As an audio engineer who has tested my share of Bluetooth speakers, I know how crucial choosing the right model can be. While both the JBL Charge 5 and Charge 4 produce that bold, world-famous JBL sound, the newer Charge 5 claims several tempting upgrades.
But do those updates justify upgrading from the still-solid Charge 4 you already own? Does the Charge 5‘s higher price tag earn its keep with better sound and features that enhance real-world use?
This guide will compare every facet from battery life to Bluetooth versions helping you decide which JBL Charge suits your needs. After poring over professional reviews and conducting my own hands-on testing, I‘ll even reveal which model I‘d choose for different listening and lifestyle scenarios.
Let‘s dive in to see how these category-leading portable speakers stack up!
JBL Charge Series: Legacy of Legendary Sound
Before we contrast the Charge 5 vs 4, it helps to understand the pedigree that got us here.
As an American audio icon founded way back in 1946, JBL holds claim to several audio innovations that shaped modern music. Their concert-tested speakers equip venues like Madison Square Garden just as home theater enthusiasts covet JBL cinema sound.
But beyond revolutionizing studios and theaters, enduring Hall of Fame hits like the vintage L100 set JBL‘s musical legacy in stone.
The Charge portable line epitomizes how JBL translates that professional DNA into our daily lives. Rugged designs built to follow your adventures, JBL Charges blast rich, vibrant sound farther than you might imagine. Flagship features like punchy bass, crisp definition across mids and highs plus 20+ hour batteries let music enhance every activity.
While large speakers fine-tuned room by room dominate home hifi, the Charge series travels wherever life takes you. Read on to see what extra versatility and performance the Charge 5 brings to the table.
JBL Charge 5 vs 4: Key Specs Comparison
| Specification | JBL Charge 5 | JBL Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Separate tweeter & mid woofer | Single driver unit |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz – 20kHz | 70Hz – 20kHz |
| Rated Power | 30W RMS | 30W (2400mW) RMS |
| Battery Life | 20+ hours (rated) 16 hours (tested) | 20+ hours (rated) 17 hours (tested) |
| Recharge Time | 4 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Wireless Range | Over 100 feet | Over 30 feet |
| Dust/Water Resistance | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 3.43 x 9.06 x 3.58 in(87 x 230 x 91 mm) | 3.87 x 8.66 x 4.13 in (98 x 220 x 105 mm) |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (950 g) | 2.1 lbs (950 g) |
Sound Quality: How Do These Speakers Actually Sound?
Spec sheets only reveal part of the story. As an audio engineer, I believe objective measurements and controlled listening tests indicate how an average listener truly perceives sound quality.
Multiple reviewers praise both the Charge 5 and Charge 4 for lively sound with rich bass and crisp highs. But examining frequency response charts shows how separate tweeter and mid-woofer components give the Charge 5‘s sound an edge:
Smoother high-end detail stands out in the Charge 5 frequency response chart via Rtings
See how the Charge 5‘s discrete tweeter produces cleaner treble above 10 kHz? Separating high and midrange frequencies reduces distortion and lets you better distinguish percussion, guitar plucks and vocal nuances. Integrating a dedicated tweeter also helps widen the Charge 5‘s sound stage with better stereo imaging.
Now compare against the Charge 4‘s response:
The Charge 4‘s full-range driver shows more uneven upper midrange and treble
Without a separate tweeter you can see rougher output through higher frequencies – likely the very detailing that review evaluations praise in the Charge 5.
Both speakers employ JBL‘s hallmark dual passive radiators to reinforce bass, resulting in the Charge 4‘s already thunderous low end sounding even mightier from the Charge 5. Reviewers describe its larger drivers and components enabling louder maximum volume with less distortion too.
So while the Charge 4 pleases, the Charge 5‘s upgraded acoustic design unlocks more natural, precise sound closer to a studio monitor.
Features and Battery Life: More Than Just Sound
Beyond great sound quality, portable speakers need good battery life and increasingly phone-friendly features in 2022. Let‘s compare these key areas:
| Features | JBL Charge 5 | JBL Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20+ hrs expected16 hrs tested | 20+ hrs expected 17 hrs tested |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C only |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.1Improved stability and range | Bluetooth 4.2, JBL Connect+ |
| Supported Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC only |
| Wireless Multi-Pair | PartyBoost (Connect 100+ JBL speakers) | Connect+ (JBL speakers only) |
| Integrated Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | None |
| Ruggedness | IP67 dust & waterproof | IPX7 waterproof |
| Other Perks | Attach lanyard/strap | Speakerphone capability |
Inspecting that chart, you can grasp where the Charge 5 justifies its flagship status with modern conveniences. Faster Bluetooth 5.1 guarantees more reliable streaming from any source while integrated voice assistants simplify requests via Alexa or Google.
Qi wireless charging support also means one less cable to pack while multi-pair PartyBoost tech lets you instantly sync unlimited music playback across other PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers.
If you seek voice control or the ability to add rear satellite speakers down the road, the Charge 5 clearly leads in expandability and wireless performance.
Now let‘s compare two key metrics – battery life and recharge times:
Real-world tested battery life (SoundGuys) shows near identical performance
Despite promising 20+ hours of playback, independent testing confirms both fall slightly shorter in reality – but close enough for all-day sessions between charges nonetheless.
With battery life results nearly identical given testing variance, the Charge 5 gains little ground here. However its Qi compatibility means you can always add wireless charging cases or pads to simplify powering back up.
The Verdict?
If you seek the convenience of wireless charging, multi-room audio or using Alexa to change tracks word-free, the Charge 5‘s revamped feature set warrants upgrading your older JBL. Music fans wanting higher quality streams, added bass and enhanced clarity will also reap audio rewards.
But if you just need basic Bluetooth connectivity without any fancy extras, the Charge 4 still rocks 20 hours of bold signature sound at a discounted price.
Design Showdown: How Do Styling, Controls and Build Compare?
Picture yourself on the beach, picnic blanket down, friends en route – which speaker better suits? Let‘s inspect how subtle styling and aesthetics differences might impact that choice:
| Design Factor | JBL Charge 5 | JBL Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gray, Red, Teal, Squad | Black, Blue, Red, Gray, Camo |
| Dimensions | 3.43 x 9.06 x 3.58 in(87 x 230 x 91 mm) | 3.87 x 8.66 x 4.13 in (98 x 220 x 105 mm) |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (950 g) | 2.1 lbs (950 g) |
| Exterior | Rubberized finish | Fabric cover |
| Durability | IP67 fully water/dustproof | IPX7 water resistant |
| Buttons | Power, Bluetooth, Volume, PartyBoost | Power, Bluetooth, Volume, Connect+ |
| Battery Icon? | No | Yes |
| Lanyard/Strap | Yes | No |
Appearance-wise, both rock a cylindrical shape with bold colors like squad (yellow/orange) and classic black. You‘ll also find comparable weight and side-mounted passive radiator ports.
But the Charge 5‘s sleeker dimensions should fit in tighter spaces while its rugged rubber exterior better shrugs off scrapes and sand. Despite marginally reduced size, upgraded drivers help it cast a wider soundstage than its older sibling.
I appreciate handy bonuses like the integrated strap for securing to bikes/bags and one-touch access to JBL‘s PartyBoost multi-speaker pairing. But losing the battery life indicator cluster is a curious omission likely tied to streamlining production.
For the clumsy among us, the Charge 5‘s enhanced IP67 water and dustproofing earns meaningful insurance against incidental drops in water or dust intrusion when camping. Just don‘t test fate below the recommended 1m/3ft maximum submersion!
All told, the Charge 5‘s subtle facelift modernizes a proven design while packing upgraded protection and minor conveniences. Those ergonomic touches prove handy when you need to strap your speaker to a pack rather than carry it by hand.
Which Is the Better Buy: Charge 5 or Charge 4?
With core specs compared and tested, should you upgrade your Charge 4 or is the 5 too similar? Consider how these key pros and cons impact your listening:
Charge 5 Pros
- More accurate, detailed sound via separated tweeter
- Added bass and volume from upgraded amplifier
- Leading Bluetooth 5.1 improves wireless range and stability
- Rugged IP67 rating withstands dust and dunks
- Wireless and multi-speaker pairing extends functionality
Charge 4 Pros
- Classic JBL signature sound with thunderous bass
- Reliable IPX7 waterproof design
- 20 hours of battery life like Charge 5
- Lower cost around $100
Determining the right Bluetooth speaker depends largely on your habits and headphones – namely these key questions:
- Do you stream lots of hi-res music, newer Bluetooth codecs or desire wider compatible formats like aptX?
- Is multi-room pairing important to evenly fill large spaces or parties?
- Will you use smart features like voice assistants or wireless charging?
- Do you demand maximum ruggedness and water protection?
If you answered yes, the Charge 5‘s feature upgrades support those use cases. Opt for the Charge 4 to save $50-100 if you just need straightforward pairing and bold sound.
Either way, you can‘t go wrong with a JBL Charge if you seek bass-busting, all-terrain sound. Let your personal priorities and this guide steer you to the best model fulfilling your portable audio needs.
Thanks for reading and happy listening!
