All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
JBL
JBL Charge 5
The Goldilocks of portable Bluetooth speakers.
Value for Money & durability / build quality
7.5/ 10
7.5
0.010.0
A 7.5 puts its value for money in the top half of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 55 of the 166 we've cataloged.
9.3/ 10
9.3
0.010.0
A 9.3 puts its durability / build quality in the top 10% of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 52 of the 166 we've cataloged.
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
20 hAbove average20 h
5 h42 h
above average for bluetooth speakers — based on 137 of 166 we've cataloged.
IP Rating
IP67Most commonIP6738%IPX732%IPX410%IP686%
IP67 is the most common — on 38% of the 131 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 166).
Bluetooth Version
5.15.334%5.020%5.410%5.18%
5.1 appears on 8% of the 134 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 166).
Is Portable
YesMost commonTrue92%False8%
True is the most common — on 92% of the 159 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 166).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 20 h
- Capacity
- 7500 mAh
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Powerbank Output
- Yes
Build
- IP Rating
- IP67
- Floating Design
- Yes
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.1
- Bluetooth Range
- 15 m
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth
- Multi Speaker Chain
- Yes
- Stereo Pairing
- Yes
Design
- Is Portable
- Yes
- Color Options
- Black, blue, camouflage, gray, red, teal
- Dimensions Depth
- 94 mm
- Dimensions Height
- 223 mm
- Dimensions Width
- 97 mm
- Power Source
- Rechargeable battery
- Weight
- 960 g
Features
- Speakerphone
- No
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
Sound
- Amplification
- Active (powered)
- Channels
- 1.0 (mono)
- Driver Count
- 2
- Frequency Response
- 65-20000 Hz
- Frequency Response High Hz
- 20000 Hz
- Frequency Response Low Hz
- 65 Hz
- Total Power Output
- 40 W
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Connectivity5.0
Design7.0
Portability7.3
Features8.5
Value7.5
The verdict
The JBL Charge 5 checks all the boxes when it comes to portable yet rugged Bluetooth speakers. With its durable build, long battery life, and decent output, the Charge 5 is a dependable sonic adventure companion.
✓What we like
✓Sound quality
✓IP67 rating
✓Bluetooth multipoint
✓USB-A courtesy outlet
✕What could be better
✕No microphone
✕Bulky
✕No 3.5mm input
Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
I went hands-on with JBL’s new Cove speakers, and one really stands outMore JBL speakers? Here’s the lowdown on the new Cove lineup.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.
Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterMore Bluetooth speakers
See our top picks ›
Bluetooth speakers
Soundcore Boom Go 3i
8.4/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$59.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Bluetooth speakers
Edifier M90 Computer
8.4/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$369.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Bluetooth speakers
Apple HomePod Smart
8.3/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$369.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Bluetooth speakers
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
8.1/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$179.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon