
JBL Charge 5 Vs Bose Soundlink Flex – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
JBL Charge 5 & Bose Soundlink Flex 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 the Bose Soundlink Flex.
Why Do I Recommend The JBL Charge 5?
- The JBL Charge 5 features a powerful 30W driver with dual passive radiators for deeper bass and higher volume compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex’s 20W output.
- JBL Charge 5 boasts an impressive 20-hour battery life, nearly double that of the Bose SoundLink Flex’s 12 hours, ensuring longer playback for extended trips and outdoor adventures.
- It includes a built-in powerbank with a USB-A output to charge devices on the go, which is missing in the Bose SoundLink Flex.
- The JBL Charge 5 features Bluetooth 5.1 for more stable connection, improved range, and lower latency compared to the older Bluetooth 4.2 of Bose SoundLink Flex.
- JBL Charge 5 supports JBL PartyBoost, enabling multiple JBL speakers to sync for a larger stereo sound experience, whereas the Bose SoundLink Flex only pairs with select Bose devices.
- It has a fully ruggedized, durable cylindrical design with a rubberized exterior and fabric mesh, offering better shock resistance than the less impact-resistant Bose SoundLink Flex.
- The JBL Charge 5’s IP67 rating ensures full waterproofing and dustproofing, making it fully submersible, while the Bose SoundLink Flex, despite also being IP67, is designed to float rather than withstand full submersion.
Maybe the Bose Soundlink Flex 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 | Bose Soundlink Flex |
Speaker Configuration | Full-range driver + dual passive radiators | Custom Bose transducer |
Audio Output Power | 30W RMS | 20W RMS |
Frequency Response | 65Hz – 20kHz | 60Hz – 20kHz |
Bass Performance | Deep and punchy bass with strong passive radiators | Balanced bass with enhanced clarity |
Audio Technology | JBL Signature Sound | Bose PositionIQ™ auto-adjustment |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
Wireless Range | 33 feet (10m) | 30 feet (9m) |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 12 hours |
Powerbank Feature | Yes (USB-A output for charging devices) | No |
Multi-Speaker Pairing | JBL PartyBoost (connects multiple JBL speakers) | Bose SimpleSync (pairs with select Bose devices) |
Design | Cylindrical shape, rugged rubberized body | Rectangular shape, silicone exterior |
Weight | 960g (2.11 lbs) | 590g (1.3 lbs) |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.7 x 3.8 x 3.7 inches | 7.9 x 3.6 x 2.1 inches |
Available Colors | Black, Blue, Gray, Red, Green, Squad | Black, White Smoke, Stone Blue |
Price | Check Charge 5 Price | Check Flex Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Portability & Rugged Build: Both speakers are designed for on-the-go use, making them ideal for travel, outdoor adventures, and casual use at home. Their compact and lightweight builds ensure easy transport, and their rubberized exteriors add durability against drops, bumps, and rough handling.
- IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof Rating: The IP67 rating means both speakers are completely dustproof and can withstand full submersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. Whether you’re using them near a pool, beach, or in the rain, both devices will continue working without any issues.
- Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity: Both the JBL Charge 5 and Bose SoundLink Flex use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This makes it easy to stream music, podcasts, or calls without the hassle of wires.
- USB-C Charging Port: Both speakers feature a USB-C port for charging, allowing for fast and efficient charging compared to older micro-USB models. This ensures they stay powered up without requiring a proprietary charger.
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery: Each speaker is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, ensuring extended playtime without the need for constant charging. While their battery capacities differ (JBL Charge 5 lasts longer), both offer convenient wireless playback.
- Wireless Range (~30 Feet / 10 Meters): Both devices provide a wireless range of around 30 feet (10 meters), making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use without signal interruptions, as long as there are no major obstacles like walls or electronic interference.
- Multi-Speaker Pairing for Stereo Sound: Each speaker offers the ability to pair with another identical speaker to create stereo sound.
- Built-in Passive Radiators for Enhanced Bass: Both models have passive radiators built into their designs to improve bass output. These components allow for deeper and more powerful low-end frequencies, enhancing the overall listening experience, especially for bass-heavy music genres.
- No Wi-Fi Connectivity: Neither the JBL Charge 5 nor the Bose SoundLink Flex includes Wi-Fi capabilities. They operate solely via Bluetooth, which means they don’t support multi-room streaming services like Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast.
- No NFC Pairing: While some Bluetooth speakers offer NFC (Near-Field Communication) for instant pairing, neither the JBL Charge 5 nor the Bose SoundLink Flex includes this feature. Instead, users must manually pair via Bluetooth settings.
- No 3.5mm Aux Input: Both speakers lack a 3.5mm aux port, meaning they do not support wired audio connections. Some older Bluetooth speakers had auxiliary inputs for direct playback from devices without Bluetooth, but both JBL and Bose have opted for a fully wireless experience.
Common Features
Feature | JBL Charge 5 | Bose Soundlink Flex |
Portability | Yes | Yes |
Waterproof & Dustproof Rating | IP67 (waterproof & dustproof) | IP67 (waterproof & dustproof) |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-ion | Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Durability | Rugged build, outdoor-friendly | Rugged build, outdoor-friendly |
Speaker Type | Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Portable Bluetooth Speaker |
Multi-Speaker Pairing | Yes (JBL PartyBoost) | Yes (SimpleSync for Bose devices) |
Stereo Sound Capability | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Passive Radiators | Yes | Yes |
Available in Multiple Colors | Yes | Yes |
No Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
No NFC Pairing | Yes | Yes |
Price | Check Charge 5 Price | Check Flex Price |
FAQ
1. Which speaker has better sound quality, JBL Charge 5 or Bose SoundLink Flex? The JBL Charge 5 has louder sound and deeper bass, thanks to its 30W output and passive radiators. The Bose SoundLink Flex offers more balanced sound with clear mids and highs, making it better for vocal-centric music and podcasts. 2. Which speaker is better for outdoor use? The JBL Charge 5 is better for outdoor use due to its higher volume, stronger bass, and longer battery life (20 hours). The Bose SoundLink Flex is more compact and lightweight, but its 12-hour battery life may not be enough for extended outdoor trips. 3. Is the Bose SoundLink Flex louder than the JBL Charge 5? No, the JBL Charge 5 is louder with its 30W driver, while the Bose SoundLink Flex has 20W output. The Charge 5 can fill larger outdoor spaces with sound, whereas the SoundLink Flex is best for medium-sized rooms. 4. Do both speakers support stereo pairing? Yes, both speakers allow stereo pairing with another identical model. 5. Can I use these speakers in the shower or pool? Yes, both speakers are IP67-rated, meaning they are fully waterproof and dustproof. The Bose SoundLink Flex can float, making it safer for pool use, while the JBL Charge 5 can be submerged in water but will sink. 6. Does the JBL Charge 5 have a built-in microphone for calls? No, the JBL Charge 5 does not have a microphone and cannot be used for hands-free calls. The Bose SoundLink Flex does have a built-in microphone for voice calls and voice assistant use. 7. Which speaker has better Bluetooth connectivity? The JBL Charge 5 has Bluetooth 5.1, offering a more stable connection and longer range compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex, which uses Bluetooth 4.2. 8. Can I charge my phone using these speakers? Only the JBL Charge 5 has a powerbank feature, allowing you to charge devices via USB-A output. The Bose SoundLink Flex does not support phone charging. 9. Which speaker has longer battery life? The JBL Charge 5 lasts up to 20 hours on a full charge, while the Bose SoundLink Flex lasts up to 12 hours. Both take around 4 hours to recharge via USB-C. 10. Can I adjust the sound settings on these speakers? The Bose SoundLink Flex supports EQ customization via the Bose Connect App, allowing users to adjust bass, mids, and treble. The JBL Charge 5 does not have built-in EQ control, so users must rely on third-party apps for adjustments. 11. Do these speakers support multi-device pairing? Only the Bose SoundLink Flex supports multi-device pairing, meaning it can connect to two devices simultaneously. The JBL Charge 5 can only connect to one device at a time. 12. Are these speakers compatible with voice assistants? The Bose SoundLink Flex supports Siri and Google Assistant when connected to a phone. The JBL Charge 5 does not support any voice assistants. 13. Which speaker is better for bass lovers? The JBL Charge 5 is the better choice for bass-heavy music, as it has dual passive radiators and a larger driver that deliver stronger low-end frequencies. The Bose SoundLink Flex has a more balanced sound with controlled bass. 14. Can these speakers connect to TVs or gaming consoles? Both speakers only support Bluetooth connectivity, meaning they can pair with Bluetooth-enabled TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles. Neither has a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections. 15. Which speaker offers better value for money? The JBL Charge 5 offers better value if you need longer battery life, louder sound, bass performance, and a powerbank feature. The Bose SoundLink Flex is better for those who prioritize clarity, voice assistant support, and a built-in microphone. |