While the included USB-C cable is on the longer side, theres no wall adapter included, which means if you need to charge while on a trip (or road trip), you need to either find your own or bring something like a laptop along. The JBL Charge 5 gets the job done if you need something that's very loud, and quite portable. No, the JBL Flip 5 does not have a USB port. The JBL Charge 5 doesnt necessarily have enough upgrades to be worth buying if you already have the JBL Charge 4 or even the Charge 3. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Some people dont trust the waterproofing that IP ratings promise, and we dont blame them. It also has a longer battery life, lasting over 14 hours from a single charge, though this can depend on your usage. As you may have guessed, the Charge 5 marks JBLs fifth iteration in the Charge line of portable Bluetooth speakers, and this is the best version yet. Depending on your preferences, you may prefer either the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 or the JBL Charge 5. However, the Flip 6 is smaller and has a removable carrying strap, making it a bit more portable than the Charge 5. One day JBL may produce a Charge that can be outdone by a new and plucky rival, but rest assured . If you do happen to break the speaker in a manner covered by its warranty within 1 year of buying it, JBL will send you another one. Youre not getting Wi-Fi (which means no Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, etc.) The JBL Portable app is very good. Otherwise, what really differentiates the Charge from something like JBLs Flip line is the built-in power bank. MiloPeng93 2 yr. ago It is 2021 July now, JBL still havent come out with a firmware fix on this?? And the sound quality will be slightly less because it is analog. The data pins on the USB-C go straight to the SoC and are used for servicing/firmware AND they actually do work with audio data, In JBL Displays in stores there is a special JBL USB-A+3.5mm to USB-C adapter that sends audio data to the speaker via the usb-c cable. For your use, I would get an amp and some bookshelf speakers, feel free to message me back about that. Also, it can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, resulting in a richer and fuller sound. Toyota Audio Multimedia and 11-speaker JBL [jbl] Premium Audio $1410 10.5-in. Theres also no AUX or USB input, so you cant plug in another music source. Transducer: 52 mm x 90 mm woofer, 20 mm tweeter Rated output power: 30 W RMS for woofer, 10 W RMS for tweeter Frequency response: 65 Hz - 20 kHz Signal-to-noise ratio: > 80 dB Battery type: Li-ion polymer 27 Wh (equivalent to 3.6 V/ 7500 mAh) Battery charge time: 4 hours (5 V / 3 A) Music play time: up to 20 hours (dependent on . The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box that can produce a slightly more extended low-bass than the Anker. The play button can also pause a track, or with a double click, advance to the next song. Cover your outdoor party with 160 watts of JBL's big pro-level sound. We also recommend checking out the UE MEGABOOM 3. The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. However, it's hard to notice the channel separation when passively listening due to the speaker's size. Visit Jim Coleman Toyota in Bethesda MD serving Potomac, Rockville and Washington,DC #JTMEB3FV4PD117796 Battery life will vary due to usage patterns and environmental conditions. The Sony SRS-XB43 is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Charge 5 though they're similar. The IP67 rating means you dont need to worry about dirt and dust ruining your speaker. You can use an audio cable to plug it into the aux input. There's also a AUX-IN port for connecting your device via a 3.5mm audio cable which isn't included. + Easy, clear and uncomplicated JBL Charge 5 Guide . microphone input with its own independent volume control (microphone sold separately), and USB charging port (1 amp) for smartphones, tablets, and other devices that charge via USB . The one thing I didn't test when it comes to battery life was connecting a bunch of PartyBoost speakersI just dont have enough JBL speakers sitting around. Premium Audio and Dynamic Navigation [dyn_nav] with 3-year trial [trial_dyn_nav]includes 8-in. This speaker is advertised to last over 20 hours, but in actuality, it lasts around 14 hours. James has worked in music as a producer, A&R executive, music publisher, manager and record store clerk. It can also get a bit louder with less compression present at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volumes. The hefty battery life is a big part of what youre paying for. The Charge 5 can get slightly louder and can produce a more extended low-bass out-of-the-box. JBL has revised the design for the latest version of the Charge speaker, enlarging the JBL logo and making it roughly the same color as the speaker while giving the sides of the raised letters an orange tint. Built-in USB port plays music stored on a thumb drive. It's a portable Bluetooth speaker that's designed to bring your favorite tunes with you wherever you go. So they do exist outside of the OEM accessories. The JBL has better directivity, resulting in a wider and more open-sounding soundstage, while the Sony's sounds a bit more muffled. Its sound profile is more customizable, thanks to the bass and treble adjustments featured on its companion app. And the Charge 5 doesn't include features like auxiliary inputs or Siri/Google Assistant voice input found in a more expensive model, like the $350 JBL Extreme 3 or $299 Bose SoundLink Revolve+ . The Sony SRS-XB33 is a slightly better speaker than JBL Charge 5. Whether or not JBL Charge 5 is going to be the best purchase for you comes down to several factors. The PartyBoost button pairs two JBL speakers together in stereo mode or multiple speakers in party mode to spread the sound more widely. The Charge 5 also has Bluetooth multipoint functionality, so if you and a friend want to take turns playing music through your speaker, you wont have to switch source devices each time. The JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 6 have different strengths. If it flashes half white and the rest of the indicator light is dark, it is half full. The JBL Charge 5 and the Bose SoundLink Flex perform similarly. In my case, I'm sending the audio signal to the speaker from a DAC with a line level output (this is a weaker signal than you get from a headphone output). The Charge line has improved its ruggedness with each iteration. However, both songs sounded much fuller and richer on the Megaboom 3, although the vocals werent as far forward in the mix. The other main difference is that the Charge 5 has Bluetooth 5.1 and the Charge 4 has Bluetooth 4.2. On the road. That said, the Anker is smaller and can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, which is more immersive. The JBL offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a more extended low-bass than the Anker out of the box. You're all set to get the latest from Reviewed. Sorry bois im a bit late to the party. UEs Boom & Megaboom app, by comparison, offers a five-band equalizer with several presets, as well as other features like an alarm and the ability to set a one-touch playlist. If you have an Auxiliary cable, you can connect your JBL Flip 4 to computer or laptop. Depends on the smartphone and the adapter. The Sonos Move is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5 overall. That said, the JBL is smaller than the Sonos, making it easier to transport with you when you're on the go. The biggest change is the JBL logo: its much bigger, sotheres no doubt who made this speaker. The button layout at the top stays the same, while the back features the USB-C charging port, along with a USB-A port you can use to charge other devices, basically turning the speaker into a . The JBL Charge 5 isn't really designed for listening to movies, but if you want to watch a video from your paired smartphone, it can get the job done. It has outstanding voice assistant performance and comes with bass and treble sliders you can use to tweak its sound to your liking. The $129.95 JBL Flip 5 (7.12 x 2.91 x 2.71 inches, WxHxD) is more of a personal-sized speaker, while the $319.95 JBL Xtreme 3 (11.75 x 5.35 x 5.2 inches, WxHxD) comes with a shoulder strap and seems more like the outdoor party choice. With the Charge 5, it makes a few small changes especially to the design while also simplifying certain features. + Weekly updates JBL Charge 5 Guide app. Monoprice DT-4BT 60-Watt Multimedia Desktop . The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 4. JBL is Americas sweetheart when it comes to waterproof Bluetooth speakers. The Flip 5 loses the auxiliary input that had been in previous Flip models, so you can only connect wirelessly. The sound you hear out of the box is the sound you get. There's Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm aux input, and the same Powerbank and PartyBoost features as other models (though linking two of these might . So, if you do use the Charge 5 to power other devices, expect a reduction in play time. PartyBoost is JBLs tool that allows you to connect multiple speakers together for a louder sound. The JBL Portable app allows a user to tweak the equalization or alter the settings when the speaker is in PartyBoost mode. Broaden your spectrum with JBL's signature sound. Routing audio this way is no better than using the 3.5mm audio jack (digital signals arent used) and is often worse: the audio signal is placed next to noisy power and high-speed data lines, potentially reducing performance. The Bose offers a wider and more natural-sounding soundstage thanks to its 360-degree design. This speaker takes a different approach to its design as it delivers 360-degree audio, but is similar to the Charge 5 in many ways. Even still, the 20 hours youre getting here (especially for how loud this thing is in general) is an excellent result. The JBL Charge 5 is a bit inflexible: it's Bluetooth-only (no 3.5mm input or Wi-Fi), and it can't climb treesI put it there. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Still, you probably shouldn't bathe with itthat's just weird, right? This doesn't affect our editorial independence. Pairing the JBL Charge 5 is easy enoughsimply press and hold the Bluetooth symbol on the top of the speaker and select it from your devices Bluetooth menu. No. Fully waterproof and dustproof. That said, the Harman can produce a slightly more extended low-bass than the JBL. The company puts out several new products every year, and theoretically, they keep getting better. DAC is necessary for the signals to flow so the phones that removed the jack AND the DAC, they had to send an adapter, which has a DAC built-in, along with the phone in the box. Regarding battery life, JBL has rated the roughly 20,000mAh battery inside the PartyBox 310 to last for 18 hours, depending on the volume and audio content, and takes 3.5 hours to charge to full. The JBL Charge 5 has an official 20-hour battery life, which well put to the test as soon as we get the speaker into our testing chamber. Lee received Level II certification in TV calibration from the Imaging Science Foundation in 2013. Like most smaller speakers, however, there isn't much rumble in the low-bass to bring bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop to life. That said, it doesn't get very loud, so you'll want to stay closer to the device while listening to your favorite tunes. Great sound. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Thats right, no fast charging here. Listeners who want something with an even louder output should look at the JBL Xtreme 3. That said, this performance is still impressive, and since battery life can vary depending on usage, your real-world experience may vary. The Sony SRS-XE300 and the JBL Charge 5 are similar speakers with different strengths. . That seems accurate enough after 15 hours of use at mostly low volume, I had about 25% battery left. Just like the Charge 4 and Flip 5, the Charge 5 doesnt overcomplicate thingsits fairly frills-free as features go. If you often find yourself shying away from using your phone to play music on outings due to the threat of its battery dying, the Charge 5 makes for an extra-helpful companion: not only does it sound oodles better than your smartphone, but it also can handle charging it back up while it blasts tunes, too. The durability and attractive design touchesalong with its robust sound qualityhelp to justify its price. This approach is bad design, and only suitable for backward compatibility. If you want to futureproof yourself and get the new JBL Connect+, then this is the way to go for sure. Sure enough, I dunked the Charge 5 in a sinkful of water and it continued to play without problem. JBL Charge 5 (Black) at Amazon for $179.95 The JBL Charge 5 has a list price of $179.95, and as a new product you're unlikely to find it for much less than. The Charge 4 has lower latency with iOS and Android devices, though some apps compensate for latency differently, so your experience may vary. The JBL Charge 5 is a great buy if you dont already have a previous iteration of JBLs Charge line. Hes written about music and technology for more than 20 years for a raft of publications including Wired, Mens Journal, PC World and Macworld. The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5. Dialogue is reproduced clearly, so you can follow along with your favorite shows with ease. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The JBL Charge 5 doesn't support voice assistants. Thanks to the PartyBoost feature, it can be paired with other compatible speakers for an even louder sound. Most folks should be able to use the Charge 5 for a couple full workdays (or play days) before they need to plug it in for revival. The Flip 5 is nearly the same product, minus the pass-thru charging and boosted battery life, and youre paying a not-inconsiderable surcharge for those features. Answered 6 years ago by James Helpful ( 22) Unhelpful ( 2) Answer this question You can download the JBL Portable app to upgrade the Charge 5s firmware and see its battery level. A thunderous outdoor Bluetooth speaker with stupendous bass That doesnt mean the Charge 5 is perfect for everyone, of course. Thanks to its portable design, you can carry it with you from room to room, which is great for longer episodes. Its available for $379.95 at Amazon. But the Charge 5 ditches the 3.5 mm auxiliary connection that other generations included. The Charge 4 has an IPX7 waterproof fabric so you dont have to worry about water damage. To protect battery lifespan, fully charge at least once every 3 months. However, while this Bluetooth speaker is marketed as portable, its definitely not going to fit into your pocketfor something like that, get the JBL Clip 4. 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). The JBL Charge 5 (available at Amazon for $179.95) is the latest poolside- and outdoors-ready Bluetooth speaker from the portable audio maestros at JBL. Features of JBL Charge 5 Guide app:-+ Contains many pictures to see all designs of JBL Charge 5 Guide . This speaker comes with an aux port, which may actually make it a more attractive option for some people. When smartphones started removing the jack, some of them removed the DAC too, which converts the digital signals to analog signals. The JBL Charge 5 is a premium speaker that sounds great, has remarkably well designed controls, and boasts an iconic design. The JBL has a more neutral sound profile out of the box that's suitable for listening to a wide variety of audio content. Light rain or shower jets wont pose a threat in the slightest. It's also worth mentioning again that this model only changes a couple of things compared to the previous-gen Charge 4the Charge 5 adds dust proofing and updates its Bluetooth codecso if those aren't high on your list, you can get many of the same features for less money by opting for the older model. The JBL Charge 5 doesnt quite best our current Editors Choice for portable Bluetooth speakers, the Sonos Roam, which boasts Sonoss vaunted multi-room capabilities, a rugged design, and Auto Trueplay room-correction functionality for roughly the same price as the JBL. Easy-to-use controls Cons Expensive for its size No speakerphone No AUX input Our Verdict The JBL Charge 5 is a premium speaker that sounds great, has remarkably well designed controls,. I toted the Charge 5 on a trip to northeast Pennsylvania and enjoyed it in a spacious hotel room. Has an AUX input: is this important to you? It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. Regardless, the Charge 5 is an excellent Bluetooth speaker in every respect, and the latest version's new dust-proof design should make it the most rugged in the lineup to date. There's audible feedback to indicate when you've reached max volume, too. The Charge 5 supports Bluetooth 5.1 along with the A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6 streaming profiles. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. JBL Flip 5 There is a control panel on the device body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to. Around back, youll find the small USB-C charging port and the power banks USB, the latter of which is covered by a rubber seal to keep out dust and moisture. It had a good signal up to about 50 feet indoors, with walls between my phone and the speaker. If youre looking for a single speaker to use at home and on your outdoor excursions, its easy to find a spot for the speaker on a bookcase or tabletop. This section is typically where we display a frequency response chart to show you exactly where the audio output shines and where its deficiencies lie. The Charge 5 has a more balanced sound profile. Unfortunately, the JBL Charge 5 doesnt have an aux port so wired listening is not an option. The Ultimate Ears is smaller, more portable, and has much better directivity resulting in a more open and natural-sounding soundstage. It's also better-built, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in a meter of water for 30 minutes. He writes about music, technology and movies from his home in Georgia. Ive been using the Charge 5 as a general-purpose speaker over the past few weeks, streaming baseball games via the MLB app, audiobooks via Audible, my college radio airchecks that someone posted on YouTube, and playlists on Apple Music. Tambourine Man, the Charge 5 delivers exceptional detail and separation between voices and instruments, whereas lesser speakers tend to turn the midrange into an indistinguishable wall of sound. In our real-world tests, we achieved 16 hours of battery life while using the light show on and off again and at varying volume levels which is a much . The JBL Charge 5 doesn't have an auxiliary input, so wired listening methods are not available. *Shipped and delivered from Dubai within 3 3 to 5 working days. Email us and we'll compare notes. It seems quite clear that the speaker (JBL Xtreme 2) contains a digital 'gate' which silences all audio below a certain loudness level. It has a Bass Boost feature to add even more thump and punch, and you can customize its sound to your liking using the graphic EQ in its companion app. 10.5-in. 20 hours of playtime The fun doesn't have to stop. The speaker has an indicator light that glows white anytime its in use. The app is also required for firmware updates to the Charge 5. Verdict. However, the JBL gets a touch louder than the Marshall, with much less compression present at max volume, so your audio doesn't degrade as much as you bump up the volume. Editors note: This JBL Charge 5 review was updated on December 16, 2022, to update formatting and address a few frequently asked questions.