JBL Charge 5: review, features and opinions

When we see the JBL brand we automatically know that their products have a quality and a professional finish and top quality. It has an extensive line of professional sound devices that are very famous and chosen by large companies dedicated to the production of live shows.

But not only that, for a few years now JBL has expanded its product line to an audience that is not necessarily dedicated to music at a professional level.

This is why today we have in our hands the JBL Charge 5, a portable speaker with incredible features, perfect for you if you want to buy a new speaker. Excellent quality to take to the beach, pool or to use outdoors.

What's in the box?

This speaker comes in a cardboard box along with a safety sheet where we can find:

  • 1 JBL Charge 5
  • 1 x USB-C cable
  • 1 safety data sheet
  • 1 quick start guide
  • 1 warranty card

Design and materials

The JBL Charge 5 is an excellent upgrade to previous models that have this same design line, however, We can notice some important improvements that have been made in the construction of this model.

Firstly, the cylindrical design already known from this line is maintained, as for example in the JBL Flip 6 or the JBL Xtreme 3, lined with a fabric mesh of excellent resistance. On the front of the speaker We can see the letters of the brand “JBL” In a size that stands out for the size of the speaker and in relief, these letters also have a very elegant finish with a touch of shine.

jbl charge 5 review

On the other hand, below the brand logo on the front, we can see an LED indicator that has the function of showing the battery status. We can perceive a robust finish, with a approximate weight of about 900 grams.

Has 22 centimeters long by 9.6 high and 9.3 wide broad, which doesn't make it too big if we want to carry it in a small bag. We can also notice on the bottom of the speaker that it has a rubber that keeps the speaker in place if we use it on a smooth surface.

We can also notice that the passive radiators are located on the sides, in the protective mesh that is above them, we can see an exclamation mark in order to create a sensation more powerful when they vibrate due to sound.

The controls are located on the top of the speaker, they are buttons in the form of symbols that control each of the functions. The power and Bluetooth buttons are framed by an oval-shaped LED light which lights up when the speaker is in operation.

On the back of the JBL Charge 5 we find the connectivity panel, where we will see the USB-C type charging port, as well as a USB port to use the speaker as a powerbank and we also notice that the 3.5mm auxiliary jack port is no longer available.

To talk about the quality and durability of the JBL Charge 5, we have to mention that it has a IP67 certification. So it will be resistant to exposure to dust and water, this speaker really feels very tough and robust compared to other models in the same line.

jbl charge 5 reviews

Sound quality

The sound quality of JBL speakers always makes expectations rise to the maximum and we can expect nothing less from a brand with such a long history in the professional sound industry.

We should mention that this particular model has a small reinforcement in the low frequencies, which give a deeper and more full-bodied presence to the overall sound, since does not overshadow the rest of the frequencies.

The total power of the speaker is 30 W RMS per woofer and each tweeter has a power of 10 W RMS. This is thanks to its 52 X 90 mm bass that is wider than those of previous models and its 20 mm tweeters, the dynamic frequency of the JBL Chage 5 is 20-65 KHZ.

Internally, The woofer is located in the front section Along with a tweeter, the larger driver is equipped with a neodymium magnet to deliver more depth and power. In addition, the tweeter and passive radiators located on the sides are sealed so that the sound they produce is of excellent quality even under maximum power conditions.

Autonomy and battery

This speaker is equipped with a powerful 7500 mAh battery, which allows us to use the speaker at least for about 20 hours at medium volume levels. Obviously, if we use the powerbank function or use it at a volume higher than the 75% the number of hours of autonomy will be affected, however, it will hold up very well for an all-night party.

On the other hand, a full charge of its battery will take approximately 4 hours.

jbl charge 5 outdoor

Extra features

In addition to the autonomy and sound quality, the JBL Charge 5 offers us some very interesting features that the brand has already accustomed us to.

One of them is the PartyBoost mode, which allows us to connect another compatible speaker and use them to create a stereo effect wherever we use them.

We also have the official JBL App available to control our speaker from our mobile or to download important updates that will help improve the sound quality. This app also allows us to connect up to 100 speakers that are compatible and thus create a real discotheque wherever you are.

Connectivity

Let's talk about its excellent connectivity, until the previous model version 4.2 was used, but the JBL Charge 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1 connection which guarantees unbeatable connection stability. Forget about interruptions or blockages during the playback of the music you listen to, since with Bluetooth 5.1 that will never happen again.

jbl charge 5 connectors

In addition, this technology facilitates the connection with other devices, since The new PartyBoost technology completely replaces JBL connect technology from previous models.

Controls and buttons

The JBL Charge 5 comes with basic controls for a speaker of this style, with an on and off option, as well as a 'Play' button that has a dual function and allows us to advance between songs. Finally, the PartyBoost button to activate this function.

Comparison between JBL Charge 5 and JBL Charge 4

In the following image we can see the differences between both speakers of the brand:

comparison charge 5 vs charge 4