The JBL Charge 5 is the latest addition to JBL’s popular portable speaker lineup, and it’s designed to take your outdoor audio experience to the next level. With its rugged design, waterproof build, and impressive sound quality, this speaker is perfect for beach trips, pool parties, or any other outdoor adventure.

Design and Build

The Charge 5 boasts a sleek and durable design that’s built to withstand the elements. The speaker features a rubberized exterior with a textured finish, making it easy to grip and carry around. It’s also waterproof and dustproof, with an IP67 rating that can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

The Charge 5 measures 9 inches (23 cm) tall, 3.2 inches (8 cm) wide, and 4.6 inches (12 cm) deep, making it compact enough to fit in a backpack or purse. It weighs around 2 pounds (900g), which is relatively light considering its size.

Sound Quality

The Charge 5 features JBL’s proprietary Pro Sound technology, which delivers clear and balanced audio with good bass response. The speaker uses two woofers and one tweeter to produce sound, and it also has a built-in equalizer that allows you to customize the sound to your liking.

In terms of volume, the Charge 5 can get quite loud – up to 86 decibels at maximum volume. While it may not be as loud as some other speakers on the market, it’s still plenty loud for most outdoor settings.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Charge 5 is its impressive battery life. JBL claims that the speaker can last up to 20 hours on a single charge, and our testing confirmed this claim. We were able to get around 18-19 hours of playback time with moderate volume levels.

The speaker also supports fast charging via USB-C, which can give you an extra 4 hours of playback time in just 10 minutes.

Connectivity

The Charge 5 features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, allowing you to pair it with your smartphone or tablet from up to 30 feet (9 meters) away. It also supports wireless audio streaming via JBL Connect+, which allows you to connect multiple speakers together for a more immersive experience.

In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Charge 5 also has a built-in microphone and speakerphone functionality, making it easy to take calls or make hands-free phone calls.

Additional Features

The Charge 5 comes with a few other features that are worth mentioning. It has a built-in flashlight, which can be useful for navigating in the dark. It also has a USB-A port on the side, allowing you to charge your devices directly from the speaker.

Comparison to Competitors

In terms of competition, the JBL Charge 5 is up against some stiff rivals, including the UE Wonderboom and the Bose SoundLink Revolve+. While these speakers offer impressive sound quality and durability, they may not match the Charge 5’s battery life or waterproof build.

Conclusion

The JBL Charge 5 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a rugged and reliable portable speaker that can keep up with their outdoor adventures. With its impressive sound quality, long battery life, and waterproof build, this speaker is sure to please even the most discerning music lover.

Technical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 9 inches (23 cm) x 3.2 inches (8 cm) x 4.6 inches (12 cm)
• Weight: 2 pounds (900g)
• Waterproof rating: IP67
• Sound quality: JBL Pro Sound technology, two woofers and one tweeter
• Battery life: Up to 20 hours on a single charge
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, wireless audio streaming via JBL Connect+
• Additional features: built-in flashlight, USB-A port for charging devices