JBL Charge 4 Vs Charge 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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JBL Charge 4 Vs Charge 5

Both JBL Charge 4 & Charge 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the JBL Charge 5 rather than JBL Charge 4.

Why Do I Recommend JBL Charge 5? 

  • The Charge 5 has been updated with a new racetrack-shaped driver that is designed to deliver enhanced bass response and overall sound clarity. In contrast, the Charge 4 also uses a racetrack-shaped driver but with a focus on strong bass and good mid-range performance, potentially with less clarity.
  • The Charge 5 has a higher output power at 40W RMS compared to 30W RMS in the Charge 4, leading to a louder and volume and clear sound quality, enhancing your audio experience whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a solo music session.
  • Charge 5 boasts a more modern and rugged design with more color options, including a camo version, offering better durability and a more contemporary look than the Charge 4.
  • The JBL Charge 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1, which generally offers more stable connectivity range and greater efficiency compared to the Bluetooth 4.2 used in the Charge 4.
  • The Charge 5 features an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof on the other hand the Charge 4 has an IPX7 rating, which means it is just waterproof.
  • With its faster charging capability, the Charge 5 ensures you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time enjoying your music on the go, taking about 4 hours to fully charge, whereas the Charge 4 takes about 5.5 hours.
  • Charge 5 supports PartyBoost, which allows it to connect with other PartyBoost-compatible speakers for enhanced sound. On the other hand the Charge 4 uses JBL Connect+, which is compatible with older JBL speaker models.
  • The Charge 5 works with the JBL Portable app, which supports settings adjustments and firmware updates, whereas the Charge 4 uses the JBL Connect app, geared towards speaker configurations with older models.
  • It supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS), allowing for stereo sound when paired with another speaker, which is not available in Charge 4.

Maybe the JBL Charge 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Charge 5. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureJBL Charge 5JBL Charge 4
Sound ProfileEnhanced bass response and overall clarityStrong bass with good mid-range performance
MaterialsImproved rugged fabric design for durabilityDurable fabric and rubber enclosure
Waterproof RatingIP67 (dustproof and waterproof)IPX7 (waterproof only)
Output Power40W RMS30W RMS
Charging TimeAbout 4 hoursAbout 5.5 hours
Bluetooth Version5.14.2
Battery LifeUp to 20 hoursUp to 20 hours
PartyBoostYes, connects with other PartyBoost speakersNo, uses JBL Connect+ for older JBL speakers
Frequency Response65Hz – 20kHz60Hz – 20kHz
Weight0.96 kg (2.11 lbs)0.96 kg (2.12 lbs)
Dimensions223 x 96.5 x 93.3 mm (8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 in)220 x 95 x 93 mm (8.5 x 3.5 x 3.4 in)
Driver DesignNew racetrack-shaped driver for better bassRacetrack-shaped driver
TWS (True Wireless Stereo)Yes, can link multiple units for stereo soundNo, cannot pair for stereo sound
PortsUSB-C for charging, USB-A for outputUSB-C for charging, USB-A for output
Colors AvailableBlack, Blue, Grey, Red, Teal, and CamoBlack, Blue, Grey, Red, Teal, Pink, Sand, White
Built-in MicrophoneNoNo
App SupportJBL Portable app for settings and updatesJBL Connect app for speaker configurations
Signal-to-Noise Ratio>80dB>80dB
Power SourceRechargeable Li-ion batteryRechargeable Li-ion battery
Wireless RangeUp to 30 feet (approx. 10 meters)Up to 30 feet (approx. 10 meters)
WarrantyStandard 1-year warrantyStandard 1-year warranty
Included AccessoriesUSB-C cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty CardUSB-C cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card
PriceCheck Charge 5 PriceCheck Charge 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  1. Battery Life: Both speakers offer up to 20 hours of playtime, allowing for extended listening sessions without frequent recharges.
  2. Waterproof: Each speaker has a high degree of water resistance, with the Charge 4 rated at IPX7 and the Charge 5 at IP67, making them both suitable for outdoor use near water.
  3. Power Bank Function: Both models can act as a power bank to charge other devices via a USB-A port, which is extremely useful for charging smartphones or other USB-powered devices while on the go.
  4. Wireless Bluetooth Streaming: They both allow for wireless streaming via Bluetooth, supporting easy connectivity to smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
  5. Durable Design: The JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are built to be robust and durable, featuring a rugged rubber and fabric design that can withstand various outdoor environments.
  6. JBL Signature Sound: Each speaker is designed to deliver the strong, bold sound characteristic of JBL audio products, ensuring quality music playback with rich bass.
  7. Portability: Both speakers are designed with portability in mind, featuring a similar size and cylindrical shape that makes them easy to carry in a bag or even by hand.

Common Features

Common FeaturesJBL Charge 5JBL Charge 4
Battery LifeUp to 20 hoursUp to 20 hours
Waterproof RatingIP67 (Waterproof and Dustproof)IPX7 (Waterproof)
Power Bank FunctionYes (USB-A output)Yes (USB-A output)
Durable DesignRugged rubber and fabric designRugged rubber and fabric design
JBL Signature SoundYesYes
PortabilityCompact and cylindrical shapeCompact and cylindrical shape
Charging PortUSB-CUSB-C
Weight0.96 kg (2.11 lbs)0.96 kg (2.12 lbs)
Dimensions223 x 96.5 x 93.3 mm220 x 95 x 93 mm
Frequency Response65Hz – 20kHz60Hz – 20kHz
Wireless RangeUp to 30 feetUp to 30 feet
App SupportJBL Portable appJBL Connect app
PriceCheck Charge 5 PriceCheck Charge 4 Price

FAQ

What is the battery life of both JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5?
Both the JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5 offer up to 20 hours of battery life, making them suitable for long listening sessions without frequent recharges.Are the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 waterproof?
Yes, both speakers are waterproof. The JBL Charge 4 has an IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, while the JBL Charge 5 has an IP67 rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof.

Can I use the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 as a power bank?
Yes, both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 can function as power banks. They feature a USB-A output port that allows you to charge your devices directly from the speaker.

What is the Bluetooth version in JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5?
The JBL Charge 4 uses Bluetooth 4.2, while the JBL Charge 5 is equipped with the more advanced Bluetooth 5.1, offering improved range and connectivity.

What type of design do the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 have?
Both speakers have a rugged design with a durable rubber and fabric covering, making them robust and suitable for outdoor use.

Do JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 deliver JBL’s signature sound?
Yes, both models deliver JBL’s signature sound, known for its clarity and strong bass, ensuring high-quality audio performance.

How portable are the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5?
Both models are compact and cylindrical in shape, designed to be easily portable, allowing you to carry them in a bag or by hand effortlessly.

What type of charging port do the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 use?
Both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 use a USB-C port for charging, which is convenient and modern.

How do the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 compare in terms of power output?
The JBL Charge 4 has an output power of 30W RMS, while the JBL Charge 5 has a higher output of 40W RMS, offering a louder and more powerful sound.

What is the frequency response range of the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5?
The JBL Charge 4 offers a frequency response range from 60Hz to 20kHz, whereas the JBL Charge 5 provides a slightly narrower range from 65Hz to 20kHz.

What wireless range can I expect with the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5?
Both speakers provide a wireless range of up to 30 feet, ensuring you can stream music from a distance without interruption.

Is there app support for both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5?
Yes, the JBL Charge 4 is compatible with the JBL Connect app, while the JBL Charge 5 uses the more recent JBL Portable app, both allowing you to control various speaker functions via your smartphone.

 

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