JBL Charge 4 Vs Charge 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
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
Feature | JBL Charge 5 | JBL Charge 4 |
Sound Profile | Enhanced bass response and overall clarity | Strong bass with good mid-range performance |
Materials | Improved rugged fabric design for durability | Durable fabric and rubber enclosure |
Waterproof Rating | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof) | IPX7 (waterproof only) |
Output Power | 40W RMS | 30W RMS |
Charging Time | About 4 hours | About 5.5 hours |
Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 20 hours |
PartyBoost | Yes, connects with other PartyBoost speakers | No, uses JBL Connect+ for older JBL speakers |
Frequency Response | 65Hz – 20kHz | 60Hz – 20kHz |
Weight | 0.96 kg (2.11 lbs) | 0.96 kg (2.12 lbs) |
Dimensions | 223 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 Design | New racetrack-shaped driver for better bass | Racetrack-shaped driver |
TWS (True Wireless Stereo) | Yes, can link multiple units for stereo sound | No, cannot pair for stereo sound |
Ports | USB-C for charging, USB-A for output | USB-C for charging, USB-A for output |
Colors Available | Black, Blue, Grey, Red, Teal, and Camo | Black, Blue, Grey, Red, Teal, Pink, Sand, White |
Built-in Microphone | No | No |
App Support | JBL Portable app for settings and updates | JBL Connect app for speaker configurations |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >80dB | >80dB |
Power Source | Rechargeable Li-ion battery | Rechargeable Li-ion battery |
Wireless Range | Up to 30 feet (approx. 10 meters) | Up to 30 feet (approx. 10 meters) |
Warranty | Standard 1-year warranty | Standard 1-year warranty |
Included Accessories | USB-C cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card | USB-C cable, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card |
Price | Check Charge 5 Price | Check Charge 4 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Battery Life: Both speakers offer up to 20 hours of playtime, allowing for extended listening sessions without frequent recharges.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wireless Bluetooth Streaming: They both allow for wireless streaming via Bluetooth, supporting easy connectivity to smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Features | JBL Charge 5 | JBL Charge 4 |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 20 hours |
Waterproof Rating | IP67 (Waterproof and Dustproof) | IPX7 (Waterproof) |
Power Bank Function | Yes (USB-A output) | Yes (USB-A output) |
Durable Design | Rugged rubber and fabric design | Rugged rubber and fabric design |
JBL Signature Sound | Yes | Yes |
Portability | Compact and cylindrical shape | Compact and cylindrical shape |
Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Weight | 0.96 kg (2.11 lbs) | 0.96 kg (2.12 lbs) |
Dimensions | 223 x 96.5 x 93.3 mm | 220 x 95 x 93 mm |
Frequency Response | 65Hz – 20kHz | 60Hz – 20kHz |
Wireless Range | Up to 30 feet | Up to 30 feet |
App Support | JBL Portable app | JBL Connect app |
Price | Check Charge 5 Price | Check 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? What is the Bluetooth version in JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5? What type of design do the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 have? Do JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 deliver JBL’s signature sound? How portable are the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5? What type of charging port do the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 use? How do the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 compare in terms of power output? What is the frequency response range of the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5? What wireless range can I expect with the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5? Is there app support for both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5? |