JBL Charge 5

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

A JBL Charge 5 wireless Bluetooth portable speaker system.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: JBL's Charge 5 had Good overall sound quality. Bass has good impact, but is a bit boomy, and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat hazy, grainy, and a bit dry. Treble is extended, but is slightly smeared. So-so recovery of room ambience, and sounds somewhat congested. When two units are used as a stereo pair the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room.

About

A JBL Charge 5 wireless Bluetooth portable speaker system. In our tests the sound quality, and the versatility of provided features are assessed.

Features & Specs

Features

IP rating

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

Adjustable tone settings

Wireless stereo pairing

Yes

Speaker phone w/built-in mic

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

Yes

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

12/12

Other features

Dust resistant and water submersible (IP67). Has PartyBoost (Bluetooth speaker linking feature) feature that allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link over 100 compatible JBL Bluetooth speakers. PartyBoost can be turned on/off on unit and via free downloadable JBL Portable app. App also can be used for stereo pairing and unit firmware updates. Unit firmware version 0.7.4.

Included accessories

USB C cable, Quick start guide, Safety sheet, warranty card.

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Mono

Height (in.)

Width (in.)

8.75

Depth (in.)

3.75

Weight (lbs.)

2.1

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

None.

Price & Shop

JBL Charge 5

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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