JBL Charge 5 vs UE Boom 3: Overview of expert opinions

The JBL Charge 5 is better for those who prioritize bass quality and balance, making it a strong contender for those looking for a powerful and balanced speaker. It is also better suited for outdoor use based on sound quality, delivering clear and well-balanced sound with impactful lows, making it a great option for outdoor environments where sound can easily get lost.

Its longer battery life of up to 20 hours and ability to charge other devices make it a great option for outdoor events or long road trips. The JBL Charge 5 is also highly durable and can withstand accidental drops and bumps, making it a great option for those who prioritize protection against such incidents.

The UE Boom 3 is better for those who prioritize portability and convenience, as it produces clear and balanced audio with great separation and crystal clear voices. Its sound quality is particularly impressive for its size, making it a great option for those who want a portable speaker that can still deliver good sound quality.

The UE Boom 3 is also waterproof and has a unique cylindrical design that allows for 360-degree sound, making it a good choice for outdoor use where portability and durability are important factors. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to transport in a backpack or small bag, making it a great option for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.

The UE Boom 3 also has a longer Bluetooth range and "Magic Button," making it a great option for outdoor activities and those who are always on-the-go.

Table of contents (click on an item)

Sound quality
The JBL Charge 5 is better for those who prioritize bass quality and balance, while the UE Boom 3 is a good option for those who prioritize portability and clear audio with great separation.
Click to jump to the Sound quality comparison
Battery life
The JBL Charge 5 is better for those who need longer battery life and the ability to charge other devices, while the UE Boom 3 is better for those who prioritize portability and convenience, according to expert reviews.
Click to jump to the Battery life comparison
Portability
The JBL Charge 5 is better for backyard parties while the UE Boom 3 is better for outdoor activities due to their size, weight, and portability features.
Click to jump to the Portability comparison
Durability
The JBL Charge 5 and UE Boom 3 are both durable and can withstand exposure to the elements, but the JBL Charge 5 is better for protection against accidental drops and bumps, while the UE Boom 3 is better for protection against drops and has a more refined design.
Click to jump to the Durability comparison
Connectivity
The JBL Charge 5 is better for connectivity with a potentially longer Bluetooth range and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, while the UE Boom 3 has a range of up to 45 meters and easy Bluetooth connectivity, making it a good option for indoor use or for those who only need to connect to one device at a time.
Click to jump to the Connectivity comparison
Additional features
The JBL Charge 5 is better for durability and charging devices on-the-go, while the UE Boom 3 is better for portability and convenience.
Click to jump to the Additional features comparison
🤖 Beep-boop. I can read reviews REALLY FAST and summarize. Do you have any questions about JBL Charge 5 or UE Boom 3?
Sound quality
Battery life
Portability
Durability
Connectivity
Additional features
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Sound quality

According to expert reviews, the JBL Charge 5 is better for those who prioritize bass quality and balance. Its ability to produce deep, well-rounded bass without sacrificing on other frequencies, combined with its larger optimized bass driver, make it a strong contender for those looking for a powerful and balanced speaker.

The Charge 5 is also better suited for outdoor use based on sound quality, delivering clear and well-balanced sound with impactful lows, making it a great option for outdoor environments where sound can easily get lost. Its versatility in performing well at both low and loud volumes makes it suitable for different settings, whether it's a quiet picnic or a loud party.

On the other hand, the UE Boom 3 is noted for having an emphasized low end but lacking the extra punch and detail of higher-end speakers. It is a good option for those who prioritize portability, as it produces clear and balanced audio with great separation and crystal clear voices.

Its sound quality is particularly impressive for its size, making it a great option for those who want a portable speaker that can still deliver good sound quality. The UE Boom 3 is also waterproof and has a unique cylindrical design that allows for 360-degree sound, making it a good choice for outdoor use where portability and durability are important factors.

However, some reviewers note that there are other Bluetooth speakers in the same price range as the UE Boom 3 that offer better sound quality.

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Battery life

According to expert reviews, the JBL Charge 5 is better for those who need a speaker that can last all day, such as for outdoor events or long road trips, due to its longer battery life of up to 20 hours. It also has a power meter that shows the remaining battery life, which can help users monitor their usage and adjust accordingly.

Additionally, it can be used while charging other devices through its USB-A output port. On the other hand, the UE Boom 3 is better for those who prioritize portability and convenience, as it has a faster initial charge time and an auto-sleep feature that turns off the speaker after a period of inactivity to save battery life.

It can also be used while being charged with the Power Up charging dock (sold separately). However, its actual battery life may vary depending on factors such as volume level and type of music played. Overall, the JBL Charge 5 is better for those who need longer battery life and the ability to charge other devices, while the UE Boom 3 is better for those who prioritize portability and convenience.

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Portability

The JBL Charge 5 is better suited for backyard barbecues or pool parties due to its larger size and weight, making it more like a backpack speaker. It has a handle for easy transport and a fabric surface that provides a good grip when held in the hand. It may be less ideal for those who frequently travel or need to move the speaker from room to room.

The UE Boom 3 is better suited for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping due to its smaller size and lighter weight. It has a fabric loop that allows for hanging or attaching to a carabiner, making it easier to bring the speaker along on outdoor activities. Additionally, the loop can also be used to hang the speaker in a room, providing a more immersive listening experience.

It is also easier to transport in a backpack or small bag.

Overall, both speakers are designed to be portable and easy to carry, but the JBL Charge 5 is better for backyard parties while the UE Boom 3 is better for outdoor activities. It is important to consider other factors such as sound quality, battery life, and price when making a decision on which speaker to purchase.

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Durability

Both the JBL Charge 5 and UE Boom 3 are highly durable and can withstand rough handling and exposure to the elements. The JBL Charge 5 has a wire and mesh exterior, rubber end caps, and an IP67 rating, making it a great option for those who are looking for a speaker that can withstand accidental drops and bumps.

It is also recommended for use at the beach, as long as it is rinsed off after use to prevent damage to internal components. On the other hand, the UE Boom 3 is wrapped in a tough and grippy waterproof fabric, has a drop-proof feature, and an IP67 rating, making it a suitable option for those who are prone to dropping their speakers.

It is recommended to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods of time and to keep it clean and dry after exposure to water or sand. Overall, both speakers are suitable for outdoor activities and can withstand the elements, but the JBL Charge 5 is better for those who prioritize protection against accidental drops and bumps, while the UE Boom 3 is better for those who prioritize protection against drops and a more refined design.

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Connectivity

Based on expert reviews, the JBL Charge 5 is better for connectivity in terms of Bluetooth range and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. It has a potentially longer Bluetooth range of up to 800 feet and Bluetooth 5. 1 technology that allows for the connection of two devices at the same time.

This makes it a great option for outdoor use or for sharing the speaker with others. On the other hand, the UE Boom 3 has a range of up to 45 meters (around 147 feet) and easy Bluetooth connectivity. It is a good option for indoor use or for those who only need to connect to one device at a time.

Both speakers do not have Wi-Fi connectivity and do not support voice assistant integration. Ultimately, the choice between the two speakers depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.

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Additional features

The JBL Charge 5 is better for those who prioritize durability and the ability to charge their devices on-the-go. Its spill-resistant feature makes it more durable for everyday use, and the built-in power bank is convenient for those who are always on the move. The PartyBoost feature and JBL Pro Sound technology also make it a great option for those who prioritize sound quality and immersive sound experiences.

The UE Boom 3 is better for those who prioritize portability and convenience. Its longer Bluetooth range and "Magic Button" make it a great option for outdoor activities and those who are always on-the-go. The ability to float in water also makes it a great option for pool parties or beach trips.

Overall, both speakers offer high-quality audio and are great options for those who love music on-the-go. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and needs.

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Experts recommend JBL Charge 5 more than UE Boom 3

As of 5 Nov 2024, experts prefer JBL Charge 5 over UE Boom 3, but both Bluetooth Speakers have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, JBL Charge 5 received 3 recommendations: from SoundGuys (15 Oct 2024), TechRadar (25 Oct 2024) and What Hi-Fi (15 Oct 2024). By contrast, UE Boom 3 received only 1 recommendation from Popular Mechanics (2 Dec 2022).

Rank Change Price Bluetooth Speaker
TechHive
PCMag
SoundGuys
WIRED
Tom's Guide
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Popular Mechanics
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
2
-1 $140
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is highly praised for its improved sound quality, robust design, and long battery life, though it faces criticism for lacking an AUX port and having connectivity issues with the JBL app.
-
-
1
-
-
-
6
-
1
-
58
N/A $90
UE Boom 3
A Bluetooth speaker good enough for any user. Portable, protected, and loud.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
-
-

Curious to see this month's entire Portable Bluetooth Speakers ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 15 Oct 2024 SoundGuys ranked JBL Charge 5 as #1
    Rank Bluetooth Speaker Comment
    #1 out of 10 JBL Charge 5
    The Best
    ... ... ...
  • On 25 Oct 2024 TechRadar ranked JBL Charge 5 as #6
    Rank Bluetooth Speaker Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 11 JBL Charge 5
    A Bluetooth speaker that also charges your phone
    ... ... ...
  • On 15 Oct 2024 What Hi-Fi ranked JBL Charge 5 as #1
    Rank Bluetooth Speaker Comment
    #1 out of 8 JBL Charge 5
    An excellent all-round performer that packs a proper punch.
    ... ... ...
  • On 2 Dec 2022 Popular Mechanics ranked UE Boom 3 as #9
    Rank Bluetooth Speaker Comment
    ... ... ...
    #9 out of 10 UE Boom 3
    Great Pool Speaker
    ... ... ...

After counting and adding up the 107 expert endorsements of the November rankings, JBL Charge 5 outranks UE Boom 3. This is not to say that UE Boom 3 is a bad option. Like JBL Charge 5, it is recommended by experts, but less.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, JBL Charge 5 is mentioned by key experts in Nov 2024, while UE Boom 3 is not.
Rank Change Price Bluetooth Speaker
TechHive
PCMag
SoundGuys
WIRED
Tom's Guide
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Popular Mechanics
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
1
+1 $132
Sonos Roam 2
-
-
-
2
8
-
1
-
-
4
2
-1 $140
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is highly praised for its improved sound quality, robust design, and long battery life, though it faces criticism for lacking an AUX port and having connectivity issues with the JBL app.
-
-
1
-
-
-
6
-
1
-
3
+2 $100
Beats Pill
-
8
3
13
-
-
-
-
-
1
4
-1 $359
Sonos Move 2
The Sonos Move 2 is lauded for its superior sound quality, extended battery life, and robust design, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor use, though its high price and size may limit its appeal for some users.
5
-
10
-
1
-
-
-
-
5
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [33]

88
Total expert reviews: 33
  • with a score: 18
  • without a score: 15
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
100
Average score based on 33 reviews
88
Lowest score by Rtings.com
63

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
80
The JBL Charge 5 is a portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that delivers powerful audio with a good sense of bass depth. It has a familiar cylindrical design with passive bass radiators at either end, and comes in six different colors.
+ pros
  • Waterproof and dust-tight build for outdoor use.
  • Slight power boost and dual passive radiators for impressive sound.
  • 20-hour battery life.
  • Compatible with PartyBoost feature for connecting multiple JBL speakers.
  • Affordable price for its features.
- cons
  • No speakerphone functionality.
  • No adjustable EQ in the companion app.
100
The JBL Charge 5 is a rugged and portable Bluetooth speaker that offers substantial on-the-go sound. It boasts improvements in durability, sound quality, and aesthetics over its predecessor, making it a highly recommendable option for those looking for a no-nonsense speaker.
+ pros
  • Improved durability with an IP67 rating and more rubberized reinforcements.
  • Marginal improvements in sound quality and aesthetics over its predecessor, the Charge 4.
  • JBL PartyBoost button allows for linking with up to 100 other PartyBoost enabled JBL Bluetooth offerings.
- cons
  • No 3.5mm port for wired listening.
  • PartyBoost technology is not compatible with older Connect+ enabled JBL speakers.
  • JBL Portable app is basic and does not offer EQ optimization.
Show all 33 reviews

Expert reviews [23]

87
Total expert reviews: 23
  • with a score: 18
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by Old Time Music
100
Average score based on 23 reviews
87
Lowest score by Gadgets 360
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
83
UE BOOM 3 review
Really good, but not great
The UE BOOM 3 is a durable and portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a customizable sound and the ability to connect to up to 150 other UE speakers, making it a practical choice for beachgoers or those living in rainy climates. While it may not have the best sound quality, it is a good option for those looking for a quick and practical gift or who don't have another Bluetooth speaker.
+ pros
  • Competitively priced and waterproof with an IP67 rating and drop-proof design.
  • Portable and easy to carry, with the ability to connect up to 150 other UE speakers.
  • Customizable sound through the BOOM & MEGABOOM app and wireless charging via the dock.
- cons
  • Battery life is shorter than advertised, lasting only 8 hours and 18 minutes in testing.
  • Emphasizes low end but lacks the ability to do bass notes justice.
  • High end can distort at high volumes and does not have a microphone.
70
The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is a compact, waterproof speaker that offers modestly room-filling power and a balanced sound. However, for its price, it faces heavy competition from models that offer more power, a lower price, voice assistant support, or a combination of the three.
+ pros
  • Compact and waterproof design
  • Stylish appearance
  • Can get loud and offers fairly strong balance
  • Buoyant and can be submerged in water
  • App allows for sound customization and multi-speaker playback
- cons
  • Bass feels weak for the price
  • Faces heavy competition from models with more power, lower price, or voice assistant support
  • No wired audio connection available
  • No microphone for speakerphone or voice assistant support
  • Doesn't quite stand out compared to more affordable, more powerful, or more functional alternatives.
Show all 23 reviews
From Seller:
  • Bold JBL Original Pro Sound: The JBL Charge 5 has an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual JBL bass radiators, all delivering impressively rich and clear audio. Get that big room sound even when outdoors.
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • ULTIMATE SOUND: Super portable wireless Bluetooth speaker with 360° bold, immersive, crystal clear sound and up to 15 hours of battery on a single charge. It brings your music to life wherever you take it.
  • Read more
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Physical Features
Dimensions
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Weight
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1.8 lbs
 
Water Resistance

Speakers range from not being able to handle even a drop of water to being able to be fully submerged in water for several minutes. Do you plan to take your speaker outside? To the beach? To the pool? In the shower? Then you definitely need to verify the level of water resistance before purchasing. You can tell the water resistance by the IP rating—the higher the rating, the more resistant the speaker is to the elements. For reference, the first digit refers to dust protection and the second digit refers to water protection. It reads as: IP68. Anything higher than IP66 will be dust- and splash-proof, meaning it can handle some contact with water, but cannot be fully submerged or soaked.

Water Resistant IPX rating if applicable
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IP67 - Dustproof and can withstand being submerged in 1m
Dustproof Dust is a difficult element to combat, since it accumulates naturally and you have very little control over its ability to clog up your speaker. Dust and electronics just don’t get along very well. A ... Show more
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Yes
Rugged Design Bluetooth speakers can be durable, rugged, shockproof, dustproof, armored, splash-proof, water resistant and waterproof - all of which can be overwhelming and confusing. In order for a speaker to be c ... Show more
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Yes
Battery

Battery life for Bluetooth speakers is measured in milliampere hours (mAh). Manufacturers will report the battery life of a speaker in the average number of hours it takes to empty from a full charge. Keep in mind this number is based on medium levels of usage. If you play the speaker on full volume, it will drain the battery faster. Some specialty features like using the speaker to charge your phone or casting an LED light show will also drain the battery faster. The manufacturer reported number is just an estimate, and may be slightly different based on your usage.

It’s also important to consider is the type of battery. Rechargeable lithium-ion (LI-ion) batters are ideal, but some speakers only take standard or rechargeable AA/AAA/C/D batteries. You may even find Bluetooth speakers that recharge via solar power—great for outdoor use!

Battery Life
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15 hours
battery_charging_full Power Bank This refers to the speaker’s ability to act as a charging station for your device. In addition to input power (which charges the speaker), some speakers also come with output power, meaning it can cha ... Show more
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No
Sound Quality
speaker_group Sound System A speaker’s sound system is described as either mono or stereo. Mono speakers play audio from a single channel, giving the impression that the sound is coming from one direction. Stereo uses two or mo ... Show more
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Stereo
speaker_group Number of Drivers To understand the inner-workings of a Bluetooth speaker, look first at the number and type of drivers. Drivers are the cones or horn-shaped objects inside the speaker box. The number of drivers tells ... Show more
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2
wifi_tethering Subwoofer Having a separate speaker driver dedicated to the lower frequency tones gives your speaker a more robust, rounded out sound. It allows the other drivers to focus on the sounds that they’re best equipp ... Show more
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No
Speaker Breakdown Use the speaker breakdown to better understand sound quality based on the makeup of the speaker. Manufacturers will often report additional details on the speaker drivers, such as the shape (cone or d ... Show more
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Two 2-inch drivers and two 4-inch passive radiators
wifi_tethering Connectivity
Bluetooth Range If you can find it, you should always check the Bluetooth range of your speaker. You won’t realize it isn’t long enough until it stops working for you! Bluetooth range is important for a couple of rea ... Show more
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150 ft
Hands-Free Function If you plan on using your speaker to make and take calls, it needs to come equipped with a built-in microphone and speakerphone. To make a call, you can use voice-activated dialing or key in the numbe ... Show more
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No
device_hub Connects to Multiple Devices In most cases, your Bluetooth speaker will connect to one device at a time and your device will connect to one Bluetooth speaker at a time. Some speakers come equipped with a feature that allows you t ... Show more
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Yes
settings_input_composite Aux Cable Port While Bluetooth is a quick and easy way to connect your device to a speaker, at times you may want to use a hardwired connection instead. You would do this through a 3.5mm headphone or auxiliary jack. ... Show more
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Yes
phonelink_ring Remote / App Control Apart from the controls on the speaker itself, some Bluetooth speakers may come with a remote to turn the speaker on or off, activate Bluetooth scanning, turn volume up or down, or respond to calls. I ... Show more
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Yes
BOOM & MEGABOOM App
speaker_group Connects to Other Speakers Generally speaking, Bluetooth speakers aren’t usually meant to connect to other Bluetooth speakers unless they come equipped with a hub or transmitter. In those situations, your device connects to the ... Show more
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Yes
nfc NFC Near Field Communication (NFC) is a new technology that allows you to connect devices by simple tapping them together. To use it, your device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.) and your speaker must have ... Show more
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No
AirPlay AirPlay is a feature for Apple products that offers another way to connect your devices to Bluetooth speakers. The speaker must come equipped with AirPlay in order for you to connect your Apple device ... Show more
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No
radio FM Radio
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No
Additional Features
Additional Features Any other features that make this device unique
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4 different presets and a customized tuner
Accessories Chargers, cables, cases that come with the device
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Micro USB

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