Short answer: the Harman Kardon Luna for better sound quality, the JBL Charge 5 for the lower price. The Harman Kardon Luna ranks #22 of 136 medium speakers at $290.99. The JBL Charge 5 ranks #26 at $134.95, $156.04 cheaper.
What the Harman Kardon Luna gets right: Pretty balanced sound besides the boosted bass. The catch: Not stereo.
What the JBL Charge 5 offers: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. Watch for: Not stereo.
Buy the Harman Kardon Luna if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Charge 5 is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Harman Kardon Luna.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Luna | JBL Charge 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $290.99 | $134.95 |
| Ranked | #22 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs / 1.13 kg | 2.1 lbs / 960 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.3" x 3.1" x 3.1" (210 x 78 x 80 mm) | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 125ms |
| Max Volume | - | 99dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Built in Microphone | - | Yes (dual microphones) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Luna: $290.99 Amazon
Pros: Pretty balanced sound besides the boosted bass.
Cons: Not stereo. Boosted bass, not as detailed as higher ranked speakers
Full Harman Kardon Luna review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3" x 3.1" x 3.1" (210 x 78 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs / 1.13 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- See all 10 comparisons
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.
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