These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Xtreme 5 ranks #2 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $399.95; the JBL Charge 5 ranks #30 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $114.95.
The JBL Xtreme 5 is the louder, deeper-bass choice. A large waterproof speaker with deep bass, wide, clean sound at volume and a removable 28 hour battery. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 10dB, against 53Hz for the JBL Charge 5. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 110dB at full volume, against 99dB for the JBL Charge 5. It is rated for 28 hours of battery against 20 for the JBL Charge 5. Watch for: High priced.
The JBL Charge 5 is the lighter option. A rugged, fully waterproof speaker with punchy, warm sound and long battery life that also charges your phone. At 2.1 lbs (960 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Xtreme 5 at 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg). Watch for: Shouty upper mids.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 5 ($399.95) for a large speaker; the JBL Charge 5 ($114.95) suits a medium speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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 Xtreme 5 | JBL Charge 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.95 | $114.95 |
| Ranked | #2 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | AAC, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes (dual microphones) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 13.6” x 6.5” x 6.1” (346 x 165 x 155 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 98x145mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 1 x 90W RMS Woofer + 2 x 20W RMS Tweeter (AC power mode) 1 x 60W RMS Woofer + 2 x 15W RMS Tweeter (Battery mode) | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 53Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 125ms |
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