JBL CHARGE 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

The JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a highly convenient and versatile speaker that delivers powerful audio in a compact, waterproof frame. With its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, the Charge 5 is designed to withstand the elements and protect the drivers, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, design, and performance of the JBL Charge 5.
Design and Features
The JBL Charge 5 has a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional. It is available in a range of colors, including black, blue, gray, red, and teal, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. The speaker is made of durable materials and has a rubberized finish that provides a good grip and helps to protect it from scratches and bumps.
One of the standout features of the Charge 5 is its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This means that the speaker is certified to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor use, whether you're at the beach, by the pool, or on a camping trip.
The Charge 5 has a 7500mAh battery that provides up to 20 hours of playback time on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over the Charge 4, which had a 6000mAh battery and provided up to 15 hours of playback time. The Charge 5 also has a USB-C port for charging, which is a welcome addition.
Another new feature of the Charge 5 is the PartyBoost button, which allows you to pair it to other PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers like the JBL Xtreme 3. This is a great feature if you want to create a larger sound system for a party or event.
Performance
The JBL Charge 5 delivers surprisingly powerful audio for a portable Bluetooth speaker. Its audio quality is really good, and we were impressed with its volume output. The Charge 5 has a more neutral sound profile than its predecessor, the Charge 4, which had a more bass-heavy sound. This makes the Charge 5 a better choice if you prefer a more balanced sound.
Thanks to its balanced mids, the Charge 5 reproduces voices and lead instruments with clarity and detail. The bass is still present, but it's not as overpowering as it was on the Charge 4. The treble is also well-defined, and we didn't notice any distortion even at high volumes.
The Charge 5 also has a built-in microphone that allows you to take calls hands-free. The microphone quality is good, and we were able to have clear conversations even in noisy environments.
Conclusion
Overall, the JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is an excellent choice if you're looking for a versatile and powerful speaker that can withstand the elements. Its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, long battery life, and PartyBoost feature make it a great choice for outdoor use, while its balanced sound profile and built-in microphone make it a great choice for everyday use. The Charge 5 is currently as good a sound as you can get in a portable Bluetooth speaker design for under £200 ($200, AU$300), and we highly recommend it.
This site is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Comments