Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks #48 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $219.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Charge 2 ranks #93 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Charge 2’s replacement, the JBL Charge 6, is rated 4.2/5 at $119.95.
The JBL Pulse 5 is the better-sounding, tougher choice. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the JBL Charge 2. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 2 lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
The JBL Charge 2 is the lighter choice. Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. At 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Pulse 5 at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Pulse 5 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Pulse 5. Watch for: Bass compression at higher volumes.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Charge 2 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | JBL Charge 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.99 | $149 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #48 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #93 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 3.0 |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 8.5” x 3.4” x 3” (216 x 86 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 2x 45mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 15W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Pulse 5
- Minirig 4 vs JBL Pulse 5
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Pulse 5: $219.99 Amazon $219.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Pulse 6, ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5, released 2026. It adds USB audio input, AAC and LC3. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68. See every JBL Pulse generation.
Pros: JBL Pulse 5 uses 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter. Its 1500 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its ~58Hz specification. Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026 More from M1MTechChannel →
- Techder Audios: JBL PULSE 5 VS JBL CHARGE 5 "LIGHTS VS BASS?!" More from techderaudios →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Bass Check 💣 Treblab HD-360, Ultimate Ears EpicBoom, Marshall Middleton & JBL Pulse 5. Boom or Bust? More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Charge 2: $149 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge 6, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025. See every JBL Charge generation.
Pros: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. Social Mode pairs up to 3 phones; works as a speakerphone.
Cons: Bass compression at higher volumes. Warm sound. slightly rolled off treble. Not as loud as other speakers. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.4” x 3” (216 x 86 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons