Short answer: the JBL Charge 5. It ranks #26 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $134.95; the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ ranks #46 and costs $230, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ side: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Watch for: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding.
What the JBL Charge 5 gets right: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. The tradeoff: Not stereo. Warm sound.
One note: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is discontinued, but it still ranks #46 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Charge 5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ | JBL Charge 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $134.95 |
| Ranked | #46 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | 53Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg | 2.1 lbs / 960 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| App | - | Yes |
| EQ | - | Yes (3 band) |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 125ms |
| Max Volume | - | 99dB |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | AAC, SBC |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 40W |
| Built in Microphone | - | Yes (dual microphones) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Revolve+: $230 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Built-in carry handle, useful even with wet hands; can hang from a hook via carabiner. ~12 hour battery at medium-high volume.
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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JBL Charge 5: $134.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. ~20 hour battery life.
Cons: Not stereo. Warm sound. Shouty upper mids. Boosted bass. Slightly rolled off treble. Overly expensive.
Full JBL Charge 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 960 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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