Megaboom 3 vs Charge 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The JBL Charge 5? 

• The JBL Charge 5 features a dedicated tweeter and racetrack-shaped woofer for clearer mids and highs to enhances vocal and instrumental detail compared to the MegaBoom 3’s full-range drivers.
• JBL Charge 5 supports JBL PartyBoost for seamless multi-speaker pairing with other JBL models to enhance group listening experiences more reliably than the MegaBoom 3’s PartyUp.
• It integrates with the JBL Portable app for EQ customization and firmware updates to control sound preferences and performance improvements compared to the MegaBoom 3’s BOOM app.
• The JBL Charge 5 supports Bluetooth 5.1 for more stable connectivity, improved energy efficiency, and a longer wireless range than the MegaBoom 3’s Bluetooth 4.2.
• JBL Charge 5 comes with a USB-C port for faster and more convenient charging compared to the MegaBoom 3’s outdated Micro-USB input.
• It includes built-in power bank functionality for charging smartphones and devices on the go, while MegaBoom 3 lacks this feature.
• The JBL Charge 5 features on-speaker battery level indication with LED lights for better real-time feedback to manage usage more effectively than the MegaBoom 3.
• JBL Charge 5 has a more rugged IP67 build with a compact horizontal design for easier packing and placement on uneven surfaces, compared to the taller cylindrical MegaBoom 3.

Maybe the Megaboom 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Charge 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.

What Common Both Can Do?

• Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity: Both speakers connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, allowing seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices without needing cables.
• Portable Design: The JBL Charge 5 and MegaBoom 3 are compact and designed for portability, making them convenient to carry for outdoor use, travel, and parties.
• IP67 Water & Dust Resistance: Both models are rated IP67, meaning they are completely protected against dust and can survive immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, making them suitable for poolside or beach environments.
• No Smart Assistant Integration: Neither speaker supports built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, focusing purely on high-quality audio playback without smart features.
• No Built-in Microphone or Speakerphone Function: Neither model has a microphone, so they cannot be used for hands-free calling or voice commands.
• SBC Audio Codec: Both rely solely on the basic SBC codec for Bluetooth audio transmission, meaning no support for higher-quality formats like AAC or aptX.
• App Support for Customization: Each speaker is compatible with its own app (JBL Portable or BOOM), allowing firmware updates, stereo pairing, and EQ tuning directly from your phone.
• Customizable Equalizer: Via their respective apps, users can adjust the sound signature using customizable EQ settings to fine-tune the bass, mids, and treble.
• Stereo Pairing Capability: While each speaker is mono on its own, both support stereo pairing with an identical second unit, enabling true left-right channel separation for immersive sound.
• On-Device Control Buttons: Both speakers come with physical buttons for essential controls like play/pause, volume, and Bluetooth pairing, making them easy to operate even without a phone.
• LED Status Indicators: Both have LED lights to indicate power, pairing status, or battery levels, adding visual feedback for user interaction.
• Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Each model is powered by an internal rechargeable battery, ensuring wireless playback for hours on a single charge without needing constant access to power outlets.
• No 3.5mm Aux Input: Neither speaker has a 3.5mm audio jack, meaning they support only wireless playback and not wired audio from external sources like MP3 players.