JBL Charge 6 vs JBL Charge 5: Is the upcharge worth it?

The JBL Charge series has long been a favorite among those who love portable Bluetooth speakers. With the long-awaited Charge 6 hitting the market, many are wondering if it’s time to upgrade. We spent two weeks with the JBL Charge 6 alongside the tried-and-true Charge 5 to determine if the newest model lives up to its predecessor’s reputation.

Editor’s note: this article was published on March 11, 2025, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the JBL Charge 6 compared to the Charge 5?

The JBL Charge 6 offers several physical upgrades over the Charge 5 while maintaining a similar overall form factor. The most noticeable difference is the new detachable handle, which can be configured either as a traditional handle or as more of a carrying loop. This addition makes the speaker more portable and easier to transport, addressing a convenience issue with the Charge 5.

Another significant change is the redesigned base. JBL has replaced the ten thin silicone strips found on the Charge 5 (which had a tendency to peel off over time) with a wider, flatter base on the Charge 6. This provides more stability, reducing the chances of the speaker rolling off surfaces—a common complaint with the Charge 5.

Durability has also been improved with the Charge 6. While both models feature the same durable fabric exterior, the Charge 6 has beefed-up rubber bumpers protecting the passive radiators. These bumpers are thicker and longer, and there are now four of them compared to the three on the Charge 5. This enhancement makes the Charge 6 officially “drop-proof” from a height of one meter, even onto concrete.

Water resistance has also improved, with the Charge 6 earning an IP68 rating compared to the Charge 5’s IP67 rating. This means the newer model can be submerged deeper (up to 1.5 meters) for 30 minutes while both remain equally dust-proof.

How do you control the JBL Charge 6 and Charge 5?

Both speakers utilize physical controls located on the top of their enclosures, but there are some notable differences in their layout and functionality.

The most significant change is the replacement of the Party Boost button on the Charge 5 with an Auracast button on the Charge 6. This new button sits alongside the power and Bluetooth buttons on a dedicated, backlit control strip.

JBL Charge 6 controls:

JBL Charge 5 controls:

• Power button: Single press to turn on/off
• Bluetooth button: Single press to enter pairing mode
• Party Boost button: Single press to pair with other JBL Party Boostsupported speakers
• Play button: Single press for play/pause, double press for next track, triple press for previous track
• Volume +/-: Single press to adjust volume

A key limitation to note is that the Charge 6, with its Auracast technology, is not backwards compatible with older JBL speakers that use Party Boost, such as the Charge 5. This means you won’t be able to pair a Charge 6 with a Charge 5 for extended sound, though the Charge 6 will link with newer JBL models like the Xtreme 4, Go 4, and Clip 5.

Should you use the apps of either JBL Charge 6 or Charge 5?

Absolutely—downloading the JBL Portable app enhances the experience for both speakers, but the Charge 6 enjoys more significant benefits.

The Charge 6’s standout improvement is its 7-band customizable EQ, a major upgrade from the 3-band EQ available for the Charge 5. This expanded EQ gives users much more control over sound personalization, allowing for finer adjustments to specific frequency ranges.

The Charge 6 also gains four additional EQ presets through the app, though custom settings will likely yield better results for discerning listeners.

Both speakers allow you to pair a second identical unit for stereo sound through the app, and both support connecting to other compatible JBL speakers for expanded audio coverage—the Charge 5 through Party Boost and the Charge 6 through Auracast.

The Charge 6 gains an exclusive “Playtime Boost” feature accessible through the app, which extends battery life at the expense of bass response.

How do the JBL Charge 6 and Charge 5 connect?

The Charge 6 features Bluetooth 5.4, an improvement over the Charge 5’s Bluetooth 5.1 connection. While both support Bluetooth multipoint for connecting to multiple devices simultaneously, the newer Bluetooth version should provide more stable connections and potentially better range.

The most significant connectivity advancement is the Charge 6’s support for audio over USB, including lossless audio. This allows users to enjoy higher bitrate audio by connecting their device directly to the speaker via a USB-C cable, while the Charge 5 lacks this feature entirely.

Both models share the signature “Charge” feature that gives the series its name—the ability to use the USB port to charge external devices like smartphones while you’re on the go. However, the Charge 5 uses a USB-A output for charging devices, while the Charge 6 uses its USB-C port for both input and output.

Is battery life better on the JBL Charge 6 or Charge 5?

The JBL Charge 6 takes a clear lead in this category with up to 28 hours of playback time compared to the Charge 5’s 20 hours. However, there is a caveat to the Charge 6’s impressive battery life.

JBL states that 24 of those hours are under normal operation (listening at reasonable volumes with normal EQ settings). To achieve the full 28 hours, you need to activate the new “Playtime Boost” feature, which essentially reduces bass response to conserve power. This mode prioritizes mid-range and treble, similar to a “Podcast” EQ setting, and while functional, it significantly impacts sound quality.

Even without this feature engaged, the Charge 6’s standard 24-hour battery life still offers a substantial 4-hour improvement over the Charge 5.

The Charge 6 also offers quick charging capabilities not found in the Charge 5. A 10-minute charge of the Charge 6 provides an additional 150 minutes of playback time, making it more convenient for users who need to top up quickly before heading out.

Does the JBL Charge 6 sound better than the Charge 5?

The Charge 6 offers a noticeably stronger bass response right out of the box compared to the Charge 5, which many listeners will appreciate.

However, according to our Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS), the Charge 5 actually scores slightly higher overall, with a 2.9 compared to the Charge 6’s 2.7.

The lower immersiveness scores for both speakers are expected since they are mono speakers, and MDAQS is primarily designed to assess stereo performance.

While the Charge 5 scores slightly better in pure audio testing, the Charge 6’s superior EQ capabilities through its 7-band equalizer give it a significant advantage in terms of sound customization. This allows users to adjust the sound profile to their preferences more precisely than with the Charge 5’s limited 3-band EQ.

Should you get the JBL Charge 6 or JBL Charge 5?

If you already own a Charge 5 and are happy with it, there’s no pressing need to upgrade immediately. The Charge 5 remains an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker with good sound quality, durability, and battery life.

However, if you’re in the market for a new speaker or looking to upgrade from an older model, the Charge 6 offers several compelling advantages:

• Improved durability with drop protection and better water resistance
• Longer battery life (24 hours vs. 20 hours under normal use)
• More customizable sound with 7-band EQ
• Audio over USB with lossless capabilities
• Quick charging feature
• Detachable handle for easier carrying
• A more stable base design

The Charge 6 is priced at $199, while the Charge 5 can often be found for around $160. For the additional $40, you’re getting significant upgrades that justify the price difference for most users.

One important consideration: if you already own other JBL speakers that use Party Boost (like the Charge 5), be aware that the Charge 6 will not be compatible with them due to its switch to the newer Auracast technology.

What should you get instead of the JBL Charge 6 and Charge 5?

If neither the Charge 6 nor Charge 5 seems quite right for your needs, consider these alternatives:

For something smaller and more portable:

• JBL Flip 7 ($149 at Amazon): Offers many of the same features as the Charge 6, including IP68 protection and audio over USB, but in a smaller package. Battery life is limited to 16 hours compared to the Charge 6’s 28 hours.
• JBL Flip 6 ($99 at Amazon): A more affordable option with IP67 protection, decent sound, and 12 hours of battery life.

For something with more power:

• JBL Xtreme 4 (on the product's website): Offers the same IP67 protection as the Charge 5 but with more powerful sound and up to 24 hours of battery life. It’s also compatible with the newer Auracast technology used in the Charge 6.

For a non-JBL alternative:

• Beats Pill (2024 version) ($149.99 at Amazon): Offers impressive bass response, IP67 protection, and lossless audio over USB-C in a distinctive design.
• Anker Soundcore Boom 2 ($89.99 at Amazon): A budget-friendly option with IPX7 water resistance, stereo playback, and LED lights that pulse in sync with your music.

For ultra-portable options:

• JBL Clip 5 and JBL Go 4: These ultra-compact options are perfect for travelers or those who need a speaker that can easily fit in a pocket or attach to a bag, and go for $79.95 at Amazon and $49.95 at Amazon respectively.

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