As sound experts, we recognize the indispensable role Bluetooth speakers play for audiophiles, offering the luxury to relish music in any setting. The JBL Charge 5 Vs Bose SoundLink Flex stand as towering figures in the realm of Bluetooth speakers. Both JBL and Bose have carved out stellar reputations in crafting high-quality speakers. This makes the decision between the two a challenging endeavor.
At audiosk, We will discuss into the design, build quality, and features of these two prominent speakers to discern which one truly stands out in the competitive world of audio excellence. Read more!
Table Of Comparison: Key Differences Between Bose Soundlink Flex Vs Jbl Charge 5
You can see the notable distinctions between the two speakers before we go into my in-depth experience.
| Feature | Bose SoundLink Flex | JBL Charge 5 |
| Imagw |  |  |
| Sound Quality | Precise, balanced sound | Powerful, bass-forward sound |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP67 rated (water and dust resistant) | IP67 rated (water and dust resistant) |
| Bluetooth Version | Advanced (exact version may vary) | 5.1 |
| USB Ports | USB-C port for charging | USB-C for charging, USB-A for device charging |
| Size | Compact and travel-friendly | Slightly larger and bulkier |
| Portability | Highly portable, with a rugged design | Portable with an integrated handle |
| Design | Sleek, minimalist design | Robust, rugged design |
| Connectivity | Standard Bluetooth connectivity | Bluetooth and JBL PartyBoost |
| Price | Varies (often slightly higher than JBL) | Generally more affordable |
| Party Boost Feature | Not available | JBL PartyBoost for pairing multiple speakers |
| Voice Commands | Supported (through smartphone integration) | Supported (through smartphone integration) |
| Charging Time | 4 hours | 4 hours |
Please note that the specifications can vary slightly based on the model and the region. It’s always a good idea to check the latest specs from the manufacturer’s website or trusted retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Bose Soundlink Flex Vs JBL Charge 5: Detailed Comparison
Biside comparing JBL flip essential vs flip 5, comparing the Bose Soundlink Flex and the JBL Charge 5 involves looking at various aspects such as design, sound quality, durability, battery life, and additional features. Here’s a detailed comparison based on these criteria:
Sound quality
Let’s talk about how these two speakers, the Bose Soundlink Flex vs the JBL Charge 5, sound. The Bose Soundlink Flex has one speaker that faces forward and two side radiators. It works with all kinds of sounds, from low to high. This speaker changes its sound settings based on how you place it.
The Bose Sound Flex gives clear and detailed sound with good middle tones. But, its high tones might sound a bit stronger than usual.
Now, the JBL Charge 5 has two bass radiators, a special tweeter, and a forward-facing speaker. It’s a 30 Watt speaker that handles sounds from very low to high. Its bass is strong and clear, and it’s great for songs with a lot of bass. The middle and high sounds are clear too.
We tested them and found the JBL Charge 5 is really loud.
For example, to match the loudness of the Bose Soundlink Flex at 87%, we only needed to turn the JBL Charge 5 up to 75%. That’s a big difference, especially in big rooms or outside.
So, for sound quality, we think the JBL Charge 5 is the better choice.
Battery life
In the context of comparing the Bose SoundLink Flex and the JBL Charge 5, a key point of interest is the battery life of these devices, particularly question “how long does JBL Charge 5 last? The JBL Charge 5 has a great battery life, lasting up to 20 hours. This is longer than the Bose Soundlink Flex, which can go for 12 hours on a full charge. But remember, these times can change for a few reasons.
If you play music loud, it uses more battery. So, the Charge 5 might not reach 20 hours if you always play it at full volume. The same goes for the Soundlink Flex – its 12-hour battery might run out faster at high volumes.
The kind of music you play matters too. Songs with a lot of bass use more power. How you use the speaker overall can also affect how long the battery lasts.
When we compare the Bose SoundLink Flex and the JBL Charge 5, a common issue we encounter with the latter is “JBL Charge 5 not charging.” In our experience, this can be a crucial factor in choosing between these two devices.
If your JBL Charge 5 isn’t charging, we recommend checking the charging cable and adapter first, as these are often the culprits. Also, inspect the charging port on the speaker for any debris or damage. It’s important for us to note that while the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Charge 5 both offer robust features, the charging functionality is essential for uninterrupted listening experiences.
If the Charge 5 fails to charge, it undermines its advantage of long battery life, a key factor in its comparison with the Bose SoundLink Flex.
Durability and water resistance
As experts in the field of sound technology, we’ve observed a significant difference in the durability and water resistance between the Bose SoundLink Flex and the JBL Charge 5.
Our experiences indicate that the Bose SoundLink Flex demonstrates robust durability, capable of withstanding drops and bumps with minimal damage.
It’s a common choice for outdoor enthusiasts who require a speaker that can survive various outdoor conditions. Additionally, it offers impressive water resistance, which we’ve seen hold up well against accidental spills or rain.
On the other hand, the JBL Charge 5 is renowned for its water resistance capabilities. In real-life scenarios, such as pool parties or beach outings, the Charge 5 has proven to remain functional even after being submerged in water, a feature highly appreciated by users who frequent water-centric activities.
Connectivity
The JBL Charge 5 and the Bose Soundlink Flex are wireless Bluetooth speakers. But the Charge 5 uses a newer Bluetooth, version 5.1, while the Soundlink Flex has Bluetooth 4.2.
Bluetooth 5.1 brings benefits like a longer range to connect, faster pairing, and quicker data transfer.
Both speakers charge with a USB-C port. They don’t have a port for an AUX cable or an audio jack. But, the JBL Charge 5 also has a USB-A port. You can use this to charge your other devices from the speaker.
Design
In our extensive experience with sound devices, we’ve closely examined the design aspects of the Bose SoundLink Flex and the JBL Charge 5. The Bose SoundLink Flex boasts a sleek, modern design with a minimalist aesthetic that appeals to a wide range of users.
We’ve noted its utility in various settings, from casual at-home use to professional environments, thanks to its unobtrusive design. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it highly portable, a feature frequently praised by users on the go. Meanwhile, the JBL Charge 5 offers a more rugged and robust design.
This speaker is often chosen for its durability and is especially popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Its cylindrical shape and robust build are designed to withstand challenging environments, a factor we’ve observed being highly appreciated in outdoor events and adventurous settings.
Price
When looking at the Bose Soundlink Flex and the JBL Charge 5, it’s important to think about more than just their prices.
You should also look at what each speaker gives you for your money. The Bose Soundlink Flex costs a bit more, starting at $149. The JBL Charge 5 is less expensive, usually costing around $129.
The Soundlink Flex has cool features like Position IQ and a microphone inside. However, the Charge 5 has a longer battery life and better Bluetooth. Both of these speakers sound great, but the Charge 5 is a bit better for its price. This is especially true if you care a lot about how long the battery lasts and the Bluetooth.
Remember, prices might change depending on where you are, where you buy it, and if there are any sales or discounts.
Bose Soundlink Flex Vs JBL Charge 5: Which is Better?
In our professional assessment of these speakers, both deliver remarkable audio performance and are efficient in power consumption.
However, we find the JBL Charge 5 to be the superior choice. It boasts an impressive 30 Watts RMS audio output, encompassing a wide range of audio frequencies. This capability ensures the Charge 5 delivers loud, room-filling sound with deep, punchy bass, and crystal-clear mid and treble tones.
Moreover, the JBL Charge 5 excels with its advanced Bluetooth technology, ensuring a more extensive connectivity range. Its battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 20 hours, and it’s equipped with dust and water resistance, making it ideal for outdoor environments.
Turning to the Bose Soundlink Flex, it too produces impactful sound. However, its trebles could benefit from being louder.
A standout feature is its Position IQ technology, which adjusts the equalizer based on the speaker’s placement, though it does not match the Charge 5’s loudness and impact. The Flex’s 12-hour battery life is commendable, but it pales in comparison to the Charge 5’s 20-hour capacity.
While the Soundlink Flex includes a built-in microphone, useful for voice assistant functions, we advise not to consider this as the sole factor in your purchase decision. Ultimately, the choice depends on one’s specific needs and preferences in audio equipment.
Conclusion
At our audiosk website, in comparing the Bose SoundLink Flex and the JBL Charge 5, it comes down to user preferences. The SoundLink Flex offers superior audio clarity and balance, ideal for audiophiles who value sound fidelity and portability.
The JBL Charge 5, however, delivers a stronger bass and a powerful sound suited for outdoor environments and parties, with the added benefits of longer battery life and the capability to charge other devices.
