JBL charge 4 vs charge 5 | Which is the Better Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5

Some of the greatest Bluetooth speakers are found in the JBL Charge lineup. The JBL Charge 5 is the latest addition to the family.

With a more durable build and higher sound quality than the JBL Charge 4, it’s a significant upgrade. Is the extra price tag, however, justified? Or would it be preferable to save money and get a Charge 4?

Let’s have a look at the differences between the two and determine which one is a better buy.

Read Also: LG CX Vs. LG C1 comparison

JBL charge 4 vs charge 5: Comparison Chart

JBL Charge 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black
JBL Charge 5 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with IP67 Waterproof and USB Charge Out - Black, small
What do you get?
1x JBL Charge 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker 1x Type C USB Cable 1x Safety Sheet 1x Quick Start Guide 1x Warranty Card
1x JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker 1x Type C USB Cable 1x Safety Sheet 1x Quick Start Guide 1x Warranty Card
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 4.2
Bluetooth 5.2
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion Polymer 27Wh Battery
Lithium-Ion Polymer 27Wh Battery
Battery Life
Up to 18 hours
Up to 18 hours
Battery Charge Time
4 hours at 5V/3A
4 hours at 5V/3A
Power Bank
Supported
Supported
Features
Connect+
PartyBoost mode
Dust-Proof and Waterproof Rating
IPX7
IP67
Weight
965 grams (or 2.12 lbs.)
960 grams (or 2.11 lbs.)
Dimensions
220 mm x 95 mm x 93 mm (or 8.66 in x 3.74 in x 3.66 in)
223 mm x 97 mm x 94 mm (or 8.70 in x 3.76 in x 3.67 in)
Bluetooth Transmitter Power
0 dBm to 20 dBm
0 dBm to 20 dBm
Bluetooth Transmitter Modulation
π/4 DQPSK 8DPSK GFSK
π/4 DQPSK 8DPSK GFSK
Bass Driver
50 mm x 90 mm
52 mm x 90 mm
RMS Output Power
30 Watts
30 Watts + 10 Watts
Passive Bass Radiators
2x 65mm
2x 65mm
Frequency Response
65 Hz to 20000 Hz
65 Hz to 20000 Hz
Price
$99.95
$129.00
JBL Charge 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black
What do you get?
1x JBL Charge 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker 1x Type C USB Cable 1x Safety Sheet 1x Quick Start Guide 1x Warranty Card
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 4.2
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion Polymer 27Wh Battery
Battery Life
Up to 18 hours
Battery Charge Time
4 hours at 5V/3A
Power Bank
Supported
Features
Connect+
Dust-Proof and Waterproof Rating
IPX7
Weight
965 grams (or 2.12 lbs.)
Dimensions
220 mm x 95 mm x 93 mm (or 8.66 in x 3.74 in x 3.66 in)
Bluetooth Transmitter Power
0 dBm to 20 dBm
Bluetooth Transmitter Modulation
π/4 DQPSK 8DPSK GFSK
Bass Driver
50 mm x 90 mm
RMS Output Power
30 Watts
Passive Bass Radiators
2x 65mm
Frequency Response
65 Hz to 20000 Hz
Price
$99.95
JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Charge 5 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with IP67 Waterproof and USB Charge Out - Black, small
What do you get?
1x JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker 1x Type C USB Cable 1x Safety Sheet 1x Quick Start Guide 1x Warranty Card
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.2
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion Polymer 27Wh Battery
Battery Life
Up to 18 hours
Battery Charge Time
4 hours at 5V/3A
Power Bank
Supported
Features
PartyBoost mode
Dust-Proof and Waterproof Rating
IP67
Weight
960 grams (or 2.11 lbs.)
Dimensions
223 mm x 97 mm x 94 mm (or 8.70 in x 3.76 in x 3.67 in)
Bluetooth Transmitter Power
0 dBm to 20 dBm
Bluetooth Transmitter Modulation
π/4 DQPSK 8DPSK GFSK
Bass Driver
52 mm x 90 mm
RMS Output Power
30 Watts + 10 Watts
Passive Bass Radiators
2x 65mm
Frequency Response
65 Hz to 20000 Hz
Price
$129.00

JBL Charge 5 vs Charge 4: A Quick Comparison

The JBL Charge 5 comes with a few extra features than the Charge 4

JBL Chrge 5 vs charge 4

In case you are in a hurry, here is a quick summary of what’s new in the JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth.

  • The Charge 5 improves on the Charge 4’s waterproof certification by adding dust proofing.
  • It also boasts a broader soundstage and better, more detailed music.
  • The Charge 5 is also more durable, having rubberized portions that can handle more impacts.
  • It’s also got a new design, with a bigger JBL logo and eight different color schemes.

JBL Charge 5 vs. Charge 4: cost comparison

As you might expect, charge 5 costs more than Charge 4.

The Charge 5 was just released at a price of £159 ($180), which is slightly higher than the Charge 4’s debut price of £140 ($150). The Charge 4, on the other hand, is a few years old and can be obtained for around £100 (approximately $140) if you know where to search.

That’s a little less than the Charge 5. Though, as we’ll see, the benefits may be well worth the investment.

JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Design

In terms of design, there are no major differences

JBL charge 4 vs charge 5

Because the Charge collection is designed for use in the great outdoors, it features a solid, hefty build quality.

There isn’t much to choose between the two in terms of design. The Charge 5’s logo is bigger, but it’s also more elegant, looking less like a badge and more like a block frame with simple metallic accents around the letters rather than a block frame.

Instead of a block of opaque rubber, the rubberized underbody now has appealing diagonal lines for traction when you place it down (as seen on the Go 3).

The 3.5mm headphone jack has been removed, and the new USB-C charging connector has been exposed. The handy USB-A port is hidden beneath a tiny rubber cap, allowing you to charge your gadgets with the Charge 5.

The Charge 5’s signature barrel-like chassis has a somewhat more durable rubberized reinforcement at the ends, and the speaker itself is 1mm higher, 2mm deeper, 3mm wider, and 5g heavier than its older brother – though there’s no difference to the human eye.

As a result, the Charge 5 is slightly larger but significantly more durable. We’re willing to make the trade-off.

JBL Charge 5 vs Charge 4: Features

The Charge 5 comes with more features

JBL charge 5 vs charge 4

At this budget, Bluetooth speakers aren’t normally packed with capabilities – there’s no wi-fi, and no support for voice assistants, for instance. However, the Charge 5 boasts some excellent features for a portable device.

To begin with, its sonic skills have been improved. The 52 x 90mm bass driver is a few millimeters wider than the Charge 4’s, and a new 20mm tweeter is included. Both of these speakers have dedicated power amplification, with the woofer receiving 30W and the highs receiving 10W.

In addition, instead of Bluetooth 4.2, there is Bluetooth 5.1, which increases the wireless range from 10m to around 40m. That’s excellent news because the Charge 5 includes JBL’s PartyBoost mode.

This is an improvement over the Charge 4’s Connect+ feature, which allows you to wirelessly daisy chain the Charge 5 with up to 100 other PartyBoost-enabled JBL Bluetooth products, but it’s currently limited to the Boombox 2, Flip 5, and Pulse 4. However, you can’t connect the Charge 5 to the previous Charge 4 or any other older Connect+-enabled JBL speakers unless they’re running PartyBoost. Shame.

Both Charge 4 and 5 can withstand a half-hour submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water, but the 5 is also dustproof. They both have the same 7500mAh battery, which gives them the same 20 hours of playback on a single charge, and they can both be used to charge your phone while you’re out and about.

JBL Charge 4 Vs Charge 5: Sound Quality

The charge 5 has a better sound than the Charge 4

JBL charge 4 vs charge 5

The Charge 4’s sound was surprisingly sophisticated for a speaker in its class, with continuous substance and feel across the mids and treble, and better-than-average midrange clarity. The bass was particularly impressive; while it isn’t as theatrical as its appearance suggests, its low-end is copious and well-balanced, with plenty of punch and depth.

The Charge 5 excels at extending this sound profile. Tracks have a little advantage in terms of impact, resulting in a more agile performance. Vocals are also more energetic and feel well-placed in what is a large mix for such a little portable speaker.

The Charge 4 struggled at high volumes, with the bass diminished and the upper-mids taking on a harsher tone. However, once the Charge 5’s new tweeter has been broken in, any brightness fades away, leaving only cleaner, clearer treble frequencies to enjoy.

JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Verdict

Which of these two portable Bluetooth speakers should you buy?

The Charge 5 only features a few enhancements over the Charge 4, and they may be considered modest. However, we believe they are greater than the sum of their parts, resulting in a compelling package that is among the best Bluetooth speakers available.

Of again, if you’re on a limited budget, the Charge 4’s reduced price can tempt you, and it’ll most likely suffice. Whichever option you select, you’ll have a terrific time listening in the great outdoors.

Last update on 2023-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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