Selecting the perfect home theater speaker, especially from the renowned JBL Charge series, can be a daunting task. Both the Charge 4 and Charge 5 are top contenders in the Bluetooth speaker market, each boasting its own set of unique features. With my extensive experience and research in home theater equipment, I’m here to guide you through this comparison. In the next ten minutes, you’ll gain clarity on which speaker, the JBL Charge 4 or Charge 5, truly stands out. Let’s delve into this head-to-head comparison.
Quick Comparison between the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Charge 4
| Feature/Aspect | JBL Charge 5 | JBL Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £159 ($180, AU$229) | Around £82 ($100, AU$158) (can be found cheaper) |
| Design | More rugged, larger logo, no 3.5mm port | Standard design with 3.5mm port |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 (Waterproof and Dustproof) | IPX7 (Waterproof) |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Wireless Range | Up to 40m | Up to 10m |
| Sound Quality | Improved bass, clearer treble, more impactful | Good bass, struggles at high volume |
| Battery | 7500mAh, 20 hours playback | 7500mAh, 20 hours playback |
| Special Features | PartyBoost mode (can’t link with Charge 4) | Connect+ feature |
| Size & Weight | Slightly bigger and heavier | Standard size |
| Durability | More rugged with rubberized sections | Standard durability |
| Sound Drivers | 52 x 90mm bass driver, 20mm tweeter | Slightly smaller bass driver |
| Amplification | 30W for woofer, 10W for highs | Not specified in the article |
| Overall Verdict | Among the best Bluetooth speakers, more features | Good for those on a tighter budget |
The Ultimate Showdown: Charge 4 Vs Charge 5
Design and Build Quality:
Both JBL Charge 4 and 5 have a cylindrical design, with a fabric covering around the speaker’s body. However, JBL Charge 5 looks much sleeker than its former sibling. The passive radiators in Charge 4 are exposed at the ends of the speakers, which means there’s no covering to protect them; In contrast, Charge 5 adds extra safety measures by concealing the passive radiators.
The control panel of Charge 4 is located on top of the speaker, whereas Charge 5’s control panel and indicator lights are in front of the speaker.
Additionally, JBL speakers are known for their rugged construction, which makes them suitable for rough and outdoor use. However, Charge 5 has a slightly stronger build compared to Charge 4.
Features:
The JBL Charge 4 has an IPX7 rating, meaning it has great water resistance and can survive water splashes and submersion for about 30 minutes. However, Charge 5 takes this to another level with the IP67 rating, which means the speaker is water-resistant and dust resistant.
In addition, both speakers offer wired and Bluetooth connectivity to the audio source; however, the JBL Charge 5 has a USB-C port with a much faster transfer and charging rate. Furthermore, JBL Charge 4 uses a Connect + feature to form a synchronous daisy chain of speakers, whereas Charge 5 has a similar feature with a different name, i.e., Partyboost.
These speakers also have a JBL Portable app, which gives access to several controls. Using the app, you can use the Connect + or Partyboost mode or stereo pairing. However, the JBL Charge 5 has an additional feature of Equalizer, which allows the user to adjust the bass, mid, and high-range frequencies according to their liking.
So, again, JBL Charge 5 takes the lead because of its amazing features. For a closer look at how Charge 5 stands up against other JBL models, check out our comparison between JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5.
Todays charge 4 and charge 5 deals:
Battery Life:
The battery life of both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 is approximately 20 hours, with a charge time of four hours. This means you can enjoy a party without worrying about power outages or interruptions. In addition, both speakers have a built-in power bank that allows the user to charge other devices using the speaker’s battery. So, if you’re traveling and need to charge your dead phone’s battery, you can easily do it from either JBL Charge 4 or Charge 5.
However, the battery life may vary depending on the volume level, audio content, and usage pattern. If you’re still uncertain whether Charge 5 is the right choice for you, you might find our article “Is JBL Charge 5 Worth It?” helpful.
Bluetooth:
JBL Charge 5 and Charge 4 are Bluetooth speakers and can be connected to an audio source with or without a physical connection. JBL Charge 4 uses Bluetooth 4.2, which has a connection range of 10 meters.
In comparison, the Charge 5 has Bluetooth 5.1, which takes wireless connectivity to another level with a connectivity range of up to 40 meters. It has a better connectivity range, faster data transfer speed, and better signal stability than its older sibling, i.e., Charge 4. In addition to this, Bluetooth 5.1 also contributes to a more durable and long-lasting battery life of JBL Charge 5 because of its enhanced energy efficiency.
Clearly, the JBL Charge 5 stands out in this comparison.
Curious about how it stacks up against other brands? Here’s our article comparing JBL Charge 5 and Bose Soundlink Flex.
Connectivity:
A speaker with diverse connectivity options is preferable. Both the Charge 4 and Charge 5 offer Bluetooth for wireless connections and a USB port for charging. Notably, the Charge 4 also includes an Aux 3.5mm connection for non-Bluetooth devices. Remember, the USB port is solely for charging and doesn’t serve as an audio connection.
Sound Quality:
JBL Charge 4 offers an immersive sound experience. It offers a well-balanced sound profile, featuring deep, punchy bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Its passive radiator handles the bass and delivers a balanced sound with precision and clarity. However, the audio seems to struggle with the bass and high-frequency audio at higher volumes.
In comparison, the JBL Charge 5 also has two passive radiators, producing deep, impactful bass with an admirable sonic profile. It has consistent mids and trebles with more impactful and agile tracks. Furthermore, the powerful tweeters of Charge 5 give out clearer and cleaner high-frequency audio.
Thus, the JBL Charge 5 outperforms the Charge 4 in every aspect of audio delivery.
Usability: Charge 5 Vs. Charge 4:
The JBL Charge 5, with its IP67 rating, protected passive radiators, and durable design, is versatile for various activities like hiking, camping, pool parties, and road trips. In contrast, the Charge 4, with an IPX7 rating, isn’t as adaptable for all conditions.
For other JBL comparisons, check out our JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5 review.
Price:
Regarding price, the Charge 5, being newer with advanced features, is priced higher. Prices can vary based on location, retailer, and discounts. On average, the Charge 4 costs between $80-$110, while the Charge 5 can go up to $180.
User Opinions on JBL Charge 4 vs. JBL Charge 5
Based on various platforms, here’s a summary of user opinions on the JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5:
- Popularity: In a poll, 86.2% of users voted for the JBL Charge 5 over the Charge 4.
- Sound Quality:
- Many users believe that the Charge 5 offers a superior sound experience, with one mentioning the integrated tweeter for higher pitches in music.
- Some mentioned that the Charge 5 has better bass, especially at lower volumes, while the Charge 4 has a punchier bass.
- A user mentioned that the Charge 5 sounds much better than the Charge 4, especially in terms of bass and highs.
- Functionality:
- Some users highlighted the Charge 5’s lack of an aux port as a downside.
- There were concerns about the compatibility of the Charge 5 with older JBL models due to different connection systems.
- Price: One user noted the higher price of the Charge 5 compared to the Charge 4, suggesting that choosing between them might be a matter of budget.
- Build Quality & Reliability:
- Some users mentioned issues with the Charge 4’s strap connectors snapping off.
- A few users reported problems with their Charge 5, such as connection issues and the device not turning on without a power cord.
- However, another user mentioned having a Charge 5 for a year without any issues.
- Other Opinions:
- Some users questioned the need to own multiple speakers from the same brand.
- A few mentioned the upcoming JBL Flip 6 as a potential option to consider.
- One user recommended getting a stereo speaker instead of a mono one.
- Another user suggested considering the Anker Soundcore Motion+ as an alternative to the JBL models.
Which one is better: JBL Charge 4 Vs. Charge 5?
It’s time to declare the winner! The JBL Charge 5 takes the crown for its superior portability, durability, water and dust resistance, enhanced Bluetooth range, and faster data-transfer rate. However, the Charge 4 was a close contender. If you’re on a budget, the JBL Charge 4 remains an excellent choice for a quality Bluetooth speaker. Happy shopping!
I’m Shaun Conroy, an audiophile & founder of HiFi Audios. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering, I bring deep expertise in audio devices and offer insights & recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.
