery indication, and the PartyBoost feature for grouping multiple JBL speakers.

While not necessary for using the speaker, the app enhances the overall experience and allows for firmware updates.

The Charge 5 is also water and dust resistant, adding to its outdoor appeal.

Overall Impressions

Overall, the JBL Charge 5 is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable Bluetooth speaker with great sound quality, battery life, and build quality.

The speaker’s limitations, such as its mono setup and inability to produce stereo sound when multiple speakers are connected, are minor drawbacks considering its other strengths.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the JBL Charge 5 and would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable, high-quality portable speaker.