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JBL Charge 5 Speaker Review

Tested using Methodology v0.8
Review updated Jan 25, 2024 at 03:40 pm
Latest change: Writing modified Feb 02, 2024 at 02:17 pm
JBL Charge 5 Picture
6.5
Music
5.8
Videos/Movies
7.4
Podcasts
2.8
Voice Assistant
7.6
Outdoors

The JBL Charge 5 is the next generation of the JBL Charge 4. It's a portable Bluetooth speaker designed to bring your favorite tunes with you, whether it's from room to room or outside at the park. Its IP67 rating for dust and water resistance protects the drivers inside; plus, the speaker gives you access to sound customization tools in the JBL Portable app. Unlike the Charge 4, you can connect it with other PartyBoost-compatible speakers to enjoy sound throughout your room.

Our Verdict

6.5 Music

The JBL Charge 5 is alright for music. Thanks to its balanced mids, it reproduces voices and lead instruments with clarity and detail. As a result, it's suitable for listening to many different genres, and its graphic EQ allows you to switch up its sound to your liking. That said, as a smaller speaker, it doesn't bring a lot of rumble in the low-bass.

Pros
  • Fantastic battery life.
  • Balanced mid-range.
Cons
  • Requires two units for stereo sound.
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
5.8 Videos/Movies

The JBL Charge 5 isn't really designed for listening to movies, but if you want to watch a video from your paired smartphone, it can get the job done. Dialogue is clearly reproduced and has relatively low latency, meaning you don't notice lip-synching issues. However, this speaker doesn't get loud enough to fill larger rooms with sound and lacks the rumble in the low-bass for action-packed films.

Pros
  • Low Bluetooth latency.
Cons
  • Requires two units for stereo sound.
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
7.4 Podcasts

The JBL Charge 5 is satisfactory for podcasts. Dialogue is reproduced clearly, so you can easily follow along with your favorite shows. Thanks to its portable design, you can carry it from room to room, which is great for longer episodes. Plus, multi-device pairing allows you to connect it to up to two audio sources at once, making it easy to switch between listening on your phone and your laptop.

Pros
  • Incredibly portable.
Cons
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
2.8 Voice Assistant

The JBL Charge 5 doesn't support voice assistants.

7.6 Outdoors

The JBL Charge 5 is good for outdoor use. It's a portable Bluetooth speaker with a solid build, so it can withstand some exposure to the elements. It's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, and its long battery life is suitable for afternoons outdoors. It doesn't get very loud, so you'll want to stay closer to the device while listening to your favorite tunes.

Pros
  • Fantastic battery life.
  • IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
Cons
  • Compression artifacts at max volume.
  • 6.5 Music
  • 5.8 Videos/Movies
  • 7.4 Podcasts
  • 2.8 Voice Assistant
  • 7.6 Outdoors
  1. Updated Feb 02, 2024: We've added a comparison between this speaker and the Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition in Wired.
  2. Updated Jan 25, 2024: We've refreshed the text of this article to help keep it up-to-date and added relevant comparisons to similar speakers.
  3. Updated Jan 15, 2024: Added market comparison with the EarFun UBOOM L in the App box.
  4. Updated Sep 06, 2023: Added market comparison with the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus to the Voice Assistant box.
  5. Updated Aug 16, 2023: Added the JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi to the Variants box.
  6. Updated May 30, 2023: Added market comparison with the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 in the Voice Assistant box.
  7. Updated Apr 05, 2023: Added a market comparison with the Marshall Middleton in the App box.
  8. Updated Mar 08, 2023: Added market comparison with the JBL Pulse 5 to the Style box.
  9. Updated Jan 26, 2023: Minor updates to the text for accuracy and clarity. No changes in test results.
  10. Updated Dec 19, 2022: Changed Track Next/Previous from No to Forward Only (Physical).
  11. Updated Jan 31, 2022: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  12. Updated Jan 19, 2022: Retested the speaker after updating the firmware (V.0.8.2.0). Updated the test result for 'EQ' from 'No' to 'Graphic' in the 'App' Box.
  13. Updated Nov 25, 2021: Updated the text to specify the first two letters preceding our model's serial number.
  14. Updated May 10, 2021: Review published.
  15. Updated May 06, 2021: Early access published.
  16. Updated May 03, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  17. Updated Apr 28, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  18. Updated Mar 04, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The JBL Charge 5 comes in ten color variants: 'Black,' 'Grey,' 'Blue,' 'Teal,' 'Grey,' 'White,' 'Pink,' 'Forest Green,' 'Red,' and 'Squad.' JBL also allows you to customize the color and design of your Charge 5 on their website. We tested the 'Black' variant; you can find its label here. The serial number on our speaker begins with 'TT,' and some users have reported differences in the performance and build of variants of this speaker depending on the first two letters of its serial number.

The JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi is another version of this speaker with Wi-Fi support.

If you encounter any other variants of this speaker, let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Speakers

The JBL Charge 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker similar to the JBL Charge 4. The Charge 5 has a more neutral sound profile than its predecessor and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, meaning it's certified to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Unlike the Charge 4, which uses the older Connect+ protocol, the Charge 5 has a PartyBoost button that you can use to pair it to other PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers like the JBL Xtreme 3.

See also our recommendations for the best JBL speakers, the best Bluetooth speakers, and the best outdoor speakers.

JBL Flip 6

The JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 6 have different strengths. The Charge 5 can get slightly louder and produce a more extended low-bass out of the box. It also has a much longer battery life, though this can vary depending on your usage. However, the Flip 6 is smaller and has a removable carrying strap, making it a bit more portable than the Charge 5. It also has better directivity, resulting in a wider-sounding soundstage.

JBL Charge 4

The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 4. The Charge 5 has a more balanced sound profile. It's also better built and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in a meter of water for 30 minutes. That said, while the Charge 5 can connect to PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers, it can't connect to those with the Connect+ feature like its predecessor. The Charge 4 has lower latency with iOS and Android devices, though some apps compensate for latency differently, so your experience may vary.

JBL Xtreme 3

The JBL Xtreme 3 and the JBL Charge 5 are very similar speakers. While they both have very similar designs, the Charge 5 is smaller, lighter, and more portable. It also has a slightly better-balanced sound profile. However, the Xtreme 3 can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, which sounds more immersive. It uses the JBL Connect app, unlike the Charge 5, which uses the JBL Portable app.

Bose SoundLink Flex

The JBL Charge 5 and the Bose SoundLink Flex perform similarly. They both offer neutral sound profiles and are well-built with IP67 ratings for dust and water resistance. The JBL's battery lasts longer than the Bose, though this can vary depending on your usage. However, the Bose is a bit smaller in size and supports voice assistants through your smartphone.

JBL Flip 5

The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Charge 5 has a more neutral sound profile and longer battery life, though the latter can vary depending on your usage habits. It's also better built and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. However, while the Charge 5 can get louder with slightly fewer compression artifacts at max volume, the Flip 5 has a somewhat wider-sounding soundstage.

JBL Xtreme 2

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5. While the Charge 5 has a more balanced sound profile, the Xtreme 2 can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. It can also get louder than the Charge 5, with fewer compression artifacts at max volume, and supports voice assistants through your smartphone.

JBL Pulse 5

The JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Pulse 5 are both portable Bluetooth speakers with strengths and weaknesses. The Charge 5 has a better sound quality out of the box, with a more balanced sound and extended low-bass. It also has a longer-lasting battery life. However, it doesn't come with RGB lights like the Pulse 5, which you may prefer depending on your tastes.

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5. The Ultimate Ears can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and has an outstanding soundstage, thanks to its 360-degree design. However, the JBL has a more neutral sound profile out of the box. You can connect it to two devices at once, which can come in handy when you need to switch between two audio sources quickly.

Sony SRS-XE300

The Sony SRS-XE300 and the JBL Charge 5 are similar speakers with different strengths. While the JBL offers better overall sound quality, the Sony is more versatile. The JBL has better directivity, resulting in a wider and more open-sounding soundstage, while the Sony's sounds a bit more muffled. It also has a bit less compression present at max volume, so audio sounds cleaner at louder volumes. Its sound profile is also more balanced and a bit smaller, making it easier to transport. However, the Sony can produce slightly deeper bass, and its battery life lasts almost three hours longer. It supports voice assistants through your smartphone too. Also, it can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, resulting in a richer and fuller sound. However, it's hard to notice the channel separation when passively listening due to the speaker's size.

Sonos Roam/Roam SL

The Sonos Roam/Roam SL and the JBL Charge 5 are similar speakers, though they have different strengths. The Sonos is smaller and more portable than the JBL. Its Roam variant has an outstanding voice assistant performance. However, the JBL can get louder than the Sonos and has fewer compression artifacts at max volume. It can be paired to two devices at once via Bluetooth and has outstanding battery life, though this can vary depending on your usage habits, so your real-world experience may differ.

JBL Boombox 3

The JBL Boombox 3 is a better speaker for most uses than the JBL Charge 5. While the Charge 5 is smaller, lighter, and more portable, the Boombox 3 can get louder, and there's less compression present at max volume. The Boombox 3 also has a more balanced sound, with plenty of bass to supplement the detailed mid and treble ranges. It also has double the continuous battery life.

Ultimate Ears BOOM 3

Depending on your preferences, you may prefer either the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 or the JBL Charge 5. The Ultimate Ears is better built and has a wider and more open-sounding soundstage, thanks to its 360-degree design. It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. That said, the JBL has a better-balanced sound profile that can produce more extended low-bass than the Ultimate Ears out of the box. It can also get slightly louder, though some compression at max volume may affect the clarity of your audio at louder volumes.

JBL Pulse 4

The JBL Charge 5 is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Pulse 4. The Charge 5 is better built and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It can also get louder and offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce deeper bass than the Pulse 4. However, the Pulse 4 comes with customizable RGB lights and offers a more natural-sounding soundstage, thanks to its 360-degree design.

Marshall Middleton

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Marshall Middleton or the JBL Charge 5. The JBL's battery lasts longer, and its graphic EQ makes it a bit more customizable. However, the Marshall can reproduce a slightly more extended low-bass. It has a better soundstage as well.

JBL Flip 4

The JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 4 are similar speakers with different strengths. The Flip 4 is smaller, making it easier to carry around when you're on the go. It can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono resulting in a more immersive soundstage. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone. That said, the JBL Charge 5 offers a better-balanced sound profile and has a longer-lasting 14.5-hour battery life. However, battery performance can vary depending on your usage, and your experience may differ. Also, while the Flip 4 is compatible with JBL speakers that support JBL Connect+, the Charge 5 can only be paired to PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers.

Sony SRS-XE200

The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the Sony SRS-XE200, though they perform similarly. The JBL offers a more balanced sound profile out of the box that is suitable for listening to a wide variety of audio content. It gets as loud as the Sony with less compression at max volume, so audio quality sounds cleaner and clearer when you bump up the volume. It also has better directivity, so you'll perceive its soundstage to be more open and spacious than the Sony speaker. The Sony can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. It supports voice assistants through your smartphone too.

Anker Soundcore Motion Boom

The JBL Charge 5 and the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom are similar speakers. The JBL has a more neutral sound profile out of the box that's suitable for listening to a wide variety of audio content. It's smaller, making it a bit more portable. You can also pair it to up to two devices at once, so you can easily switch between audio sources. However, the Anker can get louder with less compression at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volumes. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't great.

Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition

The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition. While the JBL has a more narrow soundstage and downmixes stereo content to mono, its battery life is twice as long, and it has a more rugged build quality, including an IPx7 rating for submersion in water. It also has companion app compatibility and can be linked to other JBL speakers via the PartyBoost function. That said, unlike the Bose, it lacks any voice assistant integration.

Sonos Move

The Sonos Move is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5 overall. The Sonos has a better-balanced sound profile that produces a more extended low-bass than the JBL. Its sound profile is more customizable, thanks to the bass and treble adjustments featured on its companion app. It even offers outstanding voice assistant support with Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. That said, the JBL is smaller than the Sonos, making it easier to transport when you're on the go.

Marshall Emberton

You may prefer either the Marshall Emberton or the JBL Charge 5, depending on your preferences. The Marshall is smaller and offers a soundstage that can be perceived as open and spacious. It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, which sounds more immersive. That said, the JBL can get louder with less compression at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volume levels. It also has a longer battery life, lasting over 14 hours from a single charge, though this can depend on your usage. Additionally, you can connect the JBL to other PartyBoost-compatible speakers to create a stereo pair or when you want your audio to fill a large room.

Marshall Emberton II

The Marshall Emberton II is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Charge 5, though they have different strengths. The Marshall is smaller, making it more portable. It offers a wider and more immersive-sounding soundstage that can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. It has a longer-lasting battery life. It also has lower Bluetooth latency with iOS and Android devices, making it more suitable for watching movies and videos. However, the JBL gets a touch louder than the Marshall, with much less compression present at max volume, so your audio doesn't degrade as much as you turn up the volume. Also, while the Marshall comes with EQ presets to adjust its sound, the JBL has a graphic EQ that gives you more control over the speaker's sound.

Anker Soundcore Motion+

The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5. The JBL is better built and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It also has a better-balanced sound profile than the Anker out of the box. However, the Anker can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. Additionally, it supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though it doesn't do a good job of hearing you from afar and in noisy settings.

Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus

The Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus is better than the JBL Charge 5. While the JBL is smaller and better built, it doesn't let you use voice assistants through your paired smartphone like the Anker. Plus, the Anker gets louder and can playback stereo content without downmixing it to mono.

Anker Soundcore Motion X600

The Anker Soundcore Motion X600 is better than the JBL Charge 5. The Anker is a stereo speaker that gets louder than the JBL. Plus, it offers voice assistants through a paired smartphone, which the JBL lacks. More sound modes and presets are available with the Anker, so you can switch up its sound. That said, the JBL's battery life is a touch longer.

Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 6

The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 6. The JBL is better built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it's dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It's smaller, is more portable, and has a longer-lasting battery life than the Harman, though battery life can depend on your usage habits, and your experience may differ. That said, the Harman can produce a slightly more extended low-bass than the JBL.

Sony SRS-XB43

The Sony SRS-XB43 is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Charge 5, though they're similar. The JBL is smaller and has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box. However, like many Sony speakers we've tested, the Sony has a ClearAudio+ feature advertised to adjust the speaker's sound according to your audio content and can get louder than the JBL. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't great.

Bose SoundLink Revolve II

The Bose SoundLink Revolve II is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Charge 5. The Bose offers a wider and more natural-sounding soundstage thanks to its 360-degree design. It also has a slightly better-balanced sound profile than that of the JBL. Additionally, it supports voice assistants through your smartphone and does an excellent job of understanding you from afar and in noisy environments. That said, the JBL is better built and can also get slightly louder than the Bose with less compression at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio.

JBL Clip 4

The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4 overall, though you may prefer one over the other depending on your listening habits. The Charge 5 offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce deeper bass than the Clip 4. It can also get louder and can last over 14 hours on a single charge, though this can depend on your usage. However, the Clip 4 is smaller and more portable thanks to its built-in carabiner hook. It also offers a wider-sounding soundstage.

Sony SRS-XB23

The JBL Charge 5 is a slightly better speaker than the Sony SRS-XB23. The Sony offers a wider-sounding soundstage thanks to its 360-degree design and can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't great. However, the JBL offers a better-balanced sound profile out of the box and can produce a more extended low-bass. It can also get a bit louder with less compression present at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volumes. Additionally, it has a longer-lasting battery life, though this can depend on your usage.

EarFun UBOOM L

The JBL Charge 5 and the EarFun UBOOM L are similarly designed portable Bluetooth speakers. However, the JBL is the better pick overall. It's better built with a longer battery life and offers better sound quality with more rumble in the bass range. Also, its companion app gives you more control over its sound thanks to its graphic EQ. It has to downmix stereo sound into mono, unlike the EarFun.

Anker Soundcore 3

The JBL Charge 5 is a slightly better speaker than the Anker Soundcore 3. The JBL offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a more extended low bass than the Anker out-of-the-box. It can also get louder and has a wider-sounding soundstage. However, the Anker is smaller and can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, which is more immersive.

Anker Soundcore Flare 2

You may prefer either the Anker Soundcore Flare 2 or the JBL Charge 5, depending on your listening habits. The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box that can produce a slightly more extended low-bass than the Anker. It's better built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and can also get a bit louder. That said, the Anker can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and offers a wider-sounding soundstage, thanks to its 360-degree design.

Sony SRS-XB33

The Sony SRS-XB33 is a slightly better speaker than JBL Charge 5. The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile and slightly longer battery life, though battery life can vary depending on usage, so your experience may differ. However, the Sony comes with a ClearAudio+ feature advertised to automatically adjust its sound according to your audio. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't very good.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2

The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5, though they have different strengths. The Ultimate Ears is smaller, is more portable, and has much better directivity resulting in a more open and natural-sounding soundstage. It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and has fewer compression artifacts at max volume. The JBL can produce deeper bass than the Ultimate Ears, and you can pair it to multiple PartyBoost-compatible speakers, which can come in handy when you want your audio to fill a large room.

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5. It has a slightly better-balanced sound profile out of the box and offers a wider-sounding soundstage thanks to its 360-degree design. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone. However, the JBL has a longer battery life, though this can vary depending on your usage habits.

JBL Boombox 2

The JBL Boombox 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 5. The Boombox 2 can produce deeper bass and can get louder than the Charge 5. It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. The Charge 5 is smaller and more portable than the Boombox 2. It's also better built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it's dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
RGB Lights No

The JBL Charge 5 is the next generation of the JBL Charge 4. They have similar designs, though the JBL logo on the Charge 5 is much larger and looks more like the one on the JBL Xtreme 3. The speaker is fairly small and is meant to be placed horizontally on its base. It comes in many different colors, so you can choose one that suits your style. We tested the 'Black' variant. If you want a similarly priced speaker with RGB lights, check out the JBL Pulse 5.

9.1
Design
Portability
Volume
121 in³ (1,982 cm³)
Weight
2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
Power Source
Battery & USB
One-Hand Carry
Yes

This small, lightweight speaker can be carried in one hand, making it easy to take when you're on the move. It's also battery-powered, so you can take it outdoors without needing to connect it to an outlet. Check out the JBL Flip 6 or the Marshall Willen for an even smaller and more portable speaker.

8.3
Design
Build Quality
Material Quality
Great
Water Resistance
Submersible (IPx7)
Dust Resistance
Dust-Proof (IP6x)
Impact Resistance
Unspecified
Floats In Water
Unspecified

This speaker has an impressive build quality. It's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, meaning it's certified to be fully dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It's made of solid materials, and two bass radiators are on either side of the speaker. On its rear, there's a USB-A port in a sealed compartment and a Type-C charging port.

6.6
Design
Controls
Ease Of Use
Great
Feedback
Good
Music Play/Pause
Yes (Physical)
Call Answer/End
No
Volume Up/Down
Yes (Physical)
Track Next/Previous
Forward Only (Physical)
Microphone On/Off
No
Additional Controls
Yes

The speaker has '+' and '-' buttons to adjust the speaker's volume. Audible feedback indicates when you've reached max volume, too. Its play and pause buttons can also be double-pressed to skip to your next track. However, there isn't a way to skip to your previous track. You can pair it to your devices via Bluetooth by pressing the dedicated Bluetooth button. This will trigger a flashing light when it's in pairing mode and a solid blue light once it's paired.

It also has a PartyBoost button you can press when you want to connect it to other PartyBoost-compatible speakers. You can control this feature in its companion app. Lastly, horizontal dots at the bottom of the speaker light up to indicate the speaker's battery level.

Design
In The Box

  • JBL Charge 5
  • USB-C to USB-A charging cable
  • Quick Start Guide

Sound
6.7
Sound
Frequency Response Accuracy
Slope
0.29
Std. Err.
3.90 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
58.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
18.5 kHz

It has a fair frequency response accuracy. It's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content, thanks to its balanced mids, ensuring that voices and lead instruments are reproduced with clarity and accuracy. Like most smaller speakers, however, there isn't much rumble in the low-bass to bring bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop to life. Fortunately, a graphic EQ is available via the app that lets you further tailor the sound profile to your liking.

Sound
Raw Frequency Response
Binaural Recording @ 1m
Binaural Recording @ 2m
5.8
Sound
Soundstage
Directivity Index
4.27 dB
Stereo
No (mono)

Its soundstage performance is sub-par. It has decent directivity, meaning you can hear your audio clearly from most angles. However, the overemphasis in the treble range can make its soundstage feel a bit uneven. It also needs to be paired to another unit to play stereo sound and has to downmix stereo content to mono when using it on its own, which doesn't sound as immersive. If you're looking for a speaker with a fantastic soundstage, check out the Sony SRS-RA3000 or the Marshall Middleton.

6.5
Sound
Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
88.9 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.16 dB

This speaker gets loud enough for average-sized rooms but struggles to fill larger, more open spaces with sound. Plus, as you crank up the volume, more compression is added to the mix, which impacts the clarity of audio reproduction.

Active Features
8.6
Active Features
Battery
Battery Life
14.5 hrs
Charge Time
3.8 hrs
Power Saving
Yes
Charging Port
USB-C
Battery Powered
Yes

This speaker is advertised to last over 20 hours, but in our tests, it lasted around 14 hours. That said, this performance is still impressive, and since battery life can vary depending on usage, your real-world experience may vary. It also has a power-saving feature that shuts the speaker off after being inactive for a while, which is nice.

0
Active Features
Voice Assistant
Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Speakerphone
No
Siri
No
Voice Assistant
No
Voice Activation
No
Microphone Mute
No
Far-Field Performance
No Microphone
Ambient Noise Performance
No Microphone

This speaker does not have any voice assistant capabilities. If you want a speaker that lets you use the voice assistants from your paired smartphone, check out the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 or the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Plus.

7.9
Active Features
App
App Name
JBL Portable
iOS
Yes
Android
Yes
EQ
Graphic
Stereo Pair Mode
Yes
Party Mode
Yes
Multi-Room
No

The JBL Portable app is very good. You can use a graphic EQ to customize the speaker's sound profile to your liking, which sets it apart from similar speakers like the EarFun UBOOM L. You can access the Party Mode function by selecting PartyBoost in its main menu to connect it to other PartyBoost-compatible speakers to play music all at once. You can also pair two speakers together to create a stereo pair. That said, it doesn't offer a Multi-Room function, so you can't use it to play different content on different speakers in different rooms at once.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Wired
Aux Input
No
USB Audio
No
Other Ports
Yes

You can use this speaker as a power bank to charge your devices via its USB-A port. That said, unlike the JBL Charge 4 or the Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition, it doesn't feature an AUX input to wire your devices to the speaker.

8.5
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Yes
Bluetooth Version
5.1
Bluetooth iOS Latency
125 ms
Bluetooth Android Latency
102 ms
Bluetooth Range
328.1 ft (100.0 m)
Multi-Device Pairing
2 Devices

This speaker has a great Bluetooth performance. You can connect it to two devices at once, which can come in handy when you need to switch between audio sources quickly. It also has fairly low latency with iOS and Android devices, making it suitable for watching movies and videos. However, some apps compensate for latency differently, so your experience may differ.

0
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Version
No Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Frequency Band
No Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
No
Apple AirPlay
No
AirPlay Latency
N/A
Google Chromecast
No
Chromecast Latency
N/A