If you want something a little more powerful, JBL’s Charge 5 is larger and more powerful than the UE Boom in terms of both dimensions and audio performance. I’m not a fan of JBL emblazoning its newest speakers with a massive logo; so much for subtlety. If you don’t mind that aesthetic decision, the Charge 5 checks off a lot of boxes in terms of functionality.
It’s a powerhouse, with up to 20 hours of continuous playback. Speaking of batteries, a unique feature of the Charge 5 is its ability to recharge external devices: there’s a USB-A plug for charging your phone or a friend’s phone while listening to music.
The Charge 5’s mono driver, which must downmix stereo content, is my main disappointment. When using mono portable speakers, there may be parts of a song or specific instruments that aren’t as prominent as they are on stereo speakers. And because the Charge 5 lacks the pure and detailed sound of Bose’s SoundLink Flex, it’s more obvious here.
