The JBL Charge 5 (JBLCHARGE5PINK) is the latest iteration in JBL’s popular Charge series of portable Bluetooth speakers. Promising powerful sound, long battery life, and a built-in power bank, it aims to be the ultimate all-in-one audio solution for on-the-go listening. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put this vibrant pink speaker through its paces, subjecting it to various listening scenarios and environmental conditions. Here’s my in-depth review.

The Charge 5 boasts a sleek, cylindrical design, comfortable to hold and visually appealing in its pink finish. Its IP67 rating makes it waterproof and dustproof, a reassuring feature for outdoor adventures. Beyond the aesthetics, the key features include Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless connectivity, a surprisingly powerful 20-hour battery life (which I’ve found to be quite accurate in my testing), and the integrated USB-C power bank, a fantastic addition for charging your phone or other devices on the go.

Sound quality is where the Charge 5 truly shines. The JBL Original Pro Sound delivers a surprisingly rich and full audio experience, exceeding expectations for a speaker of its size. Bass response is deep and resonant, without being overpowering, even at higher volumes. I tested it with a variety of genres, from electronic music to acoustic folk, and it handled everything with grace. Mid-range and treble are also well-balanced, resulting in a clear and detailed soundstage. The speaker’s volume is impressively loud, more than sufficient for most outdoor settings. Even at maximum volume, there’s minimal distortion. Call quality through the speakerphone was also crisp and clear, though I did notice a slight echo in very noisy environments.

Battery life lived up to its claims; I consistently achieved around 20 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels. The power bank function was also a welcome addition, easily topping up my phone’s battery several times throughout my testing period. Connectivity was flawless and reliable throughout the review period with minimal dropouts.

Pros:

• Powerful and balanced sound
• Long battery life (approx. 20 hours)
• Integrated power bank functionality
• IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
• Sleek and portable design
• Reliable Bluetooth 5.1 connection

Cons:

• Slightly expensive compared to some competitors
• Slight echo noticeable during speakerphone calls in noisy environments

Overall, the JBL Charge 5 (JBLCHARGE5PINK) is an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker. Its combination of powerful sound, long battery life, integrated power bank, and rugged durability makes it a versatile and convenient choice for a wide range of users. While the price point is a bit higher than some alternatives, the superior sound quality and added functionality justify the cost for many. I highly recommend the JBL Charge 5 to anyone looking for a premium portable speaker that delivers on its promises.