JBL Charge 5 Review

When it comes to wireless speakers, one of the best companies is JBL. They have an extensive product line with many products to choose from. And many of them are water and dust proof for use outdoors. Up for review today is their JBL Charge 5. MSRP is a very fair $180.

 

Features and specs:

General Specifications

Output power (W): 40

 

Audio Specifications

Dynamic frequency response range (Hz): 60 Hz - 20k Hz

 

Dimensions

Dimensions (cm): 22 x 9.6 x 9.3

Dimensions (in): 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67

Weight (kgs): 0.96

Weight (lbs): 2.11

 

Control and Connection Specifications

Bluetooth profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6

Bluetooth frequency: 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz

Bluetooth transmitted modulation: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK

Bluetooth transmitter power: ≤ 20 dBm (EIRP)

Bluetooth version: 5.1

 

Battery

Charging time (hrs): 4

Maximum music playing time (hrs): 20

 

Features

Bluetooth: Yes

Charging cable: Yes

IP67: Yes

JBL PartyBoost: Yes

Powerbank: Yes

Waterproof: Yes

Wireless: Yes

Rechargable battery: Yes

IP Code: IP67

 

The JBL Charge 5 came in a nice-looking color printed box, with photos and specs of the product. Opening the box revealed a well-protected speaker held in place by custom cardboard, wrapped in a cloth bag. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some cloth and rubber. Quality of materials used, as well as fit and finish was excellent. Also included was the charging cable and manual.

 

I love the design of the JBL Charge 5. The cloth wrap gives it an elegant look, with the rubber ends for the passive radiators giving a nice touch. All of the controls are on top, for ease of use. And there’s also added functionality, in that it doubles as a power bank that you can use to charge your smartphone. On the back next to the USB-C charging port is a rubber seal, and under the rubber seal is the standard USB port to charge your smartphone. But it doesn’t end there. JBL also includes the JBL Partyboost, which allows you to link multiple speakers together wirelessly.

 

Using the JBL Charge 5 was extremely simple.  First I charged it. Once charged, it was time to put it to use.  Once if the few buttons on the top is the Bluetooth button.  Getting it to pair with my smartphone was extremely simple, and paired without a glitch.  Now let’s see how it sounds.

 

Nat King Cole – L-O-V-E:  Cymbal was really crisp and clean, bass has really good low-end extension for its size and did so smoothly. Piano sounded more natural than I expected. Violins were silky smooth, with trumpets being both very dynamic with great harmonics. Vocals were also smooth like honey, with better-than-expected resolution of the texture of the timbre.

 

AC/DC – Back in Black:  Cymbals were really crisp and clean. Guitar was nice and raw. Vocals were also nice and raw. Drums played with really good low end extension, and with good authority.

 

Pat Benatar – Heartbreaker:  cymbals were really crisp and clean, snare drum was really dynamic. Kick drum was really deep and played with a ton of authority. Guitar was nice and raw. Vocals were silky smooth and also really dynamic. She can really wail, and it came through in spades. You just have to blast this song, and it sounded stellar.

 

The JBL Charge 5 proved to be a great speaker. It’s well-made, has great features, and it all comes together really well to provide a great sound. And it’s also fairly priced. Based on its design, features, quality, and performance, the JBL Charge 5 has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.JBL.com.