JBL Charge 4 Review

JBL Charge 4 Specs

Waterproof IPX7	Battery 20 Hours
AUX Input Yes	Bluetooth V4.2

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When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL has consistently been a dominant player in the market. Their renowned Charge series has gained popularity for delivering impressive sound quality and robust performance. In this review, we will delve into the JBL Charge 4, the fourth iteration of the series, and explore how it stacks up against its competitors. We’ll analyze its design, audio performance, battery life, and overall value to determine if it’s worth your investment.

Design

The JBL Charge 4 sports a sleek and modern design that’s both attractive and durable. The speaker is constructed with a rugged fabric material covering its exterior, protecting it from minor bumps and scratches. Its sturdy frame is complemented by the signature JBL logo and control buttons that are strategically placed on the top panel. Additionally, the Charge 4 is rated IPX7 waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and poolside gatherings.

Connectivity and Features

The JBL Charge 4 boasts Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with your devices. It can easily pair with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, providing a hassle-free wireless audio experience. Moreover, the Charge 4 allows you to connect multiple JBL speakers for a synchronized listening experience, thanks to its JBL Connect+ feature.

Faster Charging

Now that the AC input is USB-C, faster charging is promised. The majority of mobile devices are moving from micro-USB to USB-C, so it makes sense that JBL would follow suit. The power bank’s output is USB-A, which is still the industry standard for wall plugs. Just so you know, JBL does not include a wall plug with the Charge 4—only a USB-C charging cable.

I don’t think this is a big deal because you can use the same wall plug adapter for both your mobile device and the wall plug. In fact, it eliminates the need for extra USB wall plugs that would otherwise be left lying around the house. environmental benefit!

Bluetooth 4.2

The JBL Charge 4 can connect via Bluetooth in addition to physical connections. It is disappointing that this is Bluetooth 4.2 when the most recent version is 5.0. However, the Charge 4 connectivity is very good.

The speakerphone and built-in microphone for voice commands are two things JBL has removed. In my opinion, Bluetooth speakers should not have speakerphones. They never function properly, the sound quality is subpar, and your phone yields better results. Every time I get an incoming call, I always find myself using the handset instead of the speaker. Instead of including features that, for the most part, we just don’t use, I think companies should concentrate more on enhancing the Bluetooth speaker’s speaker drivers and sound quality.

If you’re pushing the limits of the Charge 4’s Bluetooth capabilities, it might be worthwhile to take a look at the Charge 5, which is otherwise essentially the same speaker, as it runs on Bluetooth 5.1, providing improved connectivity range and strength. Consider this jump carefully if you prefer wired connections because the Charge 5 does not have an auxiliary input port.

Connect +

Last but not least, the Charge 4 comes equipped with Connect +, the most recent iteration of JBL Connect. Now, I have to ask: Why, oh why, does JBL Connect not function with Connect +?

You can no longer connect older JBL Connect speakers to the more recent JBL models if you already have them. The main distinction between Connect and Connect + is that the latter allows you to connect more speakers than the former, up to 100, instead of just a stereo pair. The upgrade is therefore worthwhile, but it is frustrating that you can’t connect the old to the new.

Controls

The onboard controls are identical to those of the JBL Charge 3. Play/Pause, Volume Up/Down, JBL Connect+, On/Off, and Bluetooth Pairing are all buttons. The next track will be skipped if the play button is double-tapped. Sadly, the speaker itself does not have a previous track function. The JBL Charge 4’s quirky appearance is enhanced by the buttons, which are large and rubberized.

Battery Life

Portability is a crucial factor in any Bluetooth speaker, and the JBL Charge 4 excels in this area. It comes with a hefty 7500mAh rechargeable battery that offers an impressive playback time of up to 20 hours. This means you can enjoy your music for an entire day without worrying about finding a power source. Additionally, the Charge 4 can double as a power bank, allowing you to charge your mobile devices on the go.

Sound

One of the standout features of the JBL Charge 4 is its remarkable audio performance. Equipped with two JBL bass radiators and a powerful 30-watt amplifier, this speaker delivers a robust and well-balanced sound experience. The bass response is deep and punchy, while the mid and high frequencies remain clear and detailed. Whether you’re listening to your favourite tracks or watching a movie, the Charge 4 fills the room with immersive sound.

Mono vs Stereo

You should be aware that the JBL Charge 4 is a mono speaker with only one driver if left/right sound separation is important to you. While the Charge 3 is a stereo speaker with two drivers. Nevertheless, you can combine two Charge 4 speakers to form a stereo pair.

Charge 3 vs. Charge 4

What You Will Recieve

• JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker
• Warranty & Safety Card
• USB-C charging cable
• Quick-start guide

Conclusion

The JBL Charge 4 is undoubtedly a standout performer in the portable Bluetooth speaker market. With its impressive audio quality, durable design, and extended battery life, it’s a worthy companion for both indoor and outdoor activities. While the absence of a 3.5mm aux input may disappoint some users, the wireless connectivity and JBL Connect+ feature make it easy to overlook this drawback. If you’re in the market for a feature-packed and powerful Bluetooth speaker, the JBL Charge 4 should be at the top of your list.