JBLCHARGE 5 - Portable Waterproof (IP67) Bluetooth Speaker with Powerbank USB Charge out, 20 hours playtime, JBL Partyboost (Black)

We were in need of a portable Bluetooth speaker for our poolside music, and trips to the beach (and other outings). While size and weight were both somewhat important, there was no requirement for it to fit into a cup holder or anything like that.I have been a live sound audiophile for decades and I have my own high end PA, play in a band, and do DJ'ing for select family and friends as a hobby with my equipment. I mention this just to let you know that I know good sound when I hear it.Ergonomics: The unit can be easily carried in one hand and it is very light. The unit sits firm when you set it down. The controls are both easy to use and obvious to find.Sound quality: This thing can fill a private pool area with music EASILY. The bass response indoors seems a bit much when you turn it up a little (seems OK at lower volume inside); but outside, it is EXACTLY what the doctor ordered. Outside, the Charge 5 sounds full, warm, and articulate. You can easily hear the various instruments in the mix. Personally, I wouldn't use a bluetooth speaker indoors .... or if I did, I would opt for one that was made for that specific purpose (higher quality codec, more balanced eq, etc). It is clear that the Charge 5 was made for going outside (IP67 rating, super long battery life, etc). It isn't a bad speaker for indoor listening (especially if you aren't an audiophile as I am and just want something to listen to while you do dishes/laundry/etc, etc). Listening indoors, I was pleased enough (although my PA has nothing to worry about ;). One would certainly hope that a 10K front of house PA would sound better than a $180 bluetooth speaker). With respect to output volume, this little speaker can get quite loud. Unless I was hosting a huge party (where I would use my real PA anyway), this speaker has more than enough output for anyone. To sum up the sound quality, it is very good indeed.Bluetooth connectivity: Simple and easy to connect to. I had no issues. The speaker appears to have a greater range than my house area! My wife left in her car, and even in her car, it continued to play until she got out of the driveway. Pretty impressive. More than enough range to cover an outdoor area, or an entire floor in your house (maybe even 2 floors ..... but why wouldn't you just carry it upstairs with you?).Features: Ok, one minor quibble that I have eluded to. The unit doesn't have an adjustable EQ as of the current firmware. I am really hoping that JBL gets on the ball and corrects this. This would be particularly useful for trimming the bass at higher volumes inside where the bass is a bit too much with the standard eq it comes with. Of course, most people will not play it that loud indoors, and some will love the emphasized bass response exactly as it is (perhaps not the audio purist :)). The rest of the features are very good and well thought out.For $180.00 USD, this speaker is as good as it gets.

I bought the JBL Charge 5 as a Christmas gift for my partner, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. They’ve been using it nonstop ever since, and we’re both really impressed by how powerful and clear the sound is for such a compact speaker. The bass is strong without being overwhelming, and the mids and highs are crisp even at higher volumes. It’s loud enough to fill a room or even use outdoors without losing audio quality. We’ve used it for everything from morning podcasts to evening backyard hangouts, and it delivers every time.One of the standout features is the battery life. We easily get a full day’s use out of it, and the fact that it can charge other devices with the built-in powerbank feature is a huge bonus. It’s convenient not having to pack an extra charger when we’re on the go.Pairing is simple and fast with Bluetooth, and the JBL PartyBoost feature is great if you have more JBL speakers to link up for a bigger sound. We haven’t used that yet, but it’s nice to know it’s there if we expand our setup.Overall, my partner was genuinely thrilled with this gift—and I honestly think I’ll end up getting one for myself too. It’s an excellent speaker with premium sound, long battery life, and a rugged design. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a portable speaker that doesn’t compromise on performance.

I did return this speaker because it appeared to have been previously opened. I bought one on sale locally instead, however, so I will still submit a review. I have an older model of this same speaker as well as this one. They are similar, but the quality of this one is superior.It is sharp looking, and the ends move in and out with the music. It projects music very well to fill spaces, due to the shape of the speaker. I have used it for a few gatherings/parties, and received compliments. People actually thought music was coming from my main stereo system that was on the other side of the room.This is a pretty powerful speaker in a very portable size. We have used it out by the pool as well as indoors. The battery lasts for many hours (hasn't run out on me yet during a party), but you can also plug it in to recharge if need be. This unit comes in several colors. Originally I ordered this red, but later chose a dark teal, which I prefer. The price on these is a bit high, but you will not be disappointed.

The media could not be loaded. The JBL Charge 5 is an impressive portable Bluetooth speaker that truly stands out in the crowded market of audio devices. With its waterproof design, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures, ensuring durability against spills, rain, and even submersion in water.One of the standout features of the Charge 5 is its remarkable 20-hour playtime, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted music throughout the day, whether at the beach, picnic, or while camping. The sound quality is exceptional, delivering rich bass and clear highs, making it suitable for all music genres.Another significant advantage is its power bank functionality, which allows you to charge your devices on the go. This is particularly useful during long outings where access to power outlets is minimal.The JBL Charge 5 combines durability, impressive sound quality, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile Bluetooth speaker. Worth every penny!

This speaker was recommended to us by our young adult children. Works very well. Battery lasts for several days of use and I like that it can also be used as a charger. Great sound quality and it is very durable and easy to use!