JBL Charge 4 Review: Still An Excellent Speaker With Minor Upgrades From The Previous Model
JBL knows how to deliver when it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers. The JBL Charge 4 offers only minor updates from its predecessor, but it’s still a great value wireless speaker. But the speaker is mono.
This article is updated for the Australian market regularly to include price changes and product updates.
JBL Charge 4: $229.95 at Amazon.com.au →
The Verdict
At $229.95 and with a waterproof design, this speaker packs a punch for its size and is small enough to throw in your carrying bag. The bass depth is also impressive. This is mainly thanks to its two passive radiators that ensure richness and power. On the contrary, it has no speakerphone nor a 360-degree sound feature, and the speaker is mono (although this size prevents true stereo separation, which is forgivable).
PRO: Performance
- The Charge 4’s biggest improvement over the Charge 3 is sound performance.
The Charge 3 excelled at boosting bass, but the Charge 4 is far more balanced in its approach. - The JBL Charge 4 is also seriously loud. For medium-sized rooms, just playing music at half volume is sufficient to fill the room with sound. At maximum volume, the indoor speaker can be quite loud, but the extra volume is appreciated in noisy environments like the beach.
PRO: IP7X and long battery life
- IP7X rated – Speaking of the beach, the speaker is IP7X rated so you can casually submerge it in water or dust (waterproof and dustproof).
- Long-lasting battery – JBL claims the Charge 4 can last 20 hours on a single charge. You would have no trouble achieving that number while playing music at low to medium volumes. However, if you play loud all the time, expect to deviate a few hours from this rating.
- Can charge your phone in no time.
CON: Audio disadvantages
- No 360-degree sound – This might disappoint those looking for 360-degree sound, but the speaker make the music loud enough for everyone in the room to hear it.
- Mono audio output.
CON: Lack of functions
- No speakerphone function.
Where to buy the JBL Charge 4 in Australia
For its price, the JBL Charge 4 is definitely an easy choice for a mono speaker. For around $230, you get a speaker that lasts all day, charges your phone, sounds great, and can withstand water and dust abuse (IP7X rated).
Yes, there are better-sounding speakers, but you’ll have to spend more money.
If you want a 360-degree sound, the JBL Pulse 3 is a great alternative to the Charge 4, but you would have to sacrifice a little battery life (up to 12 hours) and sound quality.
Overall, JBL’s Charge series is still at the top of its class.
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► $229.95 at Amazon.com.au – free 2-day delivery for Prime members
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