ReviewFinder Portable Bluetooth Speakers

JBL Charge 5

Key features: Powerful sound, up to 20 hours of playtime, IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating, PartyBoost feature for connecting multiple speakers in stereo or link them together, built-in powerbank for charging devices.
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
JBL Charge 5 rank #13 out of 188. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
10.0
Amazing

Customers appreciate the great sound quality, easy connection, long battery life and durability of the JBL Charge 5 portable Bluetooth speaker, but may be disappointed with its size, longevity and bass output.

The product receives amazing review on average (consumer score 10.0). This is slightly above the median bluetooth speaker score of 9.1.

Go to customer review breakdown below
About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for JBL Charge 5 is $139.95, available here. This is slightly above the median bluetooth speaker price of $99.99.
  • Lowest price: $1
  • Median price: $99.99
  • Highest price: $1321.57
  • JBL Charge 5 price: $139.95
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Customer Review Breakdown

Our AI-based engine goes thousands of reviews around the web and summarizes common consumer sentiments

🤩 The good:

Generally customers say the JBL Charge 5 is a great speaker, with excellent sound quality that is easy to connect and has a long battery life.

It is also durable and well-made, able to be used both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, it features an adjustable EQ and bass which provides more control over the audio output.

🤔 The maybe:

However, some customers have found that it may be slightly larger than expected or not last as long as advertised.

Also, when charging a device connected to the speaker it can lose power before charging is complete.

Lastly, some users may find that there isn’t enough bass for their taste.

Most repeated sentiments:
Great sound quality
Easy to connect
Long battery life
Durable and well-made
Can be used indoors and outdoors
Features an adjustable EQ and bass
May be slightly larger than expected
May not last as long as advertised
Can lose power when charging a device
May not have enough bass for some users
Putting numbers into perspective...
97%
3%
Roughly 97% customers in our sample were happy with the purchase. Statistically speaking, if you buy JBL Charge 5, you have a 3% chance of not being fully satisfied with it. Most common issues are outlined above.
Key topics mentioned in reviews: "Great sound quality", "Excellent battery life", "Durable and well made", "Easy Bluetooth connection", "Adjustable sound quality" and "Loud volume" Read detailed customer sentiments by topic

Best Alternatives

3 best portable bluetooth speakers in the same price range as JBL Charge 5

Scroll to see all options. Click on the bluetooth speaker for more details.
Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 UE Boom 3 Sonos Roam
Reviews
In comparison:
Ultimate Ears MegaBoom 3 rank #12 out of 224. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.1
Great
Reviews
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UE Boom 3 rank #7 out of 224. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.0
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Sonos Roam rank #2 out of 224.
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7.3
Good
Price
Portable wireless speaker blasts loud, clear 360° sound with deep bass; waterproof, dustproof, drop-proof and floats; 20 hour battery life; Magic Button for one-touch music control. Portable and waterproof with 360° sound, deep bass, Magic Button for music controls, 15 hour battery life, durable fabric and PartyUp feature for pairing multiple speakers. Stream over WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay2, waterproof and durable design, Trueplay tuning for clear sound, up to 10 hours of play time, multi-room audio with other Sonos speakers.
  • Convenient and portable
  • Highly recommended
  • Music is clear and very loud
  • Syncs with other UE speakers
  • Super portable and good battery life
  • 360 sound
  • High quality sound
  • Good volume levels
  • Long lasting battery life
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Connects via Bluetooth
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Magic Button for Play, Pause & Skip
  • Equalizer function
  • Price is unbeatable for this caliber sound
  • High-quality sound
  • Easy to use
  • Alarm feature
  • Portable
  • Connects with existing Sonos system
  • Flexible design
  • May not be as loud as expected
  • +2 more customer issues. Show all
  • Battery life may not work as well
  • +4 more customer issues. Show all
  • Difficult to set up
  • +4 more customer issues. Show all
More product details More product details More product details
Portable Bluetooth Speakers above are offered because they are in the same price range as JBL Charge 5. To browse more budget and premium portable bluetooth speakers go to our bluetooth speaker ranking .

Summary by topic

Diving into common points that customers pointed out most frequently

Great sound quality

Reviewers are very pleased with the sound quality of the JBL Charge 5. Many people say that it has a superior sound compared to other makes and models, while others note that it is loud and can fill a room with surprising bass. People also appreciate how easily it connects to Bluetooth devices and how long its battery life lasts, even when playing at almost maximum volume. Overall, many reviewers agree that this product offers great sound quality for its price range.

Excellent battery life

Many reviewers were impressed with the battery life of the JBL Charge 5. Many reported that they could get multiple hours of use without having to recharge, even when playing music at a loud volume. Some users noted that if they had to charge their phones at the same time as using the speaker, it would still last for a good hour and a half before needing to be recharged. Others reported being able to leave it outside in atmospheric rainstorms for over a month and still have it working perfectly when retrieved.

Durable and well made

Reviewers have said that the JBL Charge 5 is a very durable and well made product. Many have praised its ability to withstand rough weather conditions, such as California's atmospheric rain storms, without any damage or loss of sound quality. Other reviews noted its solid construction and excellent battery life, with one reviewer stating they had it for over 3 months and it still sounded great when played at almost maximum volume. Overall, reviewers have been impressed with the durability and quality of this speaker.

Easy Bluetooth connection

Reviewers are delighted with the easy Bluetooth connection of the JBL Charge 5. They report that connecting their device to the speaker is quick and reliable, with no issues. Many have noted that it connects effortlessly compared to other Bluetooth speakers they’ve used in the past. People appreciate this feature as it allows them to easily listen to their favorite music without any hassle.

Adjustable sound quality

Many reviewers have commented on the adjustable sound quality of the JBL Charge 5. They note that it is possible to tweak the bass, mid, and treble with a mini EQ using the “JBL Portable” app, allowing for a customised listening experience. Some users have also noted that proper placement of the speaker affects its sound quality.

Loud volume

Reviewers say that the JBL Charge 5 is able to produce an impressively loud volume. Many have noted that it can easily fill a room, even with the volume cranked up. Some have also commented that they can listen to it at almost max volume without causing any damage to the speaker. Additionally, many are happy with its battery life, stating that despite playing at a high volume for several hours, it does not die quickly.

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [19]

90
Total expert reviews: 19
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 14
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
100
Average score based on 19 reviews
90
Lowest score by Tom's Guide
80

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Product Info

Summary of key features and use cases of JBL Charge 5

The JBL Charge 5 is the ultimate portable Bluetooth speaker. With its powerful sound, long battery life, and IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, it's perfect for any occasion. It features an optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter and dual JBL bass radiators for superior audio quality. The PartyBoost feature allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together in stereo or link multiple speakers for a truly incredible sound experience. With up to 20 hours of playtime and a built-in powerbank to keep your devices charged, you can take the party with you wherever you go.
The JBL Charge 5 is great for outdoor activities like camping trips or beach days because of its waterproof design and impressive battery life. It also has an adjustable EQ so that you can customize the sound according to your preferences. Plus, its sleek design will look great no matter where it's placed!
On the other hand, some users may find that it doesn't have enough bass when compared to larger speakers. Additionally, while it promises up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, this may not always be accurate in real-world usage scenarios due to factors such as volume level and environmental conditions.
Overall, the JBL Charge 5 is an excellent choice for those looking for good quality Bluetooth audio on the go - perfect for outdoor adventures or just chilling at home with friends!
 

Question / Answer

Basic Q&A of the features of JBL Charge 5

  • Q: What type of speakers is the JBL Charge 5?
    A: The JBL Charge 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker.
  • Q: How long does the battery life last?
    A: The battery life on the JBL Charge 5 lasts up to 20 hours.
  • Q: Is the JBL Charge 5 waterproof?
    A: Yes, the JBL Charge 5 has an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating.
  • Q: Does the JBL Charge 5 have a built-in microphone?
    A: Yes, the JBL Charge 5 has a built-in microphone.
  • Q: What type of sound does the JBL Charge 5 produce?
    A: The JBL Charge 5 produces bold JBL Original Pro Sound with an optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter and dual JBL bass radiators.
  • Q: Can multiple JBL Charge 5 speakers be connected together?
    A: Yes, multiple JBL Charge 5 speakers can be connected together using the PartyBoost feature.
  • Q: Can I charge my devices with the JBL Charge 5?
    A: Yes, the JBL Charge 5 has a built-in powerbank that allows you to charge your devices.
  • Q: How much does the JBL Charge 5 weigh?
    A: The JBL Charge 5 weighs 2.1 pounds.
  • Q: What are the dimensions of the JBL Charge 5?
    A: The JBL Charge 5 has dimensions of 8.7 x 3.67 x 3.76 inches.
  • Q: Does the JBL Charge 5 come in different colors?
    A: Yes, the JBL Charge 5 comes in different colors inspired by the latest street fashion trends.

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all portable bluetooth speakers.

Rank Change Price Bluetooth Speaker
Rtings.com
PCMag
Popular Mechanics
Digital Trends
Tom's Guide
TechRadar
WIRED
SoundGuys
TechHive
What Hi-Fi
1
- $329
Sonos Move
Weatherproof, voice-controlled, deep bass, wide soundscape, automatic Trueplay tuning, WiFi and Bluetooth streaming, portable & drop-resistant.
1
-
-
3
10
9
4
2
5
-
2
- $169
Sonos Roam
Stream over WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay2, waterproof and durable design, Trueplay tuning for clear sound, up to 10 hours of play time, multi-room audio with other Sonos speakers.
-
-
-
2
4
1
2
-
6
11
3
- $140
JBL Charge 5
Powerful sound, up to 20 hours of playtime, IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating, PartyBoost feature for connecting multiple speakers in stereo or link them together, built-in powerbank for charging devices.
-
6
-
-
8
7
-
1
7
2
4
- $100
JBL Flip 6
IP67 waterproof, 12 hours of playtime, eco-friendly packaging, two-way speaker system for powerful sound and deep bass, PartyBoost for stereo sound or multiple speaker pairing.
-
-
-
5
6
3
-
3
-
1
Show all rows
Best for Portable Outdoor Audio / Editors' Choice
18 Jan 2023 (2 months ago)
Read article
The best Bluetooth speaker with full waterproofing
6 Feb 2023 (1 month ago)
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The best mid-range wireless speaker
17 Feb 2023 (1 month ago)
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Best All-around
8 Nov 2022 (4 months ago)
Read article
Best portable Bluetooth speaker, runner-up
2 Mar 2023 (23 days ago)
Read article
Updated specs and subtle tweaks for JBL’s fifth-generation Charge
2 Mar 2023 (23 days ago)
Read article

Highest recommended portable bluetooth speakers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. portable bluetooth speakers below are at the top of our ranking this March.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the bluetooth speaker for more details.
Sonos Move Sonos Roam JBL Charge 5 (this item) JBL Flip 6
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In comparison:
Sonos Move rank #1 out of 224. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.6
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In comparison:
Sonos Roam rank #2 out of 224.
Go to rankings
7.3
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Reviews
In comparison:
JBL Charge 5 rank #3 out of 224. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
10.0
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
JBL Flip 6 rank #4 out of 224. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.7
Amazing
Price
Price
Weatherproof, voice-controlled, deep bass, wide soundscape, automatic Trueplay tuning, WiFi and Bluetooth streaming, portable & drop-resistant. Stream over WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay2, waterproof and durable design, Trueplay tuning for clear sound, up to 10 hours of play time, multi-room audio with other Sonos speakers. Powerful sound, up to 20 hours of playtime, IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating, PartyBoost feature for connecting multiple speakers in stereo or link them together, built-in powerbank for charging devices. IP67 waterproof, 12 hours of playtime, eco-friendly packaging, two-way speaker system for powerful sound and deep bass, PartyBoost for stereo sound or multiple speaker pairing.
  • Great sound from a small speaker
  • Portable
  • Decent battery life
  • Seamless connection with devices
  • Quality sound
  • Can connect Alexa to it
  • Lightweight and transportable
  • High-quality sound
  • Easy to use
  • Alarm feature
  • Portable
  • Connects with existing Sonos system
  • Flexible design
  • Great sound quality
  • Easy to connect
  • Long battery life
  • Durable and well-made
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Features an adjustable EQ and bass
  • Loud, crisp treble and low, loud bass
  • Waterproof
  • Long battery life
  • Portable
  • Good sound quality
  • Easy setup/connection
  • Equalizer to adjust sound
  • Ability to pair two units for stereo effect
  • Clean, powerful sound with good bass
  • Superior sound quality
  • May have connectivity issues
  • +5 more customer issues. Show all
  • Difficult to set up
  • +4 more customer issues. Show all
  • May be slightly larger than expected
  • +3 more customer issues. Show all
  • May experience distortion at higher volumes
  • +6 more customer issues. Show all
More product details More product details More product details More product details
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.