These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Charge 6 ranks #12 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $149.95; the JBL Go 5 ranks #29 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $54.95.
The JBL Charge 6 is the longer-running option. A waterproof medium speaker with a long battery and a power bank output, with more balanced sound than older Charge models. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Go 5. The catch: Still some boosted bass by default.
The JBL Go 5 is the lighter option. A pocket sized fully waterproof speaker with tap to pair stereo linking, app EQ, and USB-C audio input. At 0.5 lbs (230 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 6 at 2.2 lbs (990 g). The catch: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the JBL Go 4 besides the lights.
Buy the JBL Charge 6 ($149.95) for a medium speaker; the JBL Go 5 ($54.95) suits a small speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 6 | JBL Go 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $54.95 |
| Ranked | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 0.5 lbs (230 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 45mm |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 4.8W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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