| Name | JBL Charge Essential | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ![]() |
![]() |
| Type | Medium | Medium |
| MSRP | $179.95 | $179.95 |
| Released | 2020 | 2021 |
| Availability | Available | Available |
| Current price | Amazon | Amazon |
| Speaker configuration | ||
| Audio channels | 2.0 (stereo) | 1.0 (mono) |
| Woofers (or full range): | 2× 50 mm | 1× 52×90 mm |
| Tweeters: | - | 1× 0,75″ |
| Subwoofers: | - | - |
| Audio specs & features | ||
| Watts RMS | 20 W | 40 W |
| Frequency range | 65.0 Hz - 20 kHz | 60.0 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Wireless stereo pairing? | ❌ | ✔ via app |
| Party mode? (mono) | ❌ | ✔ PartyBoost |
| Other (special) audio features? | None | None |
| Connectivity | ||
| Bluetooth version? | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Wi-Fi? | ❌ | ❌ |
| NFC? (for pairing) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Radio? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Audio inputs & outputs | ||
| Buit-in mic? (and function) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Guitar/mic input? | ❌ | ❌ |
| USB-A playback? | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3.5 mm AUX in? | ❌ | ❌ |
| 3.5 mm AUX out? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Other in/outputs? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Battery, power & charging | ||
| Battery? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Battery life | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Charge time | 4 hrs | 4 hrs |
| Battery capacity | 22.2 Wh | 27 Wh |
| Swappable battery? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Charging port(s): | Micro-USB | USB-C |
| Powerbank function? | Yes; 1× USB-A 10W | Yes; 1× USB-A 10W |
| Buttons & controls | ||
| Sound mode button(s)? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Sound effect buttons? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Other (special) buttons? | ❌ | ❌ |
| App? | ❌ | JBL Portable app |
| Voice assistant? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Lights | ||
| Colored LEDS? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Strobe LEDS? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Size & weight | ||
| Size (cm H×W×D): | 8.97×21.3×8.7 | 9.65×22.3×9.4 |
| Size (inch H×W×D): | 3.5×8.4×3.4 | 3.76×8.7×3.67 |
| Weight (kg): | 0.77 | 0.96 |
| Weight (lbs): | 1.70 | 2.11 |
| Physical features | ||
| IP Code | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Transportation method? | In hand | In hand |
| Color options: | 1 color: Gray | 6 colors |
| Other features? | - | - |
| In the box | ||
| Charger/cables? | USB-A to micro-USB | USB-A to USB-C |
| Accessories? | - | - |
| More info | ||
| Model number | JBLCHARGEESSENTIAL | JBLCHARGE5 |
| User guide / manual | Quick start guide | Quick start guide |
| Official site link: | JBL.com | JBL.com |
JBL Charge Essential vs Charge 5
Legend:
Great/yes
Good
Not good
Bad/no
More Bluetooth speaker comparisons:

