Introduction
The JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker was released in early 2021, and offers a modest upgrade over the JBL Charge 4. Similarities between the older and newer model include most aspects of the physical design, USB-C charging, a USB Type A port to charge other devices, 20 hours of battery life, and a four-hour charge time. Updates to the JBL Charge 5 include support for a broader frequency range, PartyBoost, which lets you connect multiple JBL PartyBoost speakers together, Bluetooth 5.1, and an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, which means you don’t have to worry about dust or sand getting in and damaging your speaker, and also that it can be submerged in up to one meter or water for 30 minutes and be just fine. The biggest thing that’s missing from the JBL Charge 5 that you’ll get on the JBL Charge 4 is the auxiliary input for a 3.5-millimeter audio cable. Additionally, it should be noted that the JBL Charge 5 doesn’t have an internal microphone that can be used for phone calls. You can read through the unboxing below, or you can click here to watch my video review on YouTube.
JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth Speaker Unboxing
Locate the two pieces of tape along the back bottom edge of the JBL Charge 5 box, and then remove the two pieces of tape.
The flap on the front of the box is magnetic. Pull the flap up and then lift it up to open the box. You’ll see a thin white box across the top. When you open that box you’ll find a USB C charger, and three booklets that are a safety sheet, quick start card, and warranty card.
Gently lift to remove the JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker from the molding where it’s seated. From left to right across the top of the device you’ll see the PartyBoost, Volume Down, Power, Bluetooth, Volume Up and Play buttons.
On the back you’ll find the USB C charging port to charge the speaker.
If you pull back the cover you’ll find a USB Type A input that can be used to connect other devices for charging. To be clear, the USB Type A input is just for charging and any devices connected to the speaker for charging will still need to connect to the Charge 5 via Bluetooth to play audio through the speaker.
Directly beneath the JBL logo on the front of the JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker you’ll see a vertical light bar. If the light bar isn’t on press the Volume Down or Volume Up buttons to display it. The fullness of the light bar represents how full the battery on your JBL Charge 5 speaker is.
