JBL's portable Charge 5 speaker delivers surprisingly powerful Bluetooth audio from a compact, waterproof frame, making it the ideal travel companion for going just about anywhere.

The JBL Charge 5 is a premium speaker that sounds great, has remarkably well designed controls, and boasts an iconic design.

If you don’t need fancy smart features then the JBL Charge 5 is a great sounding and long-lasting Bluetooth speaker that can also charge your phone.

The JBL Charge 5 is an iteration on a winning formula. The Charge series of speakers is known for balanced sound, high volume, and long battery life, and that hasn’t changed in this fifth generation. However, the Charge 5 improves on just about every aspect of what made it great, making it an easy recommendation for those looking for big, balanced sound with all-day battery life.

The JBL Charge 5 is the latest model of one of the most successful speaker saga and presents some very interesting new features. With the new tweeter, the treble reproduction is improved, achieving a sound richer in nuances. It delivers a high power output of up to 40W, so you won't run short of power outdoors and comes with the new JBL PartyBoost so you can add more speakers. If you already have a Charge 4, we recommend keeping it, but if that's not the case and you want a speaker that's portable, powerful and still affordable enough, the Charge 5 seems to us to be the #1 choice in its segment.

Yes—especially if you were already shopping power banks It took me a few days to wrap my head around the key stamp that this product makes upon the Bluetooth speaker market: it’s really two products in one. You can charge any USB-equipped device—be it a smartphone, tablet, game controller, or even some laptops—using the Charge 5’s pass-thru. So not only are you getting a robust, dust-and-waterproof Bluetooth speaker, you’re also essentially buying a portable battery pack.

This portable Bluetooth speaker delivers astounding audio considering its relatively diminutive scale. Our main criticism is its somewhat boisterous looks and the long four-hours recharge time. Otherwise, this blasts out the bass, all while being rugged and waterproofed for use wherever you please.

Whether your season is full of trips to the beach or backyard parties, you'll need just the right speaker to DJ these events. The JBL Charge 5 gets the job done if you need something that's very loud, and quite portable. It's a little pricey though, so anyone who already has an older JBL Charge speaker shouldn't feel the need to upgrade.

Everyone will hear the JBL Charge 5 once you start cranking it up.

The Charge 5 has all the things you want in the best portable Bluetooth speaker. It can easily handle a jaunt to the beach, camping trips, pool parties, river tubing, and so much more. If you’re going to spend most of your time listening inside, there’s a model out there with a more refined sound profile, like this set of Bluetooth shelf speakers from Edifier. And the Charge 5 doesn’t include features like auxiliary inputs or Siri/Google Assistant voice input found in a more expensive model, like the $350 JBL Extreme 3 or $299 Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II, respectively. But it’s an impressive, compact way to take your music with you without any worries, a hallmark of JBL Bluetooth speakers. If you’re looking for a lightweight, long-lasting, outdoor speaker with a straightforward setup, enhanced survivability, and a sound as bold as its looks, the JBL Charge 5 won’t disappoint. Cheers to great-sounding tunes on a superb summer evening outdoors.

In addition to its impressive features and performance, the Charge 5 has a stylish design that is available in a choice of nine colors. Its textured fabric mesh surface and striking JBL logo make it a visually appealing choice, and the orange plastic bottom prevents slippage for added convenience.

The JBL Charge 5 proves to be a standout performer with its powerful sound, exceptional battery life, and coveted features. Its durable design and IP67 rating make it a reliable companion for outdoor events and indoor gatherings alike. If you’re seeking a portable Bluetooth speaker to elevate your music experience, the JBL Charge 5 is well worth considering.

The JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi is a good compromise between portability and party speaker. It’s by no means the loudest, but does an excellent job of setting the mood.

With a new look, a little more ruggedness and improved sound, the JBL Charge 5 is one of the best Bluetooth speakers — just not one of the cheapest.

For those who want a loud, durable speaker to use on days out at the park or beach, the JBL Charge 5 is an excellent choice. The audio is powerful and accurate, and it has improved dust resistance as well as a waterproof design. What’s not to love!

Yes, if you don't mind spending big on a Bluetooth speaker. It's a bummer that JBL has decided to reinvent PartyBoost for a third time, which makes you wonder if yet another incompatible revision is coming with the eventual Charge 6. However, the PartyBoost fiasco is only a problem if you plan to pair multiple JBL speakers for stereo sound. If you can put PartyBoost aside, this is a fantastic speaker. From camping to pool parties and everything in between, the Charge 5 has you covered.

A top-notch portable speaker and power bank that will surely attract attention at the top of its volume range. The new styling, enhanced Bluetooth®, and higher IPX rating make the JBL Charge 5 an ideal outdoor companion. Put it in PartyBoost mode, connect a few dozen speakers, and the symphony of sound will just drown out the outdoors.

JBL’s Charge 5 hails from a victorious and dominant product line, and the winning trend does not stop here

A fun portable speaker that’s one of the best-sounding efforts in its price bracket. With its tough design, good battery life and powerful sound, the JBL Charge 5 presents itself as a great option for indoor use and outdoors.