JBL Charge 5: The best small Bluetooth speaker in the test

JBL is one of the most famous manufacturers of Bluetooth speakers. The Charge series in particular has gained immense popularity over the years. With the JBL Charge 5, the manufacturer is showing off the successor to its successful predecessor, the Charge 4. In the test, we will clarify how the box, which is available in several colors, performs in everyday life and whether it feels reliable.

The cylindrical JBL Charge 5 is perfectly designed and really attracts attention. With a length of about 22 cm and a diameter of about 10 cm, it is very compact, but weighs about a kilogram. You can see JBL’s many years of experience with Bluetooth speakers at every corner.

The high-quality fabric cover covering most of the case is available in nine (!) different colors. In our testing, the box appears bright red. The matte metallic look has the JBL logo embossed on the center front. Directly below there is an LED strip that shows the battery level – a new and very stylish solution.

On the sides of the speaker, two passive bass radiators provide additional oomph in the low-frequency range. They are protected by shiny metal grills, with the JBL logo on each membrane. Very attractive!

The control panel with buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, and playback is located on the top of the speaker. The pressure point of the buttons could be a little more defined – you have to press quite hard, especially with the play button.

On the back you’ll find a USB-C port for charging the integrated battery. There is also an additional USB-A port behind the rubber cover, which can be used to charge a smartphone or other devices if necessary – the charge function of the same name. Unfortunately, there’s no AUX input for wired playback.

The sides of the speaker are protected by soft rubber. Rubber straps on the bottom ensure stability on smooth surfaces. You will search in vain for the carrying strap.

Overall, the JBL Charge 5 leaves a very strong impression. With IP67 certification, it is completely safe from dust and temporary submersion. This box appears to be ideal for outdoor use at the beach or pool.

Sound is provided by a 52mm x 90mm woofer/midrange driver and a 20mm tweeter. Two passive bass radiators on the sides effectively support bass reproduction. The rich, powerful sound of the compact Bluetooth box is impressive the first time you hear it. The high output power of 40 watts has a positive effect and the Charge 5 gets a lot of power in the bass.

In listening tests, the box shines with podcasts and audiobooks. Voices are reproduced clearly and distinctly without too much interference. The Charge 5 also knows how to please when it comes to playing music – whether it’s rocking guitar riffs, electronic beats or classic orchestral pieces.

Maximum volume is impressively high for compact dimensions. Even at full volume, the sound remains largely distortion-free. A slight tinkling sound is only noticeable at altitude. Overall, the sound of the JBL Charge 5 sounds balanced and natural. Unlike many other small Bluetooth boxes, all the frequency ranges are covered evenly and different areas do not seem too impressive. Listening to music is just fun.

However, there is one drawback: in some songs it is noticeable that the stage image seems a bit narrow and the sound is not as airy as larger speakers. However, this is due to the compact dimensions and is not a typical problem with the Charge 5. This is where physics reaches its limits.

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Compared to the previous model Charge 4, JBL has gone one step further. The new box looks cleaner and more defined. Overall, the JBL Charge 5 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers in its size class in terms of sound. It delivers great sound, especially for mobile use!

JBL uses Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless music transmission. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 is missing, but there were no connection interruptions or issues in testing. On the contrary: the range was slightly higher than that of many competing products. It looks like JBL uses high quality antennas here.

If you have two JBL Charge 5s, you can create a true stereo pair by pairing them using the app. But Party Mode is even more exciting: if you have multiple older JBL speakers, all you have to do is press the Connect button and the speakers will automatically pair up. It works with up to 100 boxes! This means you can create a giant carpet of sound for your next garden party in no time. A nice feature because JBL speakers are very common and it’s more likely that friends will also bring a compatible speaker.

The associated JBL Portable app is streamlined and easy to use. Its most important function is the 3-band equalizer. It could be divided a little more finely, but it serves its purpose and allows the sound to be customized according to personal preferences and musical style.

Additionally, software updates can be installed in the app and multiple JBL speakers can be added into groups.

Inside the box is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 7500 mAh at 3.6 watts or 27 Wh that promises to last up to 20 hours. This value largely depends on the volume. In our hands-on testing with about 60 percent volume, 15 hours was realistic—still a pretty good value. The battery is enough to spend a day on the lake.

As already mentioned, JBL Charge 5 can also be used as a power bank to charge smartphones etc. on the go. Of course, this comes at the cost of battery life. There is no quick charging function. You should allow at least 4 hours for the battery to fully charge.

The price of JBL Charge 5 has remained quite stable since its launch 150 euros (Amazon). Sometimes you can find them on sale for less than 130 euros. For a high-quality, versatile Bluetooth speaker with great sound, this price is just right.

With the JBL Charge 5 you get a really good Bluetooth speaker that leaves practically no shortcomings. The sturdy, compact design, high sound quality and long battery life make the box the perfect companion for all indoor and outdoor activities.

The versatile Bluetooth box really shows its strengths, especially when used outdoors. Thanks to the completely waterproof housing, you don’t have to worry about heavy rain or splashes in the pool. Even if you already have a Charge 4, the upgrade may be worth it. The sound has been significantly refined and the new battery indicator is a nice addition. Additionally, the multiple paired JBL speakers sound particularly impressive.

Of course, with small dimensions there are physical limitations that even JBL cannot overcome. Anyone expecting absolutely high-end HiFi sound will be disappointed. But for its size, the Charge 5 looks really impressive.

There are many options, but none are clearly better in terms of their qualities – the JBL Charge 5 is at the top of its category. The well-thought-out overall package and wide availability clearly suggest a purchase.

Anyone looking for a top Bluetooth speaker for indoors and out and about 150 euros (Amazon) Certainly nothing can go wrong with the JBL Charge 5. A clear recommendation!

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