![]() ![]() Images courtesy of JBL.įor more Serious Insights hardware reviews click here. JBL provided the JBL Charge 4 for review purposes. ![]() The lack of Bluetooth 5 and easy availability of a less expensive predecessor cast some doubt on value, but the big power tank, USB-C charging, and wide palette of available colors will likely make the current model more appealing. Responsive, intuitive controls and rich sound make it a pleasure to use and hear as a speaker, and its rugged design and waterproofing make it a good choice for almost any venue. Those who want to wait for the next version may want to invest in a less expensive (usually less than $100) previous version and wait for even more upgraded specs should JBL pursue a Charge 5. Though I wish they had upgraded to Bluetooth 5 as they did with the Boombox 2, the Charge 4’s size and power justify the increased price over lesser speakers like the JBL Flip (and the previous version of the Charge). But then, $179.95 isn’t the street price. At $179.95 good sound and waterproofing seem like table stakes for JBL product. The biggest question for the prospective JBL Charge 4 buyer is one of value. I don’t find this a negative for an entertainment-oriented product, but some may. Unlike most speakers that double as a speakerphone, the Charge 4 does not include speakerphone features. The JBL Connect+ app would improve if it supported channel separation/stereo for those who invest in multiple JBL devices. It looks like audiophiles will need to wait for the JBL Charge 5 for Bluetooth 5, which perhaps, is fitting. The JBL Connect + app goes to 100 devices, but they need to be a compatible JBL device. Music streaming quality might also be affected because BT 4.2 limits output to 1 Mbps, not 5.0’s 2 Mbps.īluetooth 5.0 also supports multi-device connections, with two devices at a time. Unfortunately, the latest version did not opt to include Bluetooth 5.0, This means the Charge remains limited to the 30-meter range from a device, not the 120 meters of 5.0. The welcome addition of the USB-C charging port brings the Charge into alignment with the latest port options and helps keep cable needs to a minimum for those traveling with the device. The “4” of course, in the JBL Charge 4 means this is the fourth version, and that equates to incorporating learning from previous devices and updating for new technology. Sound cuts through the running water, and should I mistakenly topple the speaker into the bathtub, I’m not going to worry about replacing it or finding myself shocked by my faux pas. My JBL Charge 4 is now my go-to bathroom speaker, especially when taking a bath and watching video on the iPad 12.9. A wide array of available colors complement any décor. It’s a nice-looking modern speaker, with its fabric and rubber and slightly raised buttons. The entire speaker sits atop a rubber base with LEDs that track charge. Directly connected music via the auxiliary cable will also sound slightly better because it does not require the compression that comes with Bluetooth. Sound will vary depending on the source device’s EQ settings. Highs feel distinct and solid vocal support makes for a well-rounded auditory experience. In practice, the set-up and follow-through on this feature vary by use, and the set-up of just two speakers doesn’t result in stereo sound. Join up to 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers into a shared chorus of sound. Be sure to keep the protective rear flap closed when around water.įor those with industrial sound ambitions, pair the JBL Charge 4 with the JBL Connect+ app and, well, keep pairing. To conserve power, the Charge 4 includes auto-power off when not receiving a stream. The USB-A port stands ready to charge a phone a tablet, or even a lesser speaker. The speaker and the ports house a massive 7,500 mAh battery that tops the Charge 4 out at 20 hours of playtime. But should it slip (or more likely get kicked) into the pool, the IPX7 rated waterproofing means even submersion will not stop the Charge 4 from turning the beat around.īuilt into the speaker’s back, behind a flip-down rubber panel that protects the ports from dust and water, sits the USB-C charging port, auxiliary audio input, and the 30W USB-A output port. Its non-slip design makes it ideal for wet areas, like pools. Its compact form makes it relatively easy to place almost anywhere. ![]()
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