The JBL Charge 6, one of the most anticipated products of the season, launched in April. Four years have passed since the release of its predecessor, the Charge 5, prompting questions about technological advancements, sound quality improvements, and new features. This review will explore these aspects in detail.
Design
The aesthetic design of the Charge 6 indicates a deliberate approach by JBL. The speaker presents a refined appearance, continuing the established cylindrical design, which remains stylish. Beyond aesthetics, the device has a substantial feel, weighing slightly under one kilogram, and exhibiting enhanced durability. Laboratory testing has confirmed its ability to withstand drops from up to one meter without sustaining damage.
Mirroring its smaller counterpart, the Flip 7, the Charge 6 boasts an IP68 rating, signifying complete protection against dust ingress and water resistance at depths of up to 1.5 meters for a maximum duration of thirty minutes. This is an upgrade from the Charge 5’s IP67 rating.
A minor point of consideration is the carrying handle, similar to that found on the Flip 7. While functional as a traditional handle or wrist strap, the Charge 6 lacks the push-lock system featured on the Flip 7 for quick strap release. Although this does not impact performance, the omission of this feature is somewhat noticeable.
The test unit arrived in a clean white finish. The Charge 6 is available in a range of seven colors: white, red, blue, purple, pink, black, and squad (camo). JBL’s commitment to environmental responsibility is also noteworthy, with this speaker incorporating 85% recycled materials.
Performance
Battery life is a primary consideration for portable speakers. The Charge 6 offers a substantial 28-hour capacity, exceeding a full day of playback. This represents an 8-hour improvement over the Charge 5’s 20-hour battery life.
The integrated power bank, used for charging external devices, has transitioned from USB-A to USB-C. This same port facilitates speaker charging. Consequently, the Charge 6 features one fewer port compared to its predecessor, as the USB-A port is now redundant. Furthermore, the device now supports rapid charging; a ten-minute charge provides approximately 2.5 hours of playback, while a complete charge requires around three hours.
The power output has been upgraded from 40W RMS to 45W RMS, resulting in enhanced bass response and more distinct treble frequencies. To optimize audio output, JBL incorporates its proprietary AI Sound Boost technology. This system analyzes the audio in real-time to optimize the sound and provide an enhanced listening experience. For example, in the metal genre, specifically Slaughter To Prevail’s “Bratva,” around 2:40 into the song, audio from standard mobile speakers or a Marshall Emberton III can sound congested. AI Sound Boost separates the sound and instruments for improved clarity. This is particularly noticeable in the lower register, where growls and bass are distinctly separated. While AI and digital effects can sometimes distort audio, AI Sound Boost effectively maintains the authenticity of the sound.
JBL Portable
The JBL Portable app provides a seamless user experience. Upon connecting via Bluetooth, the app immediately detects the speaker, enabling immediate customization. The “plug and play” functionality operates effectively as advertised.
The app offers preset sound modes such as “JBL Signature” and “Energetic,” along with a seven-channel Custom mode for personalized sound configuration. The inclusion of a Custom mode is a valuable feature, addressing the common issue of preset sound profiles not aligning with individual preferences. The Charge 6, similar to the Flip 7, incorporates multi-connectivity via AuraCast, allowing for stereo pairing with two speakers. A simple press of the AuraCast button on the top panel facilitates automatic sound connection to both speakers.
Soundscape
Following a positive experience with the Flip 7, expectations for the Charge 6 were high. Despite being larger and possessing nearly twice the power, the audio improvements were not as significant as anticipated, resulting in a degree of disappointment. While the sound quality has improved, the difference is marginal and potentially imperceptible to casual listeners. The sound experience was therefore somewhat underwhelming relative to expectations.
Compared to the Marshall Emberton III, which is in a similar price bracket, the sound quality of the Charge 6 is distinctly superior. It also performs comparably to the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 in terms of both price and power. However, the improvement over the Flip 7, which is less expensive and has half the power output, is only marginal.
With that said…
The Charge 6 remains a capable speaker. Whether listening to Enya‘s vocals in May It Be from The Lord of the Rings, the instruments in Galway Girl by Mundy & Sharon Shannon, or Hail The Apocalypse with Avatar, the speaker performs well. Each instrument is clearly defined and the sound is clear and detailed. The guitar riffs in Mark Knopfler‘s Money For Nothing are distinct. The strings in Bear McCreary’s Old Tom Bombadil create a positive listening experience and the drums in Viking by Slaughter To Prevail are impactful.
Summary
In conclusion, the JBL Charge 6 is a well-constructed speaker, featuring a refined design, durable build quality, and resistance to water, dust, and impact. Weighing just under one kilogram, it’s designed for durability rather than portability. The sound quality is good across all frequencies and incorporates AI Sound Boost for real-time audio optimization.
While the improvements may not be revolutionary, the sound quality is a noticeable upgrade from both the Charge 5 and Flip 7. The JBL Charge 6 is a capable speaker, offering a stylish design, reliable performance, durable construction, and impressive audio quality in most scenarios.
JBL provided review samples for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted independently, with a focus on the interests of our readers and consumers.
