Imagine a speaker that survives beach trips, pool parties, and all-night bonfires without missing a beat. The JBL Charge 5 promises exactly that—JBL Pro Sound, 20-hour battery life, and rugged IP67 durability—but does it live up to the hype?
In this hands-on review, we’ll dive deep into its sound quality, design, battery life, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Sony XB43 and Bose SoundLink Flex. By the end, you’ll know if it’s worth your money.
JBL Charge 5 delivers powerful Pro Sound with 40W output, IP67 durability and 20-hour battery. Take the party anywhere with its built-in powerbank feature.
JBL Charge 5 Key Features
JBL Pro Sound with Deep Bass
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|---|---|
| Bass | Punchy and well-balanced (better than Sony’s boomy XB43). |
| Mids/Highs | Clear vocals, though Bose SoundLink Flex offers slightly crisper highs. |
| Volume | Loud enough for 30+ people outdoors (40W output). |
| Real-world test: | ~18 hours at 60% volume (close to JBL’s claim). |
| Powerbank feature | Charge your phone via USB-C (unlike Bose SoundLink Flex). |
| IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof | Survives 1m underwater for 30 minutes (better than Anker Soundcore Motion+’s IPX7). Dustproof makes it ideal for beach, camping, or construction sites. |
| PartyBoost for Multi-Speaker Pairing | Link 2 JBL speakers (but no true stereo—Sony’s Wireless Party Chain does this better). |
Design & Build Quality
- Materials: Durable fabric + rubberized ends (tougher than Bose’s silicone).
- Portability: Weighs 960g (heavier than SoundLink Flex’s 600g).
- Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Gray, Squad (limited edition).
Sound Performance: Bass, Mids, Highs
Bass
- Deep and controlled, not muddy like Sony XB43’s “Extra Bass” mode.
- Best for EDM, hip-hop, and action movies.
Mids & Highs
- Vocals are clear, but Bose SoundLink Flex delivers more detail.
- Lacks aptX support (only SBC/AAC codecs).
Bluetooth 5.1 & Connectivity
- Range: ~30 feet (drops to 20ft with walls).
- Latency: Low enough for YouTube/Netflix (better than Anker Motion+).
JBL Charge 5 vs. Competitors
| Feature | JBL Charge 5 | Sony XB43 | Bose SoundLink Flex | Anker Motion+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hours | 24 hours | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Waterproof | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bass | Deep, balanced | Extra bass (boomy) | Natural, crisp | Enhanced |
| Weight | 960g | 1,500g | 600g | 1,100g |
| Price | $179 | $198 | $149 | $99 |
Verdict:
- Best for bass + battery: JBL Charge 5.
- Best for clarity: Bose SoundLink Flex.
- Best budget option: Anker Motion+.
Pros & Cons
Who Should Buy the JBL Charge 5?
- Perfect for: Travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, bass lovers.
- Skip if: You need ultra-portability or aux input.
Final Verdict: 9/10
JBL Charge 5 Verdict
The JBL Charge 5 is a near-perfect portable speaker for its price. It delivers JBL’s signature bass, insane battery life, and rugged build—only audiophiles might prefer Bose’s clarity. If you want a do-it-all speaker, this is it.
Where to Buy the JBL Charge 5
User Reviews: What Real Buyers Say
- “The bass is insane—way better than my old UE Boom 3! I’ve used it for beach parties and the sound cuts through wind and waves effortlessly. Even at max volume, there’s zero distortion, which shocked me for a speaker this size.”– Mark T. (Amazon)
- “Survived a drop in the pool and still works! I accidentally knocked it in while cleaning, and after drying it off, it played like nothing happened. The IP67 rating is no joke – I’ve taken it camping in dust storms too with no issues.”– Lisa K. (Reddit)
- “Wish it had an aux input, but battery life is unreal. I charged it once before a 3-day camping trip, and it outlasted everyone else’s speakers. The powerbank feature saved my phone when I needed GPS to hike back. Just needs that wired option for emergencies.”– Carlos M. (Best Buy)
FAQ: JBL Charge 5 – Everything You Need to Know
Q: Can the JBL Charge 5 float in water?
A: No, the Charge 5 sinks if submerged. While it’s IP67 waterproof (can survive 1m underwater for 30 minutes), it lacks the floating design of competitors like the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. Keep it in a dry bag for poolside use.
Q: Does the JBL Charge 5 work with Alexa or Google Assistant?
A: The speaker doesn’t have built-in voice assistants, but you can connect it to your smartphone’s Alexa/Google Assistant via Bluetooth. Just press your phone’s voice command button to control it hands-free.
Q: Can I play music while charging the JBL Charge 5?
A: Absolutely! The Charge 5 supports play-and-charge functionality via USB-C. Note: Using the powerbank to charge other devices while playing music may slightly reduce battery life.
Q: JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 – which should I buy?
A:
| Feature | Charge 5 | Flip 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Dual radiators for deeper lows | Balanced but less powerful |
| Battery | 20 hours + powerbank | 12 hours (no powerbank) |
| Portability | 960g (heavier) | 550g (ultra-light) |
| Durability | IP67 (dust/waterproof) | IP67 |
Choose the Charge 5 for bass and battery life, or the Flip 6 for portability and affordability.
Q: How many devices can pair with the Charge 5 at once?
A: It supports single-device pairing (no multi-point Bluetooth). To switch devices, disconnect the current one first.
Q: Is there a protective case available?
A: Yes! JBL sells official neoprene cases ($15-20), or try third-party options like “Fintie Silicone Sleeve” for shock protection.
Prefer something more compact?
The JBL Flip 6 offers the same IP67 waterproofing and JBL Pro Sound in a lighter, travel-friendly design. See our full review to compare!