The JBL Charge 5 is the BEST speaker I have ever owned. I have had the average run-of-the-mill bluetooth speaker that has around a $20 value, for over a year, and I thought it was good sound quality, and I never thought I needed something “fancy.” Well, that speaker started having problems, and I was carefully searching for another speaker. I found this speaker and I thought I would try something new. I only had one thought as I played music out of it for the first time. WOW! The JBL Charge 5 has the best sound quality I had ever heard from a bluetooth speaker. I don’t ever plan on getting another speaker; that is, a speaker that isn’t JBL or an upgraded version of the Charge 5. The clarity is absolutely stunning! The bass is DEEP. I can feel the bass through my whole room! The volume is insane. I rarely have it over 50%, but in the event where I need it louder, I turn it up. I once had music filling a whole event center that was quite a reasonable size. If I could choose one word to describe this speaker, it would be “Stunning,” “Powerful,” or “Supercharged!(Pun intended.)” On that note, the battery life on this thing is long! I once had the speaker provide some background noise for about two days and the battery life was barely lower than 70% (I think…it’s hard to tell exactly with the battery indicator; definitely above 60%). Of course, the battery drains quicker when you have the speaker playing at high volumes. Also, it can take some water. Some being a little, I prefer not to put it to the test. Here is my takeaway:
DESIGN: 9/10 Great! I love the fabric covering. The JBL logo is made of metal, which makes it look very nice and official. The buttons are easy to distinguish, and the light is on the power, bluetooth, and there is a ring of light around those two buttons when PartyBoost is in effect. There is a battery bar right below the JBL Logo, and it serves as a general battery indicator. You can get the 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. You can get more info on the battery via the app. The weight is surprisingly light, considering the volume this speaker is capable of. Although, it isn’t the most portable of portable speakers as it is a little big and has a football shape. You can get a case for it that has a strap though. For the skip feature, you have to press the play/pause button twice. Make sure that when you do this, you maintain a consistent interval of time between the two presses. If you do it too fast it will just pause. If you do it too slow, it will just pause then play again.
BATTERY: 10/10 Perfect! I absolutely love the battery. I’m the kind of person that prefers the longest possible battery, and doing whatever it takes to preserve it. I don’t have to worry much about this battery. Like I said, it has provided some low music for almost 2 days and the battery wasn’t that affected. However, the battery life will drain much more rapidly when using the speaker at high volumes. I currently use this speaker with a projector to watch TV. I have watched lots of movies and TV shows, and I don’t have to pay much attention to the battery. I just plug it in every other night, and it does great! And having a battery bank is the cherry on top. I haven’t used it much, as I keep most of my devices fully charged, but I think it is awesome that it has a battery bank if I need it.
SOUND QUALITY: 10/10(10.5/10) Stunning! I didn’t expect that sound quality could get this good for a bluetooth speaker. JBL means business! When I turn it to high volumes, I can actually feel air blowing from it! On that note, it can go REALLY high in volume. I did not expect that at all. Insane volume. As stated earlier, I use this with a projector, and for all my TV. Watching movies with this speaker makes the entire experience cinematic! A much bigger upgrade compared to the sound TV’s come with. I would even say that it can contend with some soundbars out there (not the JBL Surround Sound System though…that one seems like the top-tier of JBL). This speaker was my first experience with JBL speakers (other than the car speakers) and I was very impressed. It has been the best sound experience I have ever had. Really clear and crisp audio, and when I say “really,” I mean truly! When playing music, I can hear every instrument, every breath, and incredible bass. The bass is a superstar in and of itself. Like I said, the bass shakes my whole room when playing music, and when watching movies! The side radiators really, really pack a punch! There is even an adjustable EQ on the app. Though I prefer what the speaker came with. It is a little pricey, (just a little) but know that you get what you pay for! I don’t think that I can ever go back to what I had…
PARTYBOOST: 9/10 Great! I had one, so I bought two more so I could create a surround sound with my TV. It kinda worked. I think I had some sort of connectivity issue, so all I’ll say is that the range might not be that great, so make sure you keep them somewhat close. If you have a projector that has bluetooth and you want to use PartyBoost, I would consider researching what you can do with the Bluetooth latency (As stated earlier, I watch TV with this, and please note there IS some lag between sound and video, as bluetooth will do. However, that is just bluetooth technology, not JBL. Over time my ears and eyes have adjusted, and now it is not that big a deal). In addition to standard bluetooth latency, PartyBoost will make this delay greater (I ended up returning the other two because of this issue). For music, this is not a problem, because it is just sound and no video. With music, PartyBoost is pretty cool! It really creates a much louder and much cooler sound experience. You can even use just two for a stereo effect, and it works great!
Overall, this has been the BEST bluetooth speaker experience I have ever had. You better believe I’ll be there for the Charge 6 or 7 or wherever they decide to take this. They really have something good going here. I would 110% recommend this! If you are reading this review, and you would like an upgrade to your typical listening experience, know that this is one of the best out there! And if you catch this at a discounted price, you’ll know you are getting a great deal. JBL has been the best listening experience for me. I will continue buying their products if they keep supplying a high-quality experience. I mean, let the 27,000 ratings with a 4.8 overall rating speak for itself. Here is a simplified pro-con list:
PROS
-Excellent audio clarity
-Excellent bass
-Excellent overall sound
-Exceptional volume
-Long battery life
-Battery bank feature
-Waterproof feature
-Adjustable EQ
-Stereo Effect
-PartyBoost for multiple speakers
CONS
-Button timing for the skip track
-Could be slightly more portable (We do have the Flip speakers for that though)
JBL CHARGE 5 - Portable Waterproof (IP67) Bluetooth Speaker with Powerbank USB Charge out, 20 hours playtime, JBL Partyboost
4.8 | 30,065 ratings
Price: 139
Last update: 12-18-2024
About this item
Bold JBL Original Pro Sound
Take the amazing power of JBL Pro Sound with you. The JBL Charge 5 has an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators, all delivering impressively rich and clear audio. Get that big room sound, even when outdoors.
20 hours of playtime
The fun doesn't have to stop. Packed with an incredible 20 hours of battery life, JBL Charge 5 lets you party all day and into the night.
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
To the pool. To the park. JBL Charge 5 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere.
Wireless Bluetooth Streaming
Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns enjoying JBL Pro sound.
Crank up the fun with PartyBoost
PartyBoost allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to truly pump up your party.
Take the amazing power of JBL Pro Sound with you. The JBL Charge 5 has an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators, all delivering impressively rich and clear audio. Get that big room sound, even when outdoors.
20 hours of playtime
The fun doesn't have to stop. Packed with an incredible 20 hours of battery life, JBL Charge 5 lets you party all day and into the night.
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
To the pool. To the park. JBL Charge 5 is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere.
Wireless Bluetooth Streaming
Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns enjoying JBL Pro sound.
Crank up the fun with PartyBoost
PartyBoost allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to truly pump up your party.
Product information
| Input Voltage | 3.6 Volts |
|---|---|
| Mounting Type | Tabletop Mount |
| Material | Plastic |
| Model Name | JBL Charge 5 - Blue |
| Speaker Type | Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Special Feature | Waterproof, Smartphone-Charging, Stereo-Pairing, Dustproof, Built-In Powerbank, USB Port, Built-In Microphone |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Smartphones or Tablets |
| Compatible Devices | Projector, Laptop, Gaming Console, Personal Computer, Smartphone |
| Subwoofer Diameter | 3.9 Inches |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Controller Type | Battery Powered |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 5.1 |
| Color | Blue |
| Battery Life | 20 Hours |
| Included Components | 1 x Quick-Start Guide, 1 x JBL Charge 5, 1 x Safety Sheet, 1 x Warranty Card, 1 x Type-C to Type-A charging cable |
| Product Dimensions | 3.67"D x 8.7"W x 3.76"H |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Item Weight | 2.1 Pounds |
| Is Waterproof | True |
| Battery Capacity | 7500 |
| Charging Time | 4 Hours |
| Warranty Type | limited warranty |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Control Method | App |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Size | 5 Inches |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 80 dB |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Package Type | Flat Free Package (FFP) |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Connectivity Protocol | Bluetooth |
| Includes MP3 player? | No |
| Series Number | 5 |
| UPC | 050036380225 |
| Style | Charge 5 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00050036380225 |
| Manufacturer | JBL |
| Item Weight | 2.1 pounds |
| ASIN | B08X4VXF1M |
| Item model number | JBL Charge 5 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars
30,065
4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,020 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #111 in Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | February 22, 2021 |
| Country of Origin | China |
Top reviews from the United States
JeremyINSANE Speaker! Quality, volume, battery, and features make this THE BEST!
Miguel GomezAmazing Sound and Great Durability
Miguel Gomez
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024
First off, let’s talk about the sound quality. It’s impressive! The audio is clear and crisp, making everything from podcasts to my favorite tracks sound fantastic. The bass is particularly noteworthy – it’s deep and punchy without being overwhelming. I’ve had other portable speakers before, but this one definitely stands out in terms of delivering that full, rich sound we all crave.
The build quality of the JBL CHARGE 5 is also top-notch. It feels solid and durable, which is exactly what you need in a portable speaker. I’m not the gentlest person with my gadgets, so knowing this speaker can withstand a bit of rough handling is a huge plus. The waterproof feature is a game-changer too. I’ve taken it to the pool and the beach, and it’s held up perfectly fine even after getting splashed. No worries about a bit of water ruining the fun.
Another awesome feature is the battery life. With up to 20 hours of playtime, this speaker keeps the party going all day and night. And the powerbank USB charge-out is a lifesaver! I can charge my phone on the go, which is super handy during long outings or when I forget to charge my phone beforehand. JBL PartyBoost is another cool feature that lets you pair multiple JBL speakers for an even bigger sound. I haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds like a blast for larger gatherings.
Honestly, I’ve struggled to find any real cons with this speaker. It’s a bit on the heavier side, but considering the sound quality and battery life, it’s a trade-off I’m happy to make. The price is a bit higher compared to some other portable speakers, but you’re definitely getting what you pay for in terms of quality and performance.
In conclusion, the JBL CHARGE 5 is a fantastic portable speaker that’s worth every penny. With clear, clean sound, excellent bass, and high-quality materials, it’s perfect for anyone looking to amp up their music experience. Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who loves good tunes on the go, this speaker won’t disappoint. Highly recommended!
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