5 Reasons to Proceed with Caution Before Buying a New JBL Charge Speaker

The JBL Charge portable Bluetooth speaker line has earned its spot as one of the most popular portable audio options on the market. With powerful sound performance, rugged durability, and convenient power bank capabilities packed into a portable form factor, it‘s easy to see the appeal. However, the latest addition to the lineup, the JBL Charge 5, warrants a closer look before clicking purchase.

While the Charge series delivers in many regards, it still has some limitations that certain users may find problematic. By understanding these potential downsides, you can determine if the JBL Charge 5 aligns with your personal portable speaker needs and preferences. I‘ve compiled the top 5 reasons you may want to proceed with caution before buying the JBL Charge 5.

Overview of the JBL Charge 5‘s Key Features and Specs

Before diving into the specifics on why one may avoid the JBL Charge 5, let‘s briefly review some of the core capabilities it delivers:

Powerful Audio Drivers – The Charge 5 has a large oval driver paired with a separate tweeter and dual passive bass radiators, allowing it to output dynamic sound with thumping bass.
20+ Hour Battery Life – Like its predecessors, the Charge 5 touts an impressive 20+ hours of continuous playtime on a single charge.
IP67 Rating – With waterproof and dustproof construction, the Charge 5 speaker can withstand the elements, making it ideal for outdoor use.
USB-C Charging – The Charge 5 supports faster charging via USB-C, allowing it to recharge in around 4 hours.
Power Bank Feature – You can use the Charge 5‘s built-in USB-A port to charge your smartphone, tablet, or other devices.

Now let‘s examine the reasons why one may want to think twice before purchasing the popular Charge 5.

1. Large, Bulky Design Hampers Portability

Despite its branding as a portable Bluetooth speaker, the JBL Charge 5 falls on the larger, weightier side. At nearly 9 inches in length and over 2 pounds in heft, it occupies a substantial footprint. This size may pose difficulties when it comes to easily toting it around by hand or slipping it into bags.

Competitors like the UE BOOM 3 and Anker Soundcore 3 deliver comparable sound in more compact dimensions while weighing around 1 pound. If keeping size and weight to a minimum is a priority, the Charge 5 leaves something to be desired. You’ll need to assess your own requirements to determine if the bulkier build is a dealbreaker.

2. Higher Price Point Than Many Similar Options

Priced at $179 MSRP, the JBL Charge 5 sits firmly in the premium tier for Bluetooth portable speakers. There are plenty of great-sounding, rugged alternatives available between $100 to $150. Examples include the aforementioned UE BOOM 3 and Anker Soundcore 3, along with speakers like the Sony SRS-XB43 and JBL Flip 6.

Unless the Charge 5‘s slightly larger sound and battery capacity justify an extra $50+ for your needs, one of these alternatives may better suit budget-focused buyers.

3. Signature Sound Skews Too Bass-Heavy for Some

There’s no denying the JBL Charge 5 can pump out some serious bass. Its built-in drivers and dual passive radiators give music, movies, and games a sense of impact and immersion. However, this penchant for accentuated low frequencies won‘t appeal universally.

For certain genres like classical, folk, or more vocal-centric music, the Charge 5‘s bass bias can overwhelm the other frequencies. This may muddy detail and articulation. Those preferring a more balanced sound signature have plenty of options catering to that preference at similar price points. The Sonos Roam and Marshall‘s Emberton II offer great examples of portable speakers delivering clear mids/highs to complement strong bass reproduction.

4. Lacks Key Audio Customization Options

Audiophiles demanding more precise audio tweaking won‘t find much to satisfy their needs with the JBL Charge 5. Beyond basic volume adjustment, the Charge 5 omits key sound modification capabilities like:

Multi-Band EQ – No way to fine-tune the levels across bass, mid, and treble frequencies.
Preset Modes – No one-touch presets to quickly switch between sound profiles suited for different content types.
Room Correction – Lacks auto audio calibration to adapt the output based on a speaker‘s position in a space.

For those less concerned with granular audio adjustments, this shouldn‘t pose an issue. However, if having more customization is a priority, other speakers facilitate more freedom to personalize an audio experience aligned with individual taste.

5. Next-Gen Model May Launch Soon

JBL has delivered new portable Bluetooth speakers in the Charge line consistently every 2 to 3 years. With the Charge 5 releasing in 2021, history indicates a Charge 6 could arrive at some point in 2024 or 2024.

Unless there‘s an immediate need, some buyers may prefer postponing a Charge 5 purchase in anticipation of a next-generation iteration. This allows time for evaluating any new features or performance improvements against existing products already available. Repeatedly spending money to upgrade every couple of product cycles doesn‘t suit every consumer.

As one of JBL’s most successful lines of portable audio products, it’s worth examining the JBL Charge’s journey over multiple generations. This helps provide context around the series’ capabilities and where it might further innovate moving forward.

The Original JBL Charge – 2013

The first JBL Charge speaker emerged in 2013, featuring a novel design housing a 3000 mAh battery built into the product‘s base. This granted it a convenient stand along with the capacity to charge devices via an integrated USB port.

For the time, its12 hours of continuous playtime was class-leading. Paired with Bluetooth connectivity and JBL’s signature sound performance emphasizing heavier bass, the original Charge carved a niche in the blossoming wireless speaker space.

JBL Charge 2+ – 2014

Arriving a year later, the JBL Charge 2+ revamped the original design for a more refined, capsule-esque exterior. Upgrades extended beyond aesthetics to include a larger 6000 mAh battery, enabling 20+ hours playback per charge. This firmly established what‘s become a defining Charge trait: near all-day endurance.

The Charge 2+ also improved call quality with a built-in speakerphone and introduced "Social Mode" – allowing multiple people to play music from their smartphones simultaneously.

JBL Charge 3 – 2016

Fast forward another couple of years and JBL delivered the Charge 3 – the first to carry an IPX7 waterproof rating along with a ruggedized exterior. No longer confined strictly to indoor use, the Charge could now accompany adventures anywhere without damage concerns.

Connectivity expanded with the debut of JBL Connect+. This proprietary wireless link enabled synchronizing audio playback across multiple compatible Charge and JBL speakers. Battery life held firm at 20+ hours.

JBL Charge 4 – 2018

Sticking to the usual 2 to 3 year iteration cadence, 2018’s Charge 4 enhanced durability further and bumped Bluetooth version from 3.0 up to 4.2. Playtimes continued hitting the 20 hour threshold.

A refreshed driver array granted a slight boost in max volume and audio depth. Visually, the Charge 4 stood out through vibrant color options and unique fabric coverings.

JBL Charge 5 – 2021

The most recent addition, the Charge 5, scales everything up a notch. It utilizes bigger drivers with a dedicated tweeter to arguably deliver the best fidelity in the Charge product line. The integrated 7500 mAh battery matches the 20 hours+ stamina of past models.

This iteration also swaps micro USB charging for faster USB-C connectivity. A PartyBoost feature allows wirelessly pairing multiple Charge and Flip speakers to boost sound coverage for events and gatherings.

What Next for the JBL Charge Series?

Based on the four preceding generations, consumers can expect the next JBL Charge portable speaker – likely to be called the Charge 6 – to land sometime between 2023 and 2024.

Areas ripe for improvements include adding smart features through built-in voice assistant integration, potentially via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Adjustable EQ to cater audio profiles to different content genres would also please users wanting more customization.

Of course, design and battery life will likely see refinements as well. Enhanced water and dust protection ratings are plausible given past durability boosts.

Ultimately the Charge series success stems from delivering a balance of robust audio power and mobile convenience at an acceptable price point. As long as JBL continues iterating within that framework, future Charges should win over listeners seeking serious sound performance on-the-go.

If some of the JBL Charge 5‘s limitations give you pause, there are plenty of capable alternatives to evaluate across a range of budgets:

Premium Pick: Sonos Roam SL

The Sonos Roam SL puts exceptional audio quality in a rugged, ultra-portable form measuring under 7 inches tall and weighing less than a pound. Adjustable EQ lets you tweak treble, bass, and midrange frequencies to suit different songs and genres.

Auto TruePlay room correction technology optimizes the output based on the environment. While expensive at $179, you‘re investing in versatile, customizable sound that few Bluetooth speakers can match.

Balanced Option: Marshall Emberton II

For just $50 less than the Charge 5, the Marshall Emberton II packs plentiful performance into a uniquely styled 5 x 3 inch frame. The balanced sound caters as much to acoustic tracks as booming hip-hop.

Up to 30+ hours of portable playtime outlasts almost any competitor. Overall, it‘s a compelling package with wide appeal.

Budget Pick: Anker Soundcore 3

Costing less than $100, Anker‘s Soundcore 3 still produces pleasing audio from dual drivers and passive bass radiator. The diminutive 2.6 x 6.5 x 2.2 inch chassis promotes grab-and-go mobility.

You can expect up to 20 hours listening per charge while an IPX7 rating supplies protection from the elements.
The key specs across these three Charge alternatives are summarized below:

[table] | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Battery Life | Waterproof Rating | Price |
| ————- |:————-:| :————-:| :————-:| :————-:| :————-:|
| Sonos Roam SL | 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 in | 0.95 lbs | 10 hrs | IP67 | $179 |
| Marshall Emberton II |5 x 3 x 2.7 in | 0.85 lbs | 30+ hrs | IP67 | $169 |
| Anker Soundcore 3 | 6.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 in | 0.76 lbs | 20 hrs | IPX7 | $79|
[/table]

The JBL Charge 5 – like the earlier Charges before it – gets plenty right. The rugged, powerful speaker pumps out booming audio ideal for pool parties and camping trips thanks to its weatherproof design. Conveniences like the built-in power bank and 20+ hour battery add to its versatility and longevity.

However, at nearly $200, buyers deserve increased scrutiny around what exactly they‘re getting for the money versus cheaper Bluetooth speaker options. The Charge 5‘s size and weight hamper portability to a degree while leaving some thirsting for more balanced audio or customizable sound settings. And if new models are historically any predictor, an even more advanced Charge 6 could launch within two years time.

Ultimately, think critically about whether the Charge 5 ticks all your must-have boxes before swiping a credit card. Be honest about non-negotiable elements like cost, size constraints, or sound quality preferences. If certain core needs aren‘t fully met, similar or better-suited alternatives are out there. With eyes wide open, you can determine if this JBL speaker lines up with both your budget and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the JBL Charge 5‘s battery last?

Like previous Charges, the Charge 5 touts over 20 hours of continuous battery life per charge. Actual results depend on playback volume and other battery-draining features like device charging.

Can the JBL Charge 5 get wet or damaged?

Thanks to an IP67 rating, the Charge 5 is considered both waterproof and dustproof. It can withstand splashes, rain, and other wet conditions as well as exposure to dust/debris.

Does the JBL Charge 5 have a voice assistant?

No, the Charge 5 does not feature direct integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. However, you can access these services through a paired smartphone over Bluetooth.

How do I customize sound settings on the JBL Charge 5?

Unfortunately, the JBL Charge 5 does not offer much in the way of customizable audio adjustments. An integrated equalizer for tweaking frequency levels is not included.

Should I wait for the next JBL Charge model?

Based on past timelines of new releases, JBL may launch a Charge 6 sometime in 2024 or 2024. If you aren‘t in a hurry, postponing a purchase could allow assessing the latest features and technologies.