JBL Charge 5 vs. Bose SoundLink Flex – Two versatile wireless speakers

If you are one of those who goes with music everywhere, you will be interested in this review. In it, we compare the characteristics of two mid-range wireless speakers highly rated on Amazon: JBL Charge 5 and Bose SoundLink Flex. It is not surprising, since they are from two of the leading brands in sound technology. In fact, both have a fairly similar price, so let’s look at their differences to see which one best meets our needs.

The first difference is obvious, and that is that the JBL Charge 5 has a cylindrical shape, while the Bose SoundLink Flex has a rectangular shape. This shape is not a coincidence, and although aesthetically we like the JBL speakers better, Bose does not do anything without a thread. The reason why these speakers are rectangular is that they have PositionIQ technology, a sensor capable of detecting the position of the speaker and adjusting the sound in the most optimal way possible.

Both speakers are wireless and have an IP67 resistance level, guaranteeing almost total resistance to both water and dust. This calms us quite a bit, because it tells us that we can take them to the beach or the pool calmly. When it comes to battery, the JBL Charge 5 has a clear advantage; In fact, we sense that it is one of the reasons why its price is a little higher.

As you can see, it is interesting to check what the differences and similarities are between the two wireless speakers to know which one you should stick with. To do this, it is important that you are clear about your needs and, based on them, establish your preferences. You have it? Let’s go there!

JBL Charge 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex – Comparison Table

Below, you can check what are the most important differences and similarities between the two wireless speakers. This way, it will be easier for you to identify which one best meets your needs and evaluate your purchasing decision:

The design, more strategic for Bose

As we have advanced, we clearly see which speaker is from each brand just by looking at its design, and it couldn’t be more different. First of all, it must be said that both are available in various colors, although the range of options is greater in JBL. In addition, the JBL Charge 5 are cylindrical speakers, with a shape more similar to the one that comes to mind when we think of these devices.

However, the Bose SoundLink Flex are rectangular in shape. In fact, at first glance, we wouldn’t say they are speakers. The reason for this has a technical explanation: Bose speakers have PositionIQ technology. It is, basically, a sensor that detects what position they are in and adjusts its equalizer so that the sound is emitted with the highest possible quality regardless of their position. Come on, they sound the same whether you place them lying down or standing up.

Plus, they transport much better than the JBL ones. First, because they are smaller and lighter. And, second, because they have a strap at one end that can be hooked to a backpack. The JBL Charge 5, on the other hand, do not have this hook.

They are dust and water resistant

One of the most important similarities between the two speakers is that they have the IP67 resistance rating. This level certifies that they have the maximum tolerance to specks of dust that may enter, and almost the maximum in terms of water splashes. That is, they cannot be submerged, but you can take them to the pool or the beach without fear that they will stop working as soon as they get some dust or splash a little water on them.

Which speaker sounds better?

You already know that the JBL Charge 5 are larger, and although it is a disadvantage for portability, it is an advantage when it comes to sound power. The JBL Charge has an optimized driver, a tweeter and two passive bass radiators that offer a maximum output power of 40 watts.

For their part, the Bose SoundLink Flex are equipped with a speaker and a passive radiator, and have a total power of 30 watts. Therefore, the clarity with which music is played at high volumes (especially at low frequencies) is better on JBL speakers.

How long does the battery last?

The two protagonists of our review are wireless speakers, so they can work autonomously for several hours. However, the autonomy is greater in the JBL Charge 5. These speakers can last up to 20 hours of music playback, while the Bose SoundLink Flex lasts a maximum of 12 hours. And, to be honest, we have never managed to extend the battery life this much on the Bose.

This is because JBL speakers have a 7500 mAh capacity battery, while the Bose speakers’ battery remains at 3200 mAh. Of course, both take about 4 hours to fully recharge. And, lastly, you should know that the JBL Charge 5 also allows you to charge your mobile while they are working, thanks to the PowerBank function.

Pairing with other devices, possible on both speakers

It is not uncommon to find speakers that can be synchronized with other models of the same brand, and, in fact, it is possible with both JBL and Bose . In the Charge 5 it can be done thanks to the PartyBoost function, which allows two JBL speakers to be synchronized to multiply the sound. And, in the Bose SoundLink Flex, SimpleSync technology is what enables this option. In addition, in both cases pairing is also possible via Bluetooth.

Now, if we look at the versatility of functions, the Bose SoundLink Flex have an advantage over the JBL ones. They have a built-in microphone that allows them to practically become an extension of the phone. Therefore, you can even answer calls through the speakers themselves, as long as they are synchronized with the mobile.

Compatible with an app, but not with WiFi

Finally, if you are wondering if they are compatible with a mobile app, the answer is yes. JBL speakers can connect with the JBL Portable app, while Bose speakers sync with the Bose Connect app. On the other hand, none of them are compatible with wireless connection via WiFi, only with Bluetooth.

Which wireless speakers should you choose?

The answer to this question depends on what is most important to you. Having analyzed the differences and similarities of the two speakers, our conclusion is that, when it comes to sound quality, both offer a good result. The JBL Charge 5 have superior quality, but we cannot say that the Bose SoundLink Flex is bad.

The main advantage of Bose speakers is their lightness, the ease of transporting them and their enormous flexibility to listen to music in any position, which makes them a great alternative if you usually travel frequently or if you are going to spend the day outside. For their part, the JBL Charge 5 offer a very high autonomy, to which they add the excellent clarity with which music is heard. We admit that it surprised us, because at first glance they don’t seem to have that much quality.

In short, think about what aspects you need to cover and it will be easier for you to decide which of these two speakers best suits what you are looking for. If you stay calmer, we don’t think either of them will disappoint you. In fact, if you look at the opinions left by other users on Amazon, you will see that they are very good in both cases.