JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Which Bluetooth speaker is better?

The Charge 5 is a significant improvement

The JBL Charge range includes some of the best Bluetooth speakers . Last year, a new member joined the JBL Charge range The 5 is markedly better than the JBL Char 4. It has a more durable design, and better sound quality. Is it worth the higher price? You might be better off buying a Charge 4 for a fraction of the price

Let's look at the differences and decide which one is better.

JBL Charge 5 and Charge 4: At a Glance

• The Charge 5 adds dustproofing and waterproof rating to the Charge 4.
• This also features clearer, better-defined audio and a larger soundstage
• The Charge 5 has rubberized sections that make it more robust and can withstand greater impacts
• It has a fresh look with a bolder JBL logo, and eight color schemes

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JBL Charge 5 Vs. Charge 4: Price

(Image credit: JBL)

The Charge 5 was launched last year at a cost of PS159 (180, AU$229). This is slightly more than the Charge 4’s launch price of PS140 ($150 AU$200). The Charge 4 is starting to get a lot better, but it can still be purchased for a fraction of the price if you know how.

We'll be able to see that the Charge 5's improvements might be worth it.

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JBL Charge 5 vs Charge 4: design

(Image credit: JBL)

The Charge range was built for the outdoors. Therefore, the charger's robust, chunky construction is the norm.

The Charge 5 logo is the most striking. The Charge 5 logo is larger, but it looks more like a badge with simple metallic accents surrounding the letters than a block frame.

Instead of a block or opaque rubber, the rubberized underbody has pleasing diagonal lines that provide traction when it is set down (as seen first on the Go 3).

The 3.5mm port that was used for wired listening is gone, and the USB-C charging port has been revealed. You still have the USB-A port that can be used to charge your Charge 5 devices with a rubber cap.

The Charge 5's signature barrel-shaped bodywork has a rubberised reinforcement at the ends. However, the speaker is 1mm taller than its older brother, 2mm deeper and 3mm wider, and 5g heavier than its older brother.

The Charge 5 is slightly larger, but much more robust. We are happy to accept this trade-off.

JBL Charge 5 Vs. Charge 4: Features

(Image credit: JBL)

Bluetooth speakers of this price range don't often have a lot of features. There's no Wi-Fi and no voice assistant support. The Charge 5 has some amazing specs.

First, the sonic capabilities of the bass driver have been improved. The new 52 x 90mm Bass Driver is just a few millimetres larger than the Charge 4's and features a 20mm tweeter. Both units have dedicated power amplifier - 30W for highs and 10W for lows.

Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.1 is available instead of 4.2. This increases the wireless range to approximately 40m. The Charge 5 also comes with JBL's PartyBoost Mode. This is great news. This feature is an upgrade to the Charge 4's Connect+, which allows you to wirelessly daisy-chain the Charge 5 with up 100 other PartyBoost-enabled JBL Bluetooth offerings. However, it is limited to the Boombox II, Flip 5 and Xtreme 3. You can't connect the Charge 5 with the Charge 4 or older Connect+-enabled JBL speakers. Shame.

The Charge 4 and Charge 5 can be submerged in water up to 1.5m for half an hour. However, the Charge 5 is dustproof. Both have the same 7500mAh batteries that provide the same 20 hours of playback. They can also be used to charge mobile devices while out and about (hence their name).

JBL Charge 5 vs. Charge 4: Quality

The Charge 4's sound was remarkable for a speaker in its class. It has a consistent texture and substance through the mids, treble and highs, as well as a better than average clarity to midrange. Its bass is also impressive - although it may not be as loud as the exterior might suggest, it has plenty of power and depth.

This sonic profile is maintained admirably by the Charge 5. The tracks are marginally more powerful, resulting in a more dynamic performance. Vocals feel more energetic and well-placed in this large mix for a portable speaker.

The Charge 4 began to struggle at high volumes, with the bass becoming less prominent and the upper-mids becoming more harsh. After the speaker has been installed, any brightness from the Charge 5's new Tweeter is lost. Instead, the Charge 5 will have a cleaner and clearer treble frequency to enjoy.

JBL Charge 5 vs Charge 4: verdict

Although the Charge 5 has some improvements over the Charge 4, you could argue they are minor. We would argue they are more than the sum of their parts and make the Charge 5 a compelling proposition.

If you have a limited budget, the Charge 4 may be a good choice. Its lower price might appeal to you, but it is likely that it will provide more than enough. You'll have a great time listening to the great outdoors, no matter what you choose.