Are you confused between JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5? Well, you’re not the only one who is in this confusion. Because when we talk about the battle of JBL Charge 5 vs Charge 4, it’s very difficult to choose one of them. Because of their similar features, JBL Charge 5 is an upgraded version of JBL Charge 5.
The JBL Charge series has some of the best Bluetooth speakers from JBL, and its quality and features are increasing as new speakers come. Here, I’ll provide a full, in-depth comparison of JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5, so that you can choose the one that suits you best and provides value for your money.
Recommended Reading:
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Quick Overview
Before heading to the in-depth comparison of the JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5, let’s see a side-by-side comparison of both speakers’ features and specifications. If you’re short on time, then you’ll be able to make your decision by seeing the feature comparison table for JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5.
| Model Name | JBL Charge 4 | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Dimension (in) | 8.7 x 3.7 x 3.7 | 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 |
| Weight | 2.12 lbs | 2.11 lbs |
| Output power | 30 Watt | 40 Watt |
| Frequency response | 60Hz–20kHz | 60Hz–20kHz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2, JBL Connect+, AUX | Bluetooth 5.1, JBL Partyboost |
| Battery | 7500mAh | 7500mAh |
| Rechargeable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Battery runtime | Up to 20 hours of playback | Up to 20 hours of playback |
| Water-resistant | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Microphones | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Input | Yes | No |
| Price Range | $105-$150 | $160-$180 |
Quick Answer: JBL Charge 5, is the recommended choice because, it’s an upgraded version of JBL Charge 4 and has better connectivity options, sound quality, design, and other features. JBL Charge 5 is better than JBL Charge 4 in all terms.
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: In-depth Comparison
Here’s the full, in-depth comparison of JBL Charge 4 vs JBL Charge 5.
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Design and Build Quality
Both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are identical in shape and size. However, the JBL Charge 5 has a little better design and build quality.
JBL Charge 4 has rubber caps around the speakers and a 10cm flat base on the downside of the speaker. JBL Charge 4 has IpX7 certification, which means the speaker is waterproof.
Whereas the JBL Charge 5 has a rubbery texture and a larger logo, which gives the speaker a premium look. Also, the Charge 5 comes with IP67 certification, which means it is both waterproof and dustproof. So, you can take the speaker where you want, in any type of environment.
So, after seeing both the JBL Charge 4 and the JBL Charge 5, I can say the JBL Charge 5 has a better design and build quality than the Charge 4.
Also read: JBL Charge Essential vs Charge 4
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Connectivity
Connectivity is also an important thing, which we need to consider when buying a Bluetooth speaker. So let’s see which one has better connectivity options and range.
JBL Charge 4 has multiple connection options, like audio input Jack, and Bluetooth, but it has Bluetooth 4.2, which is outdated as of now. Whereas the JBL Charge 5 doesn’t support an audio jack but has an upgraded Bluetooth version, which is 5.1.
Also, JBL Charge 4 has JBL Connect+ technology, whereas JBL Charge 5 comes with the new JBL Partyboost technology. That means you can’t connect JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 5 with each other, even if they belong to the same Charge series.
So, yes, the JBL Charge 5 has better connectivity options than the Charge 4, as it supports the latest Partyboost technology and Bluetooth 5.1.
You may also like: JBL Charge Essential vs Charge 5
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Audio Quality
Another important thing to consider is the sound quality when buying a Bluetooth speaker. As if the sound quality is the only reason we buy a Bluetooth speaker to enhance it. Let’s see which one has better sound Quality JBL Charge 5 or JBL Charge 4.
After listening to both JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5, I found that JBL Charge 5 has a little improvement in the sound quality too. JBL Charge 4 gives a 30-watt output, whereas JBL Charge 5 gives a 40-watt output. Both JBL Charge 4 and Charge 4 have the same frequency rates, which are 60 Hz–20 kHz.
After hours of listening to both speakers, I can say the JBL Charge 5 will provide better sound in an open environment.
So, yes, JBL Charge 5 is the winner and has better sound quality than Charge 4.
Also read: JBL Charge Essential vs Charge 3
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Battery Life
Both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 have a 7500mAh battery, which lasts up to 20 hours on average. But after testing both speakers, I found that if you play sound at full volume, then both speakers last around 5 hours.
If you like to play sound around 30%, then both speakers will last around 12 hours. Also, JBL Charge 5 lasts longer as it uses Bluetooth 5.1, which consumes less power than Bluetooth 4.1.
The charging time of both speakers is also the same, as both take 4 hours to charge from 0 to 100%.
Also, you can use both of them as a power bank to charge your mobile or tablet devices. So, if it’s about batteries, then both speakers are on the same page. None of them is a winner in the race of battery life.
Also read: JBL Charge 5 vs UE Megaboom 3
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Portability
JBL Charge 5 is a little bigger than JBL Charge 4, but it doesn’t mean JBL Charge 5 is not portable. Both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 are portable enough to take them anywhere you want.
There is no winner in this segment either.
Also read: JBL Charge 5 vs Bose Soundlink Flex
JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5: Price
When we talk about price, the JBL Charge 5 price ranges between $160-$180 whereas the Charge 4’s price ranges between $105-$150. So, yes, if you have a tight budget and want the best Bluetooth speaker under $100 or $150, you can go with the JBL Charge 4. But, if budget is not an issue for you, then you can choose JBL Charge 5, as it has lots more upgrades than Charge 4.
I’ll leave this segment to you; you can choose any of the speakers according to your budget. You can also see other best Bluetooth speakers under $200.
Conclusion: Which is better?
Both the JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5 have identical features and specifications. However, Charge 5 is an upgraded version of Charge 4 and is better in many aspects. So, if I have to choose between these two, I’ll go with JBL Charge 5 without any issue.
If you want a rough, tough device with better sound quality, go with the JBL Charge 5. But if you’ve got specific requirements, like the AUX input port being very important to you, then go with JBL Charge 4, as in Charge 5, the AUX port has been removed by the company.
After reading the above comparison of JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 5, I’m sure you’ve decided which speaker you want to buy.
Also read: