Short answer: the KEF Muo gen2 is better balanced; the Charge 5 doubles as a power bank. KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance on the Muo gen2, though it is still lacking deeper bass. The Charge 5 doubles as a power bank via USB-A, but it is not stereo.
Buy the JBL Charge 5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the KEF Muo gen2 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A rugged, fully waterproof speaker with punchy, warm sound and long battery life that also charges your phone.
A stylish waterproof stereo speaker with aptX Adaptive, USB-C audio input, Auracast and long battery life.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 5 | KEF Muo gen2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.95 | $249.99 |
| Ranked | #30 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #96 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 90dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 1.6 lbs (740 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 kHz 24 bit |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 8.5” x 3.2” x 2.3” (216 x 82 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 40W |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | No | - |
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