JBL is a very popular name in the world of Bluetooth speakers. When you look for a portable Bluetooth speaker, you will encounter several models from JBL. The JBL Charge 4 was a massive hit in the market. We did not think it was possible to come up with a better version of the JBL Charge 4. Well, we stand corrected! JBL did it when they came out with the Charge 5. Let’s consider the differences and similarities of these two excellent Bluetooth speakers.
JBL Charge 5 vs JBL Charge 4: Key Factors
Battery Life and Charging
The JBL Charge 4 was a groundbreaking wireless speaker with many likable qualities. One of these qualities was its excellent battery life! The JBL Charge 4 takes 4 hours at 5V/3A to charge. A full charge of this speaker lasts 20 hours of continuous playtime. So, the quick charging 7,800mAh battery has a great 20-hour life, letting you enjoy uninterrupted music for hours! The JBL Charge 5 has the exact same specification of battery type, charge time, and battery life. Both JBL Charge 4 and 5 have a USB Type-C charge port. This is a very common charging port for portable speakers, so it will be easy to find a replacement. Moreover, both models have a USB-A Out power port. The out ports make both these speakers extremely useful, especially while traveling. You can charge your phones, smartwatches, and other devices via your JBL speaker. So, when it comes to charging and battery specifications, there are no major upgrades in JBL Charge 5. Just like its predecessor, Charge 5 users will be able to connect on the go and power other devices.
Design and Form Factor
The JBL Charge 4 was a very popular model because of its user-friendly design when it launched. Its design was one of a feature of that made a favorite of many. The JBL Charge 5 managed to take an excellent design a notch higher, with some small upgrades. The Charge 4 has dimensions of 8.66 in x 3.74 in x 3.66 in. These dimensions make it very compact and easy to hold. JBL Charge 5 has is 8.70 in x 3.76 in x 3.67 in which is even narrower. This compact design of Charge 5 makes it even easier to hold! The slightly different dimensions also mean different weights. Where JBL Charge 4 weighed 2.12 lbs, the Charge 5 is lighter, with a weight of 2.11 lbs. The lighter weight and smaller dimensions of Charge 5 make it a slightly more portable option than the Charge 4.
The construction of both these models is also phenomenal. Both JBL Charge 4 and 5 come with a waterproof design. That water resistance is key to withstand inclement weather, especially during outdoor activities. The JBL Charge 4 has is rated IPX7 and Charge 5 has an upgraded rating of IP67 which added dust resistance. Both the JBL Charge 4 and 5 can be in 3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. More or less, both speakers have a similar design, with some upgrades in JBL Charge 5. Where Charge 4 has a 4 inches wide flat base, Charge 5 comes with ridged rubber lines.
Connectivity
One minor connectivity difference between Charge 4 and 5 is the Bluetooth version. The Charge 4 features a 4.2 Bluetooth version, whereas Charge 5 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.1. This means that the JBL Charge 5 should have a superior connection that should be more stable. Many users search for ways to listen to music on multiple Bluetooth speakers. The Charge 4 has JBL Connect+ that lets you pair your JBL speaker with other JBL speakers that have the same feature. The Charge 5 has a similar but improved connectivity feature called JBL PartyBoost. JBL PartyBoost also pairs with other JBL PartyBoost compatible speakers, but with slightly more functionality. This allows you to enjoy a louder sound from two or more speakers!
Sound and Drivers
When it comes to the sound quality, both the Charge 4 and Charge 5 deliver quite similar results. There are some differences in bass and mid notes of the two speakers. The sound quality of the Charge 5 is better in comparison, although both speakers experience distortion at higher volumes. The Charge 5 is also better in outdoor spaces, having wide range and clear audio even from a distance. When it comes to specifications, the Charge 5 has a bigger bass driver (52mm x 90mm) than Charge 4 (50mm x 90mm). 20 mm Dome tweeters are a new addition in Charge 5 that are not present in the Charge 4 model. Both speakers have the same passive bass radiators (65mm) and frequency response (65Hz to 20000Hz) range. Finally, the signal-to-noise ratio of JBL Charge 4 and 5 are both less that 80 dB. The sound and drivers of the two models don’t differ greatly but there are some upgrades that allow improved sound quality in the JBL Charge 5.
Unique Features on JBL Charge 5 and 4
JBL speakers are a giant in the wireless speaker market for a reason. They come with certain unique features that are unmatched by other brands. One such feature is the speaker pairing with JBL Connect+ and JBL PartyBoost. They let you connect your speakers with 100 other JBL speakers at once! JBL Charge 4 has a JBL Connect+ and Charge 5 has JBL PartyBoost. The main difference between the two is that PartyBoost has a greater connectivity range than Connect+. The JBL Connect plus has a connectivity range of 40 yards, while PartyBoost has double the range, with up to 80 yards! Note that both these connection technologies don’t work with each other. You can only connect a JBL Charge 4 with Connect+ another JBL speaker that features Connect+. These connectivity features are suitable for indoor, multi-room, and outdoor gatherings. There are some great design features as well, for example, the access of JBL Charge 5 is easier and more accessible! Another excellent feature is the colors available. You can buy both models in different colors and some even come in cool camo prints!
In Conclusion
JBL Charge 4 and 5 are not very different from each other, with very similar user interfaces. However, there are some small differences like a Bluetooth version upgrade, dust resistance, larger woofer, an added tweeter, and greater power output. These upgrades mean better sound, greater protection against the elements, and improved Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL Charge 5 is definitely an over the Charge 4. JBL’s Charge 4 still has a lot to offer though. Who should consider the upgrade? Those who really need the added dust protection and value having the upgraded sound quality.
JBL Charge 5 vs Charge 4: FAQs
How does the battery life on the Charge 5 compare to the Charge 4?
There is no difference in the battery life of Charge 4 and 5. Both speakers have a lithium-ion polymer 27Wh battery that lasts for 20 hours on a full charge.
Can these Bluetooth Speakers charge my other devices?
Yes, both Charge 4 and 5 can be used for charging other devices. The USB-A out power port found in both speakers has the sole purpose to charge devices such as phones, watches and tabs.
Are both the Charge 5 and Charge 4 water-resistant?
Yes, both Charge 4 and Charge 5 are water resistant. The JBL Charge 4 has an IPX7 rating and the Charge 5 has an upgraded rating of IP67 that adds dust resistance. Both are equally water-resistant.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.