Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 5

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Charge 5, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranks higher than it (#5 vs #30 of 175 medium speakers, 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Charge 5 is still sold new at $114.95.

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 5

The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better-sounding, lighter option. A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 5 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 5. Watch for: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video.

The JBL Charge 5 is the longer-running option. Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 lacks. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 cannot. Watch for: Shouty upper mids.

Buy the JBL Charge 5 new; the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

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Specifications Side By Side

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 JBL Charge 5
Price$60 Discontinued$114.95
Ranked#5 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#30 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz53Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCAAC, SBC
Built-in MicrophoneYesYes (dual microphones)
EQYes (9 band)Yes (3 band)
IP RatingIPX7IP67
Bluetooth Latency150ms125ms
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Party ModeNoYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StereoYesNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)2.1 lbs (960 g)
Bluetooth Version5.05.1
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)40W
Digital Aux InputNoNo
Frequency Response-60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Strap-No
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Watch Them Compared

Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.

More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021:

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

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021: $60 Discontinued eBay

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranking card

Older model: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Soundcore Boost generation.

Pros: A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. This upgraded version has a usb-c port while the old one has micro usb. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video. Discontinued and no longer sold new.

Full Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 review and specifications →

ReleasedJul 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency150ms
Bluetooth Version5.0
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator
EQYes (9 band)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoYes
TWSYes
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)
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JBL Charge 5: $114.95 Amazon $139.95 Woot $114.95 Lowest eBay

JBL Charge 5 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Charge 6, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025. It adds USB audio input, but drops the built-in mic. Battery life goes from 20 to 24 hours. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68.

Older models: the JBL Charge 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5), the JBL Charge 3 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5) and the JBL Charge 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Charge generation.

Same family: the JBL Charge 5 Wifi (larger model, ranked higher, rated 4/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not stereo. Warm sound. Shouty upper mids. Boosted bass. Slightly rolled off treble. Overly expensive.

Full JBL Charge 5 review and specifications →

ReleasedMar 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power40W
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)53Hz
Battery Life20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBC
Bluetooth Latency125ms
Bluetooth Version5.1
Built-in MicrophoneYes (dual microphones)
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm)
Drivers53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter
EQYes (3 band)
Frequency Response60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIP67
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapNo
TWSYes
Weight2.1 lbs (960 g)
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