JBL Pulse 5 & JBL Charge 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the JBL Pulse 5 rather than the JBL Charge 5.
Why Do I Recommend The JBL Pulse 5?
- The JBL Pulse 5 comes with an upward-firing driver and dedicated tweeter for evenly dispersing sound in all directions, while the JBL Charge 5 uses a forward-facing driver.
- JBL Pulse 5 features a slightly larger driver chamber to produce fuller omnidirectional audio that fills a room evenly, while the JBL Charge 5 uses a smaller chamber tuned for directional output.
- It features 360-degree dynamic LED light show for creating a visually immersive atmosphere during parties and gatherings, while the JBL Charge 5 has no integrated lighting effects.
- The JBL Pulse 5 includes Bluetooth 5.3 for a more stable connection and lower latency when streaming music or watching videos, whereas the JBL Charge 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1.
- JBL Pulse 5 supports customizable light patterns through the JBL Portable app to match different moods and events, whereas the JBL Charge 5 provides only sound customization with no visual adjustments.
- It has a transparent acrylic housing for diffused lighting that doubles as a decorative centerpiece indoors, while the JBL Charge 5 uses a fabric exterior with no visual illumination.
- The JBL Pulse 5 includes a built-in carrying loop for easier vertical placement and hanging options at parties, whereas the JBL Charge 5 uses a more traditional horizontal design without a dedicated loop.
- JBL Pulse 5 comes with more advanced light synchronization that pulses in time with music beats for a synchronized audio-visual experience, whereas the JBL Charge 5 provides audio only with no interactive lighting.
Maybe the JBL Charge 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Pulse 5. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | JBL Pulse 5 | JBL Charge 5 |
| Light show / LEDs | 360-degree dynamic full-body light show integrated | None |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Passive radiators | Single radiator (downwards-firing) | Dual passive radiators |
| Driver/tweeter alignment | Upward-firing driver + tweeter | Forward-firing driver + tweeter |
| Physical playback controls | No dedicated track volume etc. (lacks media control buttons) | Includes raised tactile buttons for play/pause/volume etc. |
| Body material / finish | Acrylic / clear light-diffusing shell; more prone to fingerprints/smudges | Fabric/textile + rugged finish; less flashy shell |
| Size / Dimensions | Taller vertical cylinder; built-in carrying loop | More compact horizontal cylinder shape |
| Volume / loudness at max | Slightly lower maximum loudness | Higher maximum loudness and stronger bass output in many scenarios |
| Treble detail & projection | Treble is lesser forward; projected upward; more diffused | Treble projected forward; more direct detail audible at listener’s position |
| Battery drain due to lights | Light show significantly drains battery when used brightly | No lights, so battery usage more consistent with sound only |
| Portability feel | Bulkier to carry; heavier wrist / backpack burden | Easier to carry; lighter, smaller footprint |
| App lighting control | Yes | No lighting to control |
| Price | Check JBL Pulse 5 Price | Check JBL Charge 5 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity: Both speakers use wireless Bluetooth to stream music from phones, tablets, or laptops, providing cable-free convenience for indoor and outdoor listening.
- Bluetooth Audio Codec: Each supports the standard SBC codec, ensuring consistent compatibility with virtually all Bluetooth audio devices and reliable sound quality across platforms.
- PartyBoost Pairing: Both models include JBL’s PartyBoost feature, allowing users to connect multiple compatible JBL speakers together for a louder and more immersive stereo or multi-room sound experience.
- Waterproof Rating: Each speaker carries an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning they can withstand full submersion in water for short periods, making them suitable for poolside parties, beach outings, or sudden rain.
- Dustproof Design: The IP67 rating also confirms complete dust protection, which is crucial for outdoor use in sandy or dusty environments.
- Portable Form Factor: Both are designed for portability, with integrated handles or easy-grip shapes that make them simple to carry for picnics, camping, or backyard gatherings.
- Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Each has an internal rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and providing hours of wireless playback on a single charge.
- USB-C Charging Port: Both feature a USB-C port for charging, which allows for faster and more universal charging compared to older micro-USB standards.
- JBL Portable App Support: Each speaker works with the JBL Portable app, enabling users to update firmware, adjust sound settings, and manage PartyBoost connections directly from a smartphone.
- 20 W Class-D Amplifier: Both contain a 20 watt Class-D amplifier, delivering robust, efficient power output for clear and powerful audio.
- Frequency Response Range: Each covers a frequency range of 70 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring they can reproduce deep bass tones and crisp highs for a balanced listening experience.
- Speakerphone Function: Both can act as speakerphones when connected to a phone, enabling hands-free calls with decent clarity during group conversations.
- Firmware Updates via App: Each can receive firmware updates through the JBL Portable app, ensuring ongoing improvements and bug fixes without the need for new hardware.
- Multi-Device Pairing Memory: Both remember previously paired devices, allowing seamless reconnection without needing to pair from scratch every time.
- 360° Bluetooth Coverage Range (~40 ft): Each maintains a stable wireless connection at typical Bluetooth ranges of around 40 feet, giving listeners freedom to move around without losing audio.
- Rugged Outdoor-Ready Build: Both are built with tough materials and protective housings, making them capable of withstanding bumps, drops, and other hazards of outdoor adventures.
Common Features
| Feature | JBL Pulse 5 | JBL Charge 5 |
| Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Audio Codec | SBC | SBC |
| PartyBoost Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Dustproof Design | Yes | Yes |
| Portable Form Factor | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Rechargeable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| JBL Portable App Support | Yes | Yes |
| 20 W Class-D Amplifier | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response Range | 70 Hz–20 kHz | 70 Hz–20 kHz |
| Speakerphone Function | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Updates via App | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Device Pairing Memory | Yes | Yes |
| 360° Bluetooth Coverage Range (~40 ft) | Yes | Yes |
| Rugged Outdoor-Ready Build | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check JBL Pulse 5 Price | Check JBL Charge 5 Price |
FAQ
Are both the JBL Pulse 5 and JBL Charge 5 waterproof? Do the JBL Pulse 5 and JBL Charge 5 support PartyBoost? Can I use either speaker as a power bank to charge my phone? How long does the battery last on each speaker? Is Bluetooth connectivity the same on both speakers? Do these speakers have built-in microphones for calls? Can I customize sound settings with an app? Does the JBL Pulse 5 light show affect battery life? Are both speakers dustproof as well as waterproof? Do the JBL Pulse 5 and Charge 5 have the same frequency response? Is there a difference in sound direction between the two speakers? Can both speakers remember multiple paired devices? What type of charging port do these speakers use? Are these speakers rugged enough for outdoor adventures? Do the JBL Pulse 5 and Charge 5 support high-resolution audio codecs like aptX or AAC? |