Buzz
Design
The portable speaker comes in nine colors and features a thick, comfortable fabric covering almost its entire surface. It has improved water resistance, enhanced with IP67 certification.
Unlike its predecessor, it has five smaller rubber feet in a striped pattern. These help the device stay securely on surfaces. The JBL waterproof speaker can safely sit on the edge of a pool. Among other notable changes, the charging port now pops out from the rubber plug while still maintaining moisture resistance, and the battery indicator is in a striped form rather than circular. The rear latch is now easier to open. The control buttons have received a clearer, more comfortable feel.
The water resistance has also been improved: the JBL Charge 5 is IP67 certified. The Bluetooth speaker system can operate in heavy rain, withstand a drop into a meter-deep pool, and is resistant to sand and dust. In case of dirt, it can be easily rinsed under a faucet. During this JBL Charge 5 review, our unit was submerged in water several times, but it did not affect its performance.
Wireless speakers can't be called compact: they weigh about a kilogram. However, the JBL waterproof speaker easily fits into a small bag or backpack and takes up minimal shelf space. A great choice for camping trips, workouts, and similar activities.
The control buttons are located on the top, making them easy to feel even when eyes are closed. The power and pairing buttons are centered and marked. On either side are Volume, Play, Pause, and Party Boost buttons. The Charge 5 is designed to stand both vertically and horizontally. A rubber flap only protects the USB-A port for charging devices. To keep the column from getting wet, the flap must be securely closed.
Sound
A major improvement on the Charge 5 is the tweeter. It now works alongside a full-range driver and a pair of passive radiators. For comparison, let's clarify that the JBL Charge 4 only has one driver.
The rated power is 40W, 25% higher than the previous version. The reserve volume is very large: already in a small apartment at an average level, neighbors start to get tense. However, it's not without reason that the Charge 5 enjoys the status of mobile technology. Its main purpose is to play music outdoors.
Like other JBL wireless Bluetooth speakers, the Charge 5 reproduces music with clear and powerful bass. However, engineers have worked harder on higher frequencies, something that has been complained about by audiophiles in the past. Now, the sound is better balanced: low frequencies operate at full power and mid and high frequencies are not overshadowed by additional dynamics. The JBL Charge 5 makes it easy for you to listen to electronic dance music, hip-hop, and even heavy rock.
There's no reason to say once again that this isn't a professional model aimed at discerning Hi-Fi enthusiasts. For its category, the Charge 5 delivers impressive sound. We appreciate that even at maximum volume, the JBL Charge 5 still delivers clear sound without distortion.
Connectivity
The Charge 5 has ditched the AUX connection. Now, you can listen to exclusive tracks via Bluetooth 5.1 using the SBC codec – this is sufficient for many streaming audio services. Connecting to a smartphone is straightforward: you simply press the power button and wait a few seconds for the Bluetooth logo to blink. Then, just find the Charge 5 in the device list and connect to it.
Separately, we note the JBL Party Boost feature. It connects speakers together to produce big sound and surround sound. Party Boost accommodates an unlimited number of accessories – just find a compatible speaker and press the corresponding button on the casing.
The new technology is not compatible with the mode used in previous versions of JBL speakers – Connect +. In fact, Party Boost runs on a new chip that helps consume less power, increase operating range, and stability.
Battery
Battery Life
The claimed battery life is up to 20 hours. In this JBL Charge 5 review, we kept the speaker volume at a moderate level, so we had a battery life of about 18 hours – a good figure for a portable Bluetooth speaker. The 7,500mAh battery charges via USB-C in 4 hours.
Conclusion
The JBL Charge 5 is a successful update to the popular model. The manufacturer has significantly improved and amplified the sound with the support of an additional tweeter, increased protection against water and dust, while also refreshing the design a bit. The portable Bluetooth speaker will be an excellent choice for those who can't imagine outdoor entertainment without their favorite music.
