Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs JBL Charge 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Soundcore Boom 2 Plus & 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 Soundcore Boom 2 Plus rather than the JBL Charge 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus

  • The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has a dual woofer and dual tweeter driver configuration for delivering deeper bass and clearer high frequencies, while the JBL Charge 5 uses a single woofer and single tweeter setup.
  • Soundcore Boom 2 Plus features full EQ customization in the Soundcore app to fine-tune bass, mids, and highs for different listening environments, whereas the JBL Charge 5 has a limited 3-band EQ in the JBL Portable app.
  • It comes with PartyCast 2.0 to connect with over 100 compatible Soundcore speakers for large-scale audio coverage, whereas the JBL Charge 5 uses PartyBoost that pairs only with JBL PartyBoost models.
  • The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has a peak power output of 140 W for significantly louder volume and stronger bass impact in large outdoor spaces, whereas the JBL Charge 5 comes with 40 W output.
  • Soundcore Boom 2 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connection stability and extended wireless range, while the JBL Charge 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1 with slightly shorter range.
  • It includes a built-in customizable LED light show for creating a party atmosphere and visual effects synced to music, whereas the JBL Charge 5 has no lighting feature.
  • Soundcore Boom 2 Plus supports up to 24 hours of continuous playback for longer use during all-day events without recharging, while the JBL Charge 5 lasts up to 20 hours.

Maybe the JBL Charge 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus. 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

FeatureSoundcore Boom 2 PlusJBL Charge 5
Peak Power Output140 W total40 W total
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.1
Water & Dust ResistanceIPX7 waterproof, floatsIP67 waterproof and dustproof
Battery LifeUp to 24 hoursUp to 20 hours
Charging TimeAround 5.5 hoursAround 4 hours
App EQ ControlFull EQ customization via Soundcore app3-band EQ via JBL Portable app
Lighting FeatureBuilt-in customizable LED light showNo lighting feature
Multi-Speaker PairingPartyCast 2.0, sync with 100+ Soundcore speakersPartyBoost, pairs only with JBL PartyBoost models
Driver ConfigurationDual woofers + dual tweeters + passive radiatorsSingle woofer + single tweeter + dual passive radiators
Bass EnhancementBassUp technologyJBL Bass Radiator design
Port Type for ChargingUSB-C input, USB-A output for charging devicesUSB-C input, USB-A output for charging devices
WeightHeavier (~2.7 kg)Lighter (~0.96 kg)
DimensionsLarger (approx. 19.4 x 6.8 x 7.2 in)More compact (approx. 8.7 x 3.8 x 3.7 in)
Sound ProfileBass-heavy, high volume focusBalanced across bass, mids, and highs
Color OptionsMultiple including party-style finishesMultiple solid color finishes
Price RangeGenerally lower for the power/features offeredGenerally higher for size and brand reputation
PriceCheck Soundcore Boom 2 Plus PriceCheck JBL Charge 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Wireless Connectivity: Both speakers use Bluetooth technology for cable-free music streaming from smartphones, tablets, and other devices.
  • Portable Design: Each model is built for portability, allowing easy transport for outdoor events, parties, or travel.
  • Waterproof Capability: Both have waterproof designs, enabling safe use near pools, at the beach, or in the rain without damage from splashes or submersion.
  • Passive Radiators: Each uses dual passive radiators to enhance low-frequency performance, improving bass depth without distortion.
  • Multiple Color Options: Both are available in a variety of colors, giving users flexibility in style and personalization.
  • USB-A Power Bank Output: Each can act as a power bank, charging smartphones or other devices via a USB-A output port.
  • USB-C Charging Port: Both adopt modern USB-C inputs for faster and more reliable charging compared to older micro-USB connections.
  • Mobile App Support: Both work with brand-specific apps that allow pairing, firmware updates, and some sound adjustments.
  • Voice Assistant Access: Each can activate a phone’s voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant) through Bluetooth connection for hands-free control.
  • Wireless Music Streaming: Both support stable, high-quality wireless audio streaming for uninterrupted playback.
  • Multi-Speaker Pairing Feature: Each allows pairing with other compatible models of the same brand for stereo or party mode sound expansion.
  • Integrated Bass Enhancement: Both have proprietary bass enhancement features to deliver deeper and punchier low frequencies.
  • Rechargeable Battery: Both feature built-in rechargeable batteries, enabling hours of use without external power.
  • Indoor/Outdoor Use: Each is suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, maintaining sound quality across different spaces.
  • Durable Build Quality: Both have rugged designs intended to withstand bumps, drops, and the rigors of outdoor use.
  • Music Playback Controls: Both include physical control buttons for volume, playback, and pairing without needing to reach for your phone.
  • Hands-Free Calling: Each supports taking phone calls directly through the speaker’s built-in microphone.
  • Stereo Sound Output: Both are capable of delivering stereo audio for a fuller listening experience.

Common Features

FeatureSoundcore Boom 2 PlusJBL Charge 5
Wireless ConnectivityBluetoothBluetooth
Portable DesignYesYes
Waterproof CapabilityWaterproof designWaterproof design
Passive RadiatorsDual passive radiatorsDual passive radiators
Multiple Color OptionsAvailable in multiple colorsAvailable in multiple colors
USB-A Power Bank OutputYesYes
USB-C Charging PortYesYes
Mobile App SupportWorks with companion appWorks with companion app
Voice Assistant AccessSupports via connected deviceSupports via connected device
Wireless Music StreamingSupports high-quality wireless playbackSupports high-quality wireless playback
Multi-Speaker Pairing FeatureCan pair with other speakers of same brand systemCan pair with other speakers of same brand system
Integrated Bass EnhancementBuilt-in bass enhancement technologyBuilt-in bass enhancement technology
Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Indoor/Outdoor UseDesigned for bothDesigned for both
Durable Build QualityRugged, impact-resistant designRugged, impact-resistant design
Music Playback ControlsOn-device physical buttonsOn-device physical buttons
Hands-Free CallingSupports through connected phoneSupports through connected phone
Stereo Sound OutputDelivers stereo audioDelivers stereo audio
Price Check Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Price Check JBL Charge 5 Price

FAQ

Which speaker is louder, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus or the JBL Charge 5?
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is louder, delivering up to 140 W peak power compared to the JBL Charge 5’s 40 W, making it better suited for large outdoor gatherings or high-volume listening.

Which speaker has better bass performance?
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has a stronger bass response due to its larger drivers, dual woofers, and BassUp technology, while the JBL Charge 5 provides a more balanced bass that blends well with mids and highs.

Which model is better for portability?
The JBL Charge 5 is more portable because it is lighter at around 0.96 kg and more compact in size, whereas the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is heavier and larger.

Which speaker has better battery life?
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus offers up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge, compared to the JBL Charge 5’s 20 hours, although both can vary depending on volume and features used.

Which has the better waterproof rating?
The JBL Charge 5 has a better waterproof rating of IP67, which protects against both dust and water, while the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has an IPX7 rating that protects only against water.

Do both speakers have a mobile app for customization?
Yes, both have companion apps. The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus works with the Soundcore app, which provides full EQ customization and lighting controls, while the JBL Charge 5 works with the JBL Portable app, which offers basic EQ adjustments and pairing features.

Which speaker charges faster?
The JBL Charge 5 charges faster in about 4 hours, while the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus takes around 5.5 hours to fully recharge.

Do both models support pairing with multiple speakers?
Yes, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus uses PartyCast 2.0 to pair with over 100 Soundcore speakers, while the JBL Charge 5 uses PartyBoost to pair with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers.

Which speaker has lighting effects?
Only the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has built-in customizable LED lighting effects, while the JBL Charge 5 does not include any lighting features.

Can both be used as power banks?
Yes, both have a USB-A output that allows them to charge smartphones and other small devices, functioning as portable power banks.

Which has better sound balance?
The JBL Charge 5 has a more balanced sound profile, making it suitable for all genres, whereas the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus emphasizes bass for a more energetic and party-focused sound.

Which is better for outdoor environments like the beach?
The JBL Charge 5 is better for sandy or dusty environments due to its IP67 dustproof rating, while the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is still suitable for water environments but lacks dust protection.

Do both have built-in microphones for calls?
Yes, both include a built-in microphone that allows for hands-free phone calls when connected to a smartphone.

Which has the newer Bluetooth version?
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus has Bluetooth 5.3, which can provide better connection stability and range compared to the JBL Charge 5’s Bluetooth 5.1.

Which is generally more affordable?
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is generally more affordable for the power and features it offers, while the JBL Charge 5 tends to be more expensive due to brand reputation and portability advantages.

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