JBL Charge 6 vs Charge 5: which Bluetooth speaker is better?

A red JBL Charge 6 and blue JBL Charge 5 on a slatted wooden surface outside.

JBL Charge 5

Battery life: 20 hours
Bluetooth: 5.1
Dimensions (hwd): 22 x 9.6 x 9.4cm
Weight: 960g

Award winners don't go stale overnight, so the Charge 5 is still a great option. It's sturdy, versatile, and sounds superb, and with its recently-discounted price, it's very tempting indeed. Still one of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy, even if it is outperformed by its newer, shinier sibling.

For

• Clear, detailed sound
• Wide soundstage
• Impressively hardwearing

Against

• Battery life could be longer

JBL Charge 6

Battery life: 24 hours
Bluetooth: 5.4
Dimensions (hwd): 22.9 x 9.8 x 9.8cm
Weight: 960g (990g with strap)

JBL has done it again. The Charge 6 lasts longer, withstands more of what Mother Nature has to throw at it, and sounds even better, especially with the addition of hi-res lossless. True, it's more expensive. But if your budget allows, this Bluetooth speaker will not disappoint.

For

• Powerful, punchy sound
• Clearer and more detailed than previous generation
• Great portable design
• Carry handle strap is a nice bonus

Against

• No USB-C cable in the box
• Loses some of its energy at lower volumes