JBL CHARGE 5 Review: Worth the Price Tag?

Are you tired of tiny speakers that promise big sound but deliver disappointment? You know the ones. They claim to be loud, waterproof, and powerful, but when you actually use them at the beach or pool, they sound like a distant radio.

Well, the JBL Charge 5 wants to change that story. This portable powerhouse has been making waves in the Bluetooth speaker market, and today we’re diving deep into what makes it tick.

Whether you’re planning a camping trip, hosting a backyard party, or just want amazing sound for your daily routine, this review will tell you everything you need to know. Spoiler alert: this speaker might just become your new favorite travel companion.

Key Takeaways:

• Impressive 20 hours of battery life means you can enjoy your music all day long without constantly searching for a charger. This isn’t just a claim on the box, it’s actually achievable with moderate volume levels.
• IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating gives you complete peace of mind. You can take this speaker to the pool, beach, camping, or anywhere else without worrying about damage from water or dust.
• Bold JBL Original Pro Sound with dual bass radiators delivers rich, clear audio that punches well above its weight class. The sound quality genuinely surprises people who hear it for the first time.
• Built-in powerbank feature lets you charge your phone or other devices directly from the speaker. This dual functionality makes it incredibly practical for outdoor adventures where power outlets are nowhere to be found.
• PartyBoost technology allows you to connect multiple JBL speakers together for an even bigger sound experience. Perfect for larger gatherings or creating a whole-home audio system.

Unboxing the JBL Charge 5: First Impressions Matter

When you first open the JBL Charge 5 box, you immediately notice the build quality. This isn’t some flimsy plastic toy. The speaker feels solid and substantial in your hands, weighing about 2 pounds.

The fabric covering gives it a premium texture that actually resists wear and tear better than you’d expect. JBL includes a USB-C charging cable in the box, which is great because USB-C charges faster and is becoming the universal standard.

The speaker comes in several colors including black, blue, gray, red, and teal, so you can pick one that matches your style. Right out of the box, the Charge 5 feels ready for adventure.

The rubberized ends protect the speaker from bumps and drops, and the overall design screams durability. You can tell this speaker was built for real-world use, not just to look pretty on a shelf.

Design and Build Quality: Built Like a Tank

The JBL Charge 5 measures 8.7 inches long and 3.8 inches in diameter, making it portable but not pocket-sized. This size actually works in its favor because it allows for bigger drivers and more powerful sound.

The cylindrical shape is classic JBL, and it’s proven to be effective for 360-degree sound dispersion. The fabric mesh wrapping around the speaker is made from durable materials that can handle bumps, scratches, and general roughness.

Unlike cheaper speakers that scuff and tear easily, the Charge 5 maintains its appearance even after months of use. The control buttons on top are large and easy to press, even with wet hands. You get volume controls, play/pause, Bluetooth pairing, and PartyBoost buttons all within easy reach.

The USB-C charging port and USB-A output port are protected by a rubber flap that keeps water and dust out. This attention to detail shows that JBL really thought about how people actually use their speakers in real life.

Sound Quality: Where the Magic Happens

Here’s where the JBL Charge 5 really shines. The speaker features an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual passive bass radiators. What does all that technical stuff mean?

It means you get clear highs, detailed mids, and surprisingly deep bass for a speaker this size. The sound profile is well-balanced, which means it works great for all music genres. Whether you’re listening to hip-hop, rock, classical, or podcasts, everything sounds good.

The bass radiators on each end of the speaker vibrate visibly when playing bass-heavy tracks, and you can actually feel the power. The volume gets impressively loud without significant distortion, though it won’t fill a massive outdoor space like larger party speakers.

For personal listening or small to medium-sized gatherings, the Charge 5 provides more than enough volume. The soundstage feels wider than you’d expect from a single speaker, creating an immersive listening experience.

One thing to note: the Charge 5 is a mono speaker, not stereo, so it doesn’t have true left-right separation. However, the sound quality is so good that most people won’t even notice.

Battery Life: All Day, Every Day

JBL claims 20 hours of playtime, and this is one of those rare cases where the company doesn’t exaggerate. At moderate volume levels (around 50-60%), you can genuinely get close to 20 hours of use.

Even at higher volumes, you’re looking at 10-12 hours minimum, which is still excellent. The speaker charges via USB-C, and a full charge takes about 4 hours. This might seem long, but considering the massive battery inside, it’s actually reasonable.

The battery capacity is 7500mAh, which is substantial. What makes this even better is the powerbank feature. You can use the USB-A port on the speaker to charge your phone or other devices.

This is incredibly useful when camping or at outdoor events where power outlets are scarce. Just remember that using the powerbank feature will reduce your playback time, but it’s a fantastic option to have in emergencies. The battery indicator on the speaker shows you how much juice is left, so you’re never caught by surprise.

Top 3 Alternatives for JBL Charge 5

Waterproof Rating: Dive Right In

The IP67 rating on the JBL Charge 5 is not just marketing speak. This rating means the speaker is completely dust-tight and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage.

In practical terms, you can take this speaker to the beach, pool, or even in the shower without any worries. Sand, dirt, and dust won’t hurt it either, making it perfect for camping trips or dusty outdoor concerts.

The waterproofing extends to all the ports and openings, which are sealed with tight rubber flaps. Users report that even after multiple beach trips and pool parties, the speaker continues working perfectly.

One important note: while the speaker can handle being submerged, JBL recommends avoiding saltwater when possible, as salt can be more corrosive over time.

For freshwater activities like kayaking or poolside lounging, the Charge 5 is essentially bulletproof. The confidence you get from this level of protection is priceless because you can actually use your speaker without constantly worrying about accidents.

PartyBoost Feature: Double the Fun

PartyBoost is JBL’s wireless connectivity feature that lets you pair multiple compatible speakers together. You can connect two speakers for stereo sound, with one acting as the left channel and the other as the right.

Or you can link multiple speakers together to create a synchronized multi-room audio experience. The setup is surprisingly simple. You press the PartyBoost button on each speaker, and they automatically find and connect to each other.

This works with other JBL PartyBoost compatible speakers like the Flip 6, Xtreme 3, and Boombox 3. The synchronized playback works flawlessly with no noticeable delay between speakers. This feature transforms the Charge 5 from a good portable speaker into a versatile audio system.

For parties, you can place speakers in different areas to create even sound coverage. For home use, you can have music follow you from room to room. The only limitation is that PartyBoost doesn’t work with older JBL speakers that used the Connect+ system, so keep that in mind if you already own older models.

Bluetooth Connectivity: Strong and Stable

The JBL Charge 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1, which provides excellent range and stability. In real-world testing, the connection remains solid up to about 50-60 feet away from your source device with a clear line of sight.

Even with walls and obstacles, you can usually move around your house without dropouts. The pairing process is straightforward. Turn on the speaker, press the Bluetooth button, and select “JBL Charge 5” from your device’s Bluetooth menu.

Once paired, the speaker remembers your device and automatically reconnects when turned on. The speaker can remember multiple devices, though only one can play music at a time. One downside worth mentioning: the Charge 5 doesn’t support aptX or other high-quality Bluetooth codecs beyond the standard SBC.

Audiophiles might notice slightly compressed audio compared to wired connections, but for most users, the difference is minimal. The stable connection and ease of use more than make up for this limitation in everyday use.

Portability: Your Perfect Travel Companion

Weighing 2.1 pounds and measuring less than 9 inches long, the JBL Charge 5 strikes a nice balance between portability and performance. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack or beach bag, but substantial enough to deliver serious sound.

The speaker doesn’t come with a carrying strap or handle, which some users wish it had. However, the cylindrical shape makes it easy to grab and go. The durable exterior means you don’t need to baby it or keep it in a protective case. Just toss it in your bag and head out.

The weight distribution is well-balanced, so it won’t tip over easily on uneven surfaces. For hiking or camping, the size and weight are manageable without being burdensome.

Beach trips become more enjoyable with quality music, and the Charge 5 is light enough that you won’t regret bringing it along. The lack of an included carrying case might disappoint some buyers, but third-party cases are widely available if you want extra protection.

Controls and Usability: Simple and Intuitive

The top-mounted buttons on the JBL Charge 5 are large, tactile, and easy to use even without looking. The layout includes volume up and down, play/pause, Bluetooth pairing, and PartyBoost buttons.

Each button has a distinct shape and texture, so you can identify them by touch. The buttons are also raised enough that you can operate them with gloves on, which is great for winter outdoor activities. One feature some users miss is the lack of track skip buttons.

You can only play/pause directly on the speaker, meaning you need to use your phone to skip tracks. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it would be nice to have more playback control. The power button is located on the back of the speaker, which prevents accidental shutdowns.

LED indicators show you the battery level, Bluetooth status, and charging status at a glance. The overall user experience is smooth and hassle-free. Even tech-averse people can figure out the Charge 5 in minutes. The responsive buttons and clear feedback make controlling your music satisfying rather than frustrating.

Value for Money: Is It Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash?

The JBL Charge 5 typically retails around $119-$149 depending on sales and color choices. For this price, you get a speaker that genuinely delivers on its promises. The combination of sound quality, battery life, durability, and waterproofing is hard to beat in this price range.

Cheaper speakers might offer one or two of these features, but rarely all of them together. More expensive speakers might sound slightly better, but the improvement often doesn’t justify the extra cost. The Charge 5 sits in that sweet spot where quality and affordability meet.

When you factor in the powerbank function, the value proposition gets even better. You’re essentially getting two devices in one. The speaker will likely last for years with proper care, making it a solid long-term investment.

JBL’s reputation for reliability also adds value, as you’re less likely to deal with warranty issues or premature failures. For most people looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker, the Charge 5 offers excellent value that’s hard to argue against.

Pros and Cons: The Complete Picture

Let’s be honest about what the JBL Charge 5 does well and where it falls short. The strengths are impressive. Sound quality punches above its weight class with clear highs and surprisingly deep bass. Battery life genuinely reaches 20 hours at moderate volumes.

The IP67 rating provides real waterproof and dustproof protection. Build quality feels premium and durable. The powerbank feature adds practical utility. PartyBoost lets you expand your audio setup. USB-C charging is future-proof and convenient.

Now for the weaknesses. The speaker lacks an aux input, so wired connections aren’t possible. There’s no companion app for EQ adjustments or firmware updates. The speaker is mono, not stereo, which limits soundstage width.

It doesn’t support high-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX. There are no skip track buttons on the speaker itself. The price, while fair, is higher than basic budget speakers.

The lack of a carrying handle or strap might disappoint some users. These drawbacks are relatively minor and won’t bother most users, but they’re worth knowing about before you buy. The overall package still tilts heavily toward the positive side.

Who Should Buy the JBL Charge 5?

The JBL Charge 5 makes sense for several types of buyers. Outdoor enthusiasts who love camping, hiking, or beach trips will appreciate the rugged waterproof design and long battery life.

Party hosts who frequently entertain guests will benefit from the powerful sound and PartyBoost connectivity. Travelers who want quality audio on the go will love the portability and dual powerbank function.

Casual listeners who just want a reliable speaker for home and occasional outdoor use will find everything they need. Students living in dorms or small apartments get great sound without taking up much space.

Who might want to look elsewhere? Audiophiles seeking the absolute best sound quality might prefer larger, more expensive speakers. Budget shoppers with very tight spending limits might need something cheaper, though they’ll sacrifice quality.

Users who need auxiliary input for older devices without Bluetooth should consider speakers with a 3.5mm jack. People wanting compact pocket-sized speakers might find the Charge 5 too large for their needs. For the vast majority of people, though, the Charge 5 checks all the right boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the JBL Charge 5 be used while charging?

Yes, you can absolutely use the JBL Charge 5 while it’s plugged in and charging. This is great for extended listening sessions at home or when you want to use it as a desktop speaker. The charging process doesn’t affect sound quality or performance in any way.

How long does it take to fully charge the JBL Charge 5?

A full charge takes approximately 4 hours when using a proper USB-C charger. The time might vary slightly depending on the power adapter you use, but 4 hours is the standard timeframe. Using a higher-wattage charger won’t significantly speed things up due to the battery’s charging circuitry.

Can I pair my phone and laptop simultaneously with the Charge 5?

No, the JBL Charge 5 can only actively connect to one device at a time for audio playback. However, it can remember multiple devices. You can easily switch between devices by pausing on one and playing on another, and the speaker will automatically switch connections.

Does the JBL Charge 5 have a microphone for phone calls?

Unfortunately, no. The JBL Charge 5 does not include a built-in microphone, so you cannot use it for hands-free phone calls or voice assistant commands. This is one feature that was removed from the previous Charge 4 model, which did have a speakerphone function.

Is the JBL Charge 5 worth upgrading from the Charge 4?

The Charge 5 offers several improvements over the Charge 4, including better sound quality with a dedicated tweeter, longer battery life, and improved bass response. However, it loses the aux input and speakerphone features. If those features are important to you, the Charge 4 might still be worth keeping. For most users, though, the Charge 5’s improvements justify the upgrade.

Can the speaker survive being dropped?

While the JBL Charge 5 is built durably with rubberized ends and a fabric exterior, it’s not officially rated as drop-proof. The rugged construction means it can handle accidental drops from reasonable heights without damage, but repeatedly dropping it on hard surfaces could eventually cause issues. Treat it with reasonable care, and it should last for years.