Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Charge 4 is the better pick: it ranks #59 of 182 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #90 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Charge 3. If you want one new, the JBL Charge 6 replaces the JBL Charge 4 and is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95.
The JBL Charge 4 is the deeper-bass option. A rugged waterproof speaker that floats, charges your phone, lasts a long time per charge and links with other JBL speakers. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 10dB, against 63Hz for the JBL Charge 3. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: 1 Oval driver.
Why pick the JBL Charge 3: A waterproof speaker with long battery life, a speakerphone and a big battery that charges your phone. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 4. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4.
Buy the JBL Charge 4 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Charge 6, which replaces the JBL Charge 4.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: maximum output (99 dB vs 100 dB).
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 4 | JBL Charge 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 Discontinued | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #90 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 330ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 1.8 lbs (800 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 51x89mm fullrange | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.7” x 3.7” (220 x 95 x 93 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.5” (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W RMS | 20W RMS |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL Connect) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Charge 4 vs Charge 3 - Loudness Test - update - problems
- Alan Ross Reviews: jbl Charge 4 unboxing first impressions - vs Charge 3
- Alan Ross Reviews: Anker Soundcore motion+ vs JBL charge 3 and Charge 4
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Charge 4: reviews by Alan Ross, Flossy Carter and DankPods.
- JBL Charge 3: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and EnforcerMan.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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