JBL Charge 5

Overview

If you don't need fancy smart features then the JBL Charge 5 is a great sounding and long-lasting Bluetooth speaker that can also charge your phone.

-- As reviewed by TechAdvisor

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 9 expert reviews

Excellent:

4
Good:

5
Average:

0
Bad:

0

9.6

User Score

Based on 26,886 reviews
as rated by users

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Last revision on April 12, 2024

Reviewers Liked

Balanced sound quality
Gets extremely loud
Excellent battery life
USB-A port for charging mobile devices
Updated dustproofing
Fully waterproof design

Reviewers Didn't Like

Distortion at high volume
Slow recharging
No more aux jack
App lacks EQ
No speakerphone
Basic app

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

100

A fun portable speaker that’s one of the best-sounding efforts in its price bracket. With its tough design, good battery life and powerful sound, the JBL Charge 5 presents itself as a great option for indoor use and outdoors.

By TrustedReviews on September 26, 2022

This summer is going to be full of trips to the beach and backyard parties, and you'll need just the right speaker to DJ these events. The JBL Charge 5 is the newest release in its waterproof speaker product line, and it does a fantastic job of producing clear and loud sound. It's a little pricey though, so anyone who already has an older JBL Charge speaker shouldn't feel the need to upgrade.

By SoundGuys on June 16, 2021

If you don't need fancy smart features then the JBL Charge 5 is a great sounding and long-lasting Bluetooth speaker that can also charge your phone.

By TechAdvisor on June 15, 2021

I’m quite pleased with JBL’s latest portable speaker. I still think it’s priced just a little too high, and PartyBoost has only continued to confuse me since venturing back out into society. Even at full price, I don’t think anyone will be disappointed in the Charge 5.

By AndroidPolice on June 02, 2021

The JBL Charge 5 is an iteration on a winning formula. The Charge series of speakers is known for balanced sound, high volume, and long battery life, and that hasn’t changed in this fifth generation. However, the Charge 5 improves on just about every aspect of what made it great, making it an easy recommendation for those looking for big, balanced sound with all-day battery life.

By TechRadar on May 26, 2021

For those who want a loud, durable speaker to use on days out at the park or beach, the JBL Charge 5 is an excellent choice. The audio is powerful and accurate, and it has improved dust resistance as well as a waterproof design. What’s not to love!

By T3 on May 17, 2021

100

JBL’s Charge 5 hails from a victorious and dominant product line, and the winning trend does not stop here.

By What Hi Fi? on May 10, 2021

JBL's portable Charge 5 speaker delivers surprisingly powerful Bluetooth audio from a compact, waterproof frame, making it the ideal travel companion for going just about anywhere.

By PCMag on April 27, 2021

With a new look, a little more ruggedness and improved sound, the JBL Charge 5 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers — just not one of the cheapest.

By Tom's Guide on April 23, 2021

This portable Bluetooth speaker delivers astounding audio considering its relatively diminutive scale. Our main criticism is its somewhat boisterous looks and the long four-hours recharge time. Otherwise this blasts out the bass, all while being rugged and waterproofed for use wherever you please.

By Pocket-Lint on July 22, 2021

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JBL Charge 5

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Similar To

Price: $129

TechSpot Metascore

User Score

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

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Expert reviews and ratings