Whether you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker to take on the go or one you can use at home, there are plenty of great options available. We’ll compare two popular speakers: the Bose SoundLink Flex vs JBL Charge 5. We’ll take a look at the specs of each speaker and see how they compare. After that, we’ll give our thoughts on which one would be better for your needs. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Bose SoundLink Flex vs JBL Charge 5 Comparison Chart
Model | ||
Dimensions | 7.9 x 2.1 x 2.9 inches | 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 inches |
Weight | 1.3lbs | 2.11lbs |
IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
Powerbank Function | No | Yes |
Speakerphone | Yes | No |
Voice Assistant | Yes | No |
Battery | 12 hours 4 hours of charging time | 20 hours 4 hours of charging time |
Companion App | Bose Connect | JBL Portable |
Colors | Black, Stone Blue, White Smoke | Black, Blue, Camo, Gray, Red, Teal |
Design
The Bose SoundLink Flex is an excellent choice for people who need to take their music on the go. It’s small, portable, and powerful enough that you won’t miss out when traveling.The Bose SoundLink Flex are 7.9 x 2.1 x 2.9 inches and weigh only 1.3lbs. The JBL Charge 5 has 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 inches and weighs 2.1lbs. The JBL Charge 5 is heavier, but still a highly portable speaker. The Bose SoundLink Flex has the advantage here because it’s more compact and lightweight with an included strap that allows you to suspend on-hook or take away anytime.
Both the Bose SoundLink Flex and its competitor, the JBL Charge 4 have excellent build quality. The Bose SoundLink Flex is covered with silicone rubber while being protected by the metal grille that makes the speaker look more sturdy. The JBL Charge 4 has a fabric cover that’s highly durable, while the bass radiators are protected by rubber. The durable design of these speakers means they can withstand even the toughest conditions. They also have an IP67 rating, which makes them resistant to dust and water damage too.
The JBL Charge 5 can be purchased in six different colors including black, blue, camo, gray, red, and teal colors, while the Bose SoundLink Flex only has three: black, white smoke, and stone blue. Also read: JBL Horizon vs Horizon 2 ,Polar Verity Sense vs H10 vs OH1, Oculus Quest 2 vs Rift S, Oculus Quest 2 vs HTC Vive, JBL Flip 6 vs Flip 5, DJI Mini 2 vs Holy Stone 720E , GoPro Hero 10 vs DJI Action 2, iPhone 13 vs 13 mini, Kindle Paperwhite vs iPad, Google Pixel 6 vs Pixel 5 ,Kindle Paperwhite vs Oasis, Graco SnugRide vs SnugLock, Frigidaire vs GE Refrigerator, Evenflo Pivot Xpand vs Gold, Galaxy Tab S8 vs S8+ , JBL Flip 5 vs UE BOOM 3,
Sound Quality
The JBL Charge 5 has a better sound quality than the Bose SoundLink Flex because it can deliver fuller and richer sounds. However, both speakers suffer from low-bass issues which are expected in this category since they’re small speakers without much bass extension capabilities at all, but when we look towards mid & high frequencies, they have the same performance, producing boomy overall tonality.
The highs are not overemphasized, so there is some lost detail and the overall sound seems veiled. The JBL Charge 5 has a well-rounded sound with punchy mids. It’s perfect for both vocals and instrumentals, making it an excellent all-rounder. The JBL Charge 5 offers a more pleasing sound than the Bose SoundLink Flex. The mids are prominent, so vocal tracks don’t suffer as they do on this device.
Features and Battery Life
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a great speakerphone with some awesome features. It’s got voice assistant support, so you can ask it questions and use its mic for taking calls or making hands-free adjustments. However, this speaker doesn’t come with built-in voice controls so you will need to use your phone’s virtual assistant.
The JBL Charge 5 is not equipped like the competitor but it has a power bank function that allows you to charge your phone while on the go. It also offers an impressive battery life. The battery life is advertised to last up to 20 hours, but your mileage may vary depending on how often you use it and for what purpose. Realistically speaking though- even with the real runtime of 14 -15 hrs., this device still has excellent power.
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers up to 12 hours of battery life but the JBL Charge 5 can last you even longer. It takes 4 hours to charge both speakers fully before your journey begins again.
FAQs - Bose SoundLink Flex vs JBL Charge 5 (2023)
Is JBL Charge 5 or Bose SoundLink Flex better?
If you’re looking for better sound quality, the JBL Charge 5 is a great option. If however mobility and features matter more then consider this Bose Soundlink Flex portable Bluetooth speaker.
What’s louder, JBL Charge 5 or Bose SoundLink Flex?
The JBL Charge 5 has a louder sound than the Bose SoundLink Flex.
Does the JBL Charge 5 have a 3.5mm input?
the JBL Charge 5 does come with a 3.5mm input for those who want to plug in their own headphones.
Is there a Bose SoundLink Flex case included with the speaker?
The product doesn’t come with a case, so you’ll have to buy it from an external seller if that’s what you’re looking for.
Verdict
The JBL Charge 5 speaker is a great choice if you want better sound quality. It will give your music a more immersive experience with rich sound, making it much easier to enjoy all of those. The longer battery life also means that this device can keep running for longer periods without needing plugging in. but to own these features you have to pay more.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a good speaker, but there are better options out there. It’s also excellent as portable due to its tough build quality that can withstand any conditions.
