JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5 Comprehensive Guide In 2022

The JBL 4 is an excellent Bluetooth speaker, especially given the numerous customization options, but the Charge 5 is a big improvement. On the other hand, some current JBL owners might not like a specific adjustment.

The well-liked JBL Charge 4 gets a few upgrades, including better sound quality, in the JBL Charge 5. The Charge 4 is slightly improved by small design changes like a dust-free structure and an enlarged logo that better matches the Charge 4’s aesthetic.

On the other hand, you pay more and give up the aux jack when you “upgrade” from the JBL 4 to the JBL 5. And some of Charge 4’s shortcomings are still present in the most recent model.

It was merely a sneak preview of both JBL Charge speakers. However, based on our opinions, our in-depth review will help you understand the differences between the two and what to consider when purchasing them.

All About JBL Charge 4 & Charge 5

The most crucial part is here, so let’s see what the market has to offer since there are so many of them. We advise basing your purchases on your needs, these crucial considerations, or your budget. If you already have some preferred brand names in mind, you can also rely on the brand options. Popular brands have a good reputation, so they can be very promising.

JBL is one of the most well-known brands we can trust regarding Bluetooth speakers. Since this brand is so well-known and widely available, it is likely that when people want to purchase a small Bluetooth speaker, this business will be near the top of their list. They are well-known in the industry and offer various options for both the design and sound character, so not every choice will have the same sound.

The JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are your two best options if you want a powerful, portable speaker. These two brothers resemble each other a lot, and as you may already be aware, the Charge 5 recently debuted in place of the Charge 4. Since the Charge 5 was only released in February, it makes sense that many people would be interested in purchasing this new variant, which also includes new technology.

These speakers are remarkably similar in comparison, so they will likely appear to be the same speakers with only minor differences when placed side by side. JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 have slightly different sound qualities, but if you want to pair these speakers together, you might want to purchase the same model since they are incompatible.

Features of JBL Charge 4 vs. Charge 5 

Here are some of the things that you need to consider before you buy a JBL Charge, so keep reading for what suits the best for you! 

JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5: Design

Let’s first look at the speakers’ appearances before moving on to the crucial portion. 

The JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are very similar, and as was already mentioned, when placed next to one another, they are almost identical. The Charge 5 has changed; it now has rounded edges that make it appear smaller but bulkier, especially when paired with a larger JBL logo in front of it. Buttons are still located at the top, and the charging port is still on the back.

The base has padding on the bottom so the speakers can sit comfortably. Only the speaker, which is covered in some fabric, and the USB cable for charging are included in the box. These two have the same build quality and robustness as JBL Bluetooth speakers, as you will notice if you are familiar with them. However, the protection is better on the Charge 5, as opposed to the Charge 4, which is only IPX7 water and dust-resistant.

JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5: Sound Quality

The most crucial part is here, so let’s hear how the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 sound and how close they are to one another. The Charge 5 now has a tweeter that is 20 mm in diameter and a woofer that is 52 x 90 mm in size, respectively, whereas the older speaker only had a 50 x 90 mm woofer. They do sound quite different, in my experience, but probably not. 

Since the two speakers are mono, the experience is not significantly different from what we had anticipated despite the addition of tweeters, which makes the high frequencies cleaner. The JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are different, but it is still there. In addition to having a wider soundstage than Charge 4, which is more directional, Charge 5 also projects sound further. It is not a night and day difference but a matter of taste.

JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5: Connectivity

Connectivity is the next topic we’ll cover; this is where things start to get interesting. The Charge 5 now has Bluetooth 5.1, whereas the older speaker only has Bluetooth 4.2, so the latter will be more dependable in terms of connectivity and how it will handle long-distance playback. It is a great option if you want to take the speaker outside or to the bathroom while taking a shower and relaxing but leave the device inside the house.

JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5: Features

The JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 share many features but differ slightly. As many people know, JBL speakers can pair with other compatible speakers to play the same songs. They do not use the same technology and are incompatible with one another because the Charge 4 is compatible with JBL Connect+, while the new speaker is compatible with Partyboost. The audio jack still presents next to the charging port on the older speakers is gone with the Charge 5.

Furthermore, we want to discuss battery life, which in this instance is not different because playback is still limited to up to 20 hours, which is pretty standard. It is neither particularly short nor particularly long, and like all speakers, its length varies greatly depending on the feature being used and the volume level.

JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 Similarities

JBL is one of the companies that has seized the initiative in the durable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker space and has established a solid reputation for producing some truly excellent-sounding speakers. The Flip 5 and Charge 4 are two devices that can compete head-to-head with any rival, and many of its products are featured on our lists and buyers guides as the best in their respective categories.

These two speakers have a similar design aesthetic, distinguishing them as JBL products. Both feature the red JBL logo on the front and the tubular 360-degree speaker design. Both come in vibrant hues and patterns, including Black Camo, fiery Red, and an incredibly gorgeous Ocean Blue. If you purchase directly from JBL, you can choose the colors and patterns for your speaker to make it your own.

Of course, these gadgets function well indoors, but their true potential lies outside. Both devices are waterproof to IPX7 standards and can even be submerged for 30 minutes in water up to 1 meter deep. They can both get incredibly loud for their size, making them equally suitable for long day trips to the beach or backyard barbecues, thanks to their extended battery lives. Both speakers now have USB-C charging due to a Flip 5 upgrade, allowing you to use the same cable for charging your phone and other portable devices.

 JBL Charge 5 vs. JBL Charge 4 Differences

The size difference between these Bluetooth speakers is the first thing you’ll notice. The Charge 4 weighs a full pound more than the Flip 5 and is half an inch to an inch bigger in every dimension. Though, in theory, it might not seem like much, it makes one speaker significantly more portable than the other.

The Charge 4 significantly outperforms the already impressive Flip 5 in terms of battery life and power-sharing functionality. The Charge 4 can also be used as a power bank to charge other devices, including, ironically, the Flip 5, and has a 20-hour capacity compared to the Flip 5’s 12-hour capacity. These benefits can significantly alter your outdoor partying experience if you intend to stay up all night. But compared to the Charge 4, you can recharge the Flip 5 almost half the time.

Due to its 30W output, the Charge 4 can also get considerably louder than the Flip 5. However, while its bass is strong, some have criticized it for having a weak high end. The Flip 5 excels in the high-end, but as you might anticipate from a smaller speaker, the bass is a little lacking.

Technical Specifications & Comparison

Here are some of the technical specifications & comparisons of JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5: 

Feature	JBL Charge 4	JBL Charge 5
Rated Output Power	30W	30W RMS for the woofer, 10W RMS for the tweeter
Frequency Response	60Hz-20kHz	60 Hz – 20k Hz
Music Playing Time	20 hours	20 hours
Battery Charge Time	4 hours	4 hours
Bluetooth Version	4.2	5.1
IP Rating	IPX7	IP677
Battery Capacity	7,500 mAh	7,500 mAh
Powerbank	Yes	Yes
JBL Pairing Feature	Connect	PartyBoost
Colors	Dusty Pink, Gray Stone, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black	Black, Blue, Gray, Red, and Camo
Dimensions (W x H x D)	8.66 x 3.74 x 3.66 inch	8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 inch
Weight	0.96 kg	0.96 kg
Price	Buy On Amazon	Buy On Amazon

JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5 – Which is Better?

The Charge 5 offers only a few, perhaps modest, improvements over the Charge 4. The best Bluetooth speakers on the market are a compelling package, but many people think they are more than the sum of their parts. The Charge 4’s discounted price may tempt you if you have a tight spending limit because it will probably be adequate. Whichever choice you make, you’ll enjoy listening to music outside, no matter what.

JBL Charge 4 Features 

The JBL Charge 4 has a powerful full-spectrum audio system and an integrated power bank to recharge your devices. Its custom-designed driver and two JBL bass radiators enhance sound quality with powerful bass.

Its 7500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery can operate for up to 20 hours. You can quickly charge your gadgets, like your smartphone, using a USB charging connector on the speaker, ensuring you never run out of power.

The Charge 4 has an IPX7 waterproof rating and comes in various lovely colors. It can wirelessly connect more than 100 JBL Connect+ equipped speakers with JBL Link+ to enhance your listening experience.

Sound Quality 

It has a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 80dB and a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz. It surprises many that the sound quality of this speaker is comparable to that of other users rather than better than the Charge 3.

JBL opted for a single driver rather than dual drivers this time, but many purchasers of this speaker would not be aware of it besides a few minor flaws.

Like the previous generation, the JBL Charge 4 has a powerful low end for its size, which is undoubtedly enhanced by passive radiators.

Like the Charge 3, this model’s bass loses power over distance more quickly than higher-pitched sounds do.

Build Quality 

The JBL Charge 4 looks exactly like the Charge 3. It’s a mid-sized portable speaker that, in contrast to other models, rests on its side rather than upright. These speaker cones are not the kind that is easily broken. The JBL Charge 4 is undoubtedly tough in every way.

The front and back are covered in a robust, water-resistant fabric, and the bottom has a substantial rubber foot. Due to its IPX7 certification, JBL’s Charge 4 can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.

You won’t have to worry about losing it if it falls off a boat or a deck because it floats if dropped in water for a while.

Key Features

• 3.5 mm audio cable Input.

• Bluetooth.

• Charging cable.

• JBL Connect+

• Powerbank.

• Rechargeable battery.

Setting Up 

1. Switch it on

Start by pressing the JBL Speaker’s power button. The LED light on the power button will let you know that the power button is on.

2. Activate Bluetooth.

Press the Bluetooth button after that. It ought to be close to the power switch. The Bluetooth button should start flashing once it is turned on. Furthermore, it will play a notification sound to let you know that your JBL speaker is looking for devices to connect to.

3. Configure your device

Ensure that your device has Bluetooth turned on. Your system’s connectivity settings are where you can find your Bluetooth settings.

To access a list of settings, including Wifi and Bluetooth, go to “settings” and select “connectivity” or “connections” if you’re not sure where to look. To connect to the speaker, you should activate your Bluetooth device.

4. Set Up Your Device

You should see a list of the devices you’ve previously connected to before you can connect your device. When you begin scanning, your JBL Charge 4 should appear in the list of new devices.

To connect to it, simply tap on its name, and you’re done. You can view this video tutorial on YouTube if you need help.

PROS AND CONS

Below are the pros and cons of the JBL Charge 4 to help you decide if this Bluetooth speaker is worthy of your attention.

PROS 

• Good build.

• High maximum volume.

• Long battery life.

• It can charge your portable devices.

• Plenty of color options.

CONS

• Similar sound quality as the Charge 3.

• Slightly more robust than the previous model.

• Non-back-lit buttons are hard to see in the dark.

• Mid frequencies can get masked by bass.

• No microphone for phone calls.

JBL Charge 5 Features 

The newest model of JBL’s well-liked portable, outdoor-friendly Bluetooth speakers is called the Charge 5. Just enough improvements are made to this to keep it at the top of the pack.

Its waterproof, dust-tight construction allows you to worry-free pack it in a bag and takes it to the beach. The JBL Charge 5 might not be worth the money if you already have a JBL Charge 4 or Charge 3.

However, the Charge 5 is a great option if you still need to own a previous model. Its audio quality is excellent for a Bluetooth speaker and produces an impressive amount of volume.

It’s a little heavy, so the JBL Flip 5 is a good option if you want a portable speaker. 

Sound Quality 

The Charge 5 has a high maximum volume or a lot of gains. It sounds great wherever you put it, making it a great choice for gatherings. It sounds good, even from 30 meters away.

Clean vocals are possible thanks to the speaker’s driver configuration. Additionally, it has a passive bass radiator on each side, a long-excursion driver, and a separate tweeter. Since the JBL speaker is larger, it makes sense that the bass response is stronger.

Build Quality 

The JBL Charge 5’s construction complies with IP67 standards, making it completely dust-tight and capable of submerging for 30 minutes in water up to one meter deep.

The speaker is made of solid materials and has two bass radiators on either side. A Type-C charging and USB-A port are also on the back of the device in a sealed chamber.

The JBL Charge 5 has a long-lasting battery. Based on other customers’ experiences, it frequently lasts over 14 hours, which is still excellent, even though it promises to last for more than 20 hours on a single 4-hour charge.

Your experience, however, might vary because battery life varies depending on usage. Additionally, it has a power-saving feature that disables the speaker after a certain amount of inactivity.

Key Features 

• Bluetooth.

• Pair up to Two Mobile Devices Simultaneously.

• Rechargeable Battery.

• IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating.

• Pair with Other JBL PartyBoost Speakers.

Setting Up

1. Turn It Up

To turn on your JBL Speaker, press the power button. The LED indicator on the power button will light up to let you know it is powered on and charging. Your JBL speaker’s battery must be low if it won’t turn on.

2. Select Bluetooth from the menu.

Press the Bluetooth button after that. It is next to the power button, which resembles the letter B. When you press it, a sound ought to be heard. The flashing Bluetooth indicator indicates that your JBL speaker is looking for compatible devices to pair with.

3. Get Your Device Ready

Make sure your device’s Bluetooth is turned on. Your system’s connectivity settings or the status bar are where you can find your Bluetooth switch.

Drag your phone’s top screen to reveal the status bar, then look for the Bluetooth icon to enable Bluetooth. It will be highlighted to show that it is on if you tap on it.

However, you can enable Bluetooth from your phone’s settings by going to the settings of your device and tapping on connectivity. It will bring up a list of settings, including Wifi, Data usage, and Bluetooth.

4. Access the Speaker

On your Bluetooth settings screen, select Scan for devices to connect your device. Can find your JBL Charge 5 on the list. After tapping it, your wireless speaker will connect to you shortly.

PROS AND CONS 

The JBL Charge 4’s benefits and shortcomings are listed below to assist you in deciding whether or not to purchase it.

PROS

• Superior sound quality.

• IP67 rating.

• Bluetooth multipoint.

• It can charge your mobile devices.

CONS 

• No microphone.

• No wired listening.

• Bulky.

What We’re Going to Assess

We’ll be examining various aspects of both products in our review. These include the differences in build and design, sound quality, price, connectivity features, battery life, and overall product quality. Let’s begin the review now!

Sounds Performance 

The sound is what matters most in a portable speaker. You want a speaker to play loud music throughout the entire space and reproduce highs and lows.

While some speakers lack the rich, powerful bass we all love, others are too bassy, distorting the sound’s clarity. Instead, a speaker has several components that work together to produce a clear, crisp sound.

The speakers’ drivers come first. The speakers’ drivers allow louder, more precise, and clearer sound. The sound is louder and more detailed the larger the drivers are.

Simple devices called passive bass radiators are built into speakers to produce louder bass even when the speaker is small.

A dome tweeter, a special kind of loudspeaker made to deliver higher-frequency sounds, is also a component of speakers. When it comes to treble, this is crucial.

The wattage is also important because it determines how loud it can produce sounds; higher wattage is better.

The JBL Charge 4 has two 65mm passive bass radiators, a 50mm x 90mm bass driver, and no dome tweeter. It has 30 W of power.

The JBL Charge 5 is an upgrade over the JBL Charge 4 in that it has 30W plus an additional 10W, a 52mm x 90mm bass driver that is a little bigger, a 20mm dome tweeter, and more.

The two speakers’ respective sound quality shows this difference. The JBL Charge 4 is a good speaker for the money because it offers good mid-to-treble balance, decent bass, good depth, and power.

It is enhanced by the JBL Charge 5 with better clarity and overall sound output. Furthermore, the JBL Charge 5 performed better at higher volumes than the JBL Charge 4, which had trouble delivering upper mids.

With better overall sound performance, the JBL Charge 5 wins the round in terms of audio.

Interface and Connection

On the top of the JBL Charge 4, six buttons can control the speaker’s power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, and JBL Connect+ (which enables pairing with other JBL Connect+ devices).

A rubberized cover covers the USB-C charging port, the 3.5mm headphone jack, and the USB-A port, which can use to charge various devices, including your phone or a music player.

The JBL Charge 5 has the same top control interface as the JBL Charge 4, but the back now only has USB-A ports for charging gadgets and a USB-C port for charging the speaker—there is no headphone jack. A smaller rubber cap that only covers the charging port has also replaced the larger rubberized cover for the ports.

Create and Build

The two speakers share a similar overall design in that they are both shaped like cylinders with rounded edges.

The JBL Charge 5 has an updated, larger logo across the front with a simple metallic look, in contrast to the JBL Charge 4, which has the traditional JBL logo against a red background stamped in the front. Compared to a simple logo, this seems a little more fashionable.

The JBL Charge 5 measures 8.7 inches by 3.76 inches by 3.67 inches and has a more robust design with rubberized edges for added reinforcement. Additionally, it is a little heavier than the JBL Charge 4.

The JBL Charge 4 has slightly fewer rubberized edges and measures 8.6 inches by 3.7 inches by 3.6 inches.

PartyBoost JBL

Only a few other JBL devices have the more recent PartyBoost feature, which is present in the JBL Charge 5. With this function, you can link up with additional JBL PartyBoost compatible speakers for stereo playback or a fascinating listening experience. Up to 100 devices can be connected, transforming any gathering into a concert!

Bluetooth

Since you want to instantly connect your phone to a portable speaker to play your favorite music, Bluetooth connectivity is always necessary. Additionally, you might be far from the speaker, so you’d prefer they don’t stop talking during a gathering or your listening session.

With a wireless range of up to 10 meters, the JBL Charge 4 has Bluetooth 4.2 technology. In contrast, the JBL Charge 5 has the more recent Bluetooth 5.1 version, which significantly increases the wireless range up to 40m.

Better Bluetooth technology in the JBL Charge 5 allows for faster connection times and greater range.

Battery

Since you don’t want to end a party when the speaker dies, the battery is essential. Because of this, the playtime is better the larger the battery.

Fortunately, the JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5 both feature powerful 7,500 mAh batteries that are advertised to provide up to 20 hours of playback time on a single charge.

It means that the JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5 can provide you with significant playtime. You can easily charge them and keep them playing at events or during prolonged musical performances.

IP Security

Always look for portable speakers with high protection ratings. The device might be dropped in water unintentionally or left outside, exposing it to dust and water.

With an IPX7 rating, the JBL Charge 4 has level 7 water sealing, so you don’t have to worry about unintentional water spills or even dropping the device into the water. Use caution when using the device in more dusty environments because it is unknown how well it is protected against dust.

The JBL Charge 5 has an IP67 rating, which indicates that it is completely waterproof and dust-resistant. It’s fantastic that the JBL Charge 5 can withstand being dropped into the water up to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes without breaking!

Both devices are impervious to spills and can be used anywhere, but the JBL Charge 5 is better shielded from dust. The rubberized edges of the JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5 protect if you unintentionally drop the speaker to the ground.

Color and Customization

Getting the right color for your speaker can be a big choice for some people. You might want the speaker to match your room or something unique looking that can be a conversation starter.

For the JBL Charge 4, these are the following color variations:

• Yellow
• Red
• Grey
• Pink
• Blue
• Sand
• Forest Green
• White
• Black
• Camouflage
• Squad
• Teal

A great feature on the JBL website allows you to customize your designs for the JBL Charge 4, a fun and exciting feature not usually found in other products.

The JBL Charge 5 has the following color variations:

• Red
• Grey
• Blue
• Forest Green
• Teal
• Squad
• Black

Unfortunately, there isn’t an option to get customized designs for the JBL Charge 5.

Choosing a Bluetooth Speaker

If you are here, we can safely assume that you also enjoy listening to music. In the modern era, there are many other ways besides earbuds or TWS to enjoy your favorite songs or music, but if you enjoy listening to them with friends or need it to be loud enough for other people to listen at the same time, purchasing a Bluetooth speaker will be a wise choice. There are a lot of them to choose from as well.

Making sure that a listening device is portable or as large as you want it to be should be your priority before purchasing it. If you don’t want to, the listening device doesn’t have to be as large or as small as the laptop. Just make sure we can transport easily while still giving the music plenty of energy. Technically speaking, a larger driver will also generate a louder, more potent sound, and vice versa. Even better is if the speaker includes a bag or other means of carrying it around.

Check the connectivity as well because Bluetooth speakers are the topic of this discussion. Although it may not seem like much, Bluetooth 4 or 5 will be available soon, and the newer technology will improve connection quality by a measurable amount. Typically, version 5.0 will have a range that is 4 times greater than version 4.0, allowing you to place the speaker up to 120 meters from the primary device and still receive a strong signal.

As long as the sound is not disturbing others, Bluetooth speakers can be used anywhere, including your shop, a party, or an office setting. Check the IP rating of the speaker to see if it is safe to bring it with you near the pool if you anticipate the application being near water. Some speakers are only splashproof, but others can be submerged, making them perfect. 

Additionally, we will need the speaker to be smart because this is the era of smart devices and smart home appliances. Smart speakers can understand voice commands and are internet-connected, allowing us to stream directly from the speaker or even control nearby compatible appliances. They might cost a little more, but the convenience is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5: 

Conclusion 

Which of the two products is better for you now that we have talked in detail about them both?

The JBL Charge 5 offers better sound performance at louder volumes and has an IP67 protection rating, making it worth the extra cost. Additionally, the PartyBoost feature and enhanced Bluetooth connectivity are both beneficial. For more pieces of information, visit our website headphoneblogs.com!