Short answer: the JBL Charge 5 for better sound quality, the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor for the lower price. The JBL Charge 5 ranks #26 of 136 medium speakers at $134.95. The Xiaomi Sound Outdoor ranks #41 at $56.80, $78.15 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Charge 5: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. The catch: Not stereo. Warm sound.
On the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor side: A pretty decent sounding speaker. Watch for: Boosted bass. Somewhat uncontrolled in the bass at high levels.
Buy the JBL Charge 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Xiaomi Sound Outdoor 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 Xiaomi Sound Outdoor.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 5 | Xiaomi Sound Outdoor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $134.95 | $56.80 |
| Ranked | #26 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #41 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Speakersync, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 960 g | 1.3 lbs / 597 g |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 7.7" x 2.7" x 2.6" (196.6 x 68 x 66 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 20W woofer, 10W tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Output Power | 40W | 30W |
| Built in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
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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Xiaomi Sound Outdoor: $56.80 Amazon
Pros: A pretty decent sounding speaker.
Cons: Boosted bass. Somewhat uncontrolled in the bass at high levels
Full Xiaomi Sound Outdoor review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.7" x 2.7" x 2.6" (196.6 x 68 x 66 mm) |
| Drivers | 20W woofer, 10W tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Speakersync, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 597 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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