Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Flex is the smaller floating speaker, while the JBL Charge 5 is the longer-running power-bank option. Bose ranks #38 of 179; JBL ranks #30 of 179.
Flex is IP67, floats, and is easy to carry at 1.3 lbs (589 g). Its warm bass-forward balance can bury midrange detail, but it is a compelling poolside and travel form factor.
Charge 5 is larger and reaches 99dB with a claimed 20-hour battery and USB-A output for a phone. Its tuning is also warm, with shouty upper mids, so the decision is primarily practical.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Flex at $79.99 if a compact floating speaker is the requirement.
Buy the JBL Charge 5 at $114.95 if you want more runtime, output, and a power bank.
Battery life favors the JBL Charge 5: rated for 20 hours against 12 hours for the Bose Soundlink Flex.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex | JBL Charge 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $114.95 |
| Ranked | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes (dual microphones) |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms | 125ms |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (589 g) | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 40W |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bose Soundlink Flex Review! vs JBL Flip 6 and JBL Charge 5. Travel heaven?? 🤞
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Xsound Mega vs the world! (JBL Charge 5, Bose Flex, Sony XB33, LG PL7) 👍
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Charge 5: