The 7 Best Alternatives to a JBL Charge

The JBL Charge speaker has earned its popularity through powerful 360-degree sound, strong bass, and an impressive 20 hours of battery life packed into a portable form factor. However, it‘s far from the only option when seeking a rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker to power your adventures.

In this guide, we‘ll highlight 7 stellar alternatives to consider instead of the JBL Charge:

• JBL Flip 6 – Best overall alternative with rich JBL sound
• Sony SRS-XB43 – Top battery life up to 24 hours
• Bose SoundLink Revolve+ – Best premium sound in 360 degrees
• Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 – Most portable & durable option
• Anker Soundcore 2 – Best budget pick under $50
• Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM – Most powerful sound for parties
• Altec Lansing LifeJacket Jolt – Toughest & most rugged

We‘ll cover how these alternatives stack up to the JBL Charge across sound quality, battery performance, waterproofing rating, and other useful metrics. Let‘s dive in!

Best Overall: JBL Flip 6

You can‘t go wrong opting for JBL‘s venerable Flip series as an alternative to the Charge. Now in its 6th generation, the [JBL Flip 6][jbl-flip-link] packs impressive sound into a pint-sized yet fully waterproof frame.

Key specs:

• Drivers: 45mm woofers + separate tweeter
• Output power: 20W
• Battery life: 12+ hours
• Waterproof: IP67 rating

Don‘t let the compact size fool you – the Flip 6 pumps out vibrant JBL signature sound far beyond expectations. Dual passive radiators provide thumping bass, while the tweeter ensures crisp highs and clear mids.

The latest Flip 6 model steps up over previous versions with richer audio, increased loudness, and better clarity across low, mid, and high frequencies compared to the Flip 5.

While you sacrifice some battery capacity and drivers versus the Charge series, the Flip 6 still provides up to 12+ hours of playtime off its 4,800 mAh battery. No need to stress about rain or splashes either thanks to a fully waterproof IP67 rating.

If you want portable JBL performance nearly on par with the Charge lineup in a more compact, rugged form factor, the Flip 6 is an outstanding alternative pick.

Best Battery Life: Sony SRS-XB43

The [Sony SRS-XB43][sony-link] blows away the JBL Charge‘s battery specs, delivering an incredible 24 hours of playtime. This gives you over 4 extra hours to keep the party going before needing to recharge.

Key specs:

• Drivers: Dual 46mm + passive radiators
• Output power: 30W
• Battery life: 24 hours
• Waterproof: IP67 rating

Beyond superb battery endurance, the SRS-XB43 pumps out booming bass and crisp mids/highs thanks to Sony‘s X-Balanced speaker with integrated passive radiators. The Live Sound mode further amps immersion by mimicking 3D party ambiance.

This speaker also brings extra flair through built-in LED lights matching colors/patterns to the music. Use the Party Connect feature to sync up to 100 compatible Sony speakers for a makeshift festival!

For the ultimate in marathon listening sessions along with vibrant light shows, the SRS-XB43 is a top-tier alternative pick.

Best Premium Sound: Bose SoundLink Revolve+

If you‘re willing to invest more for sensational omnidirectional audio performance, look no further than the [Bose SoundLink Revolve+][bose-link] as aluxurious JBL Charge upgrade.

Key Specs

• Drivers: Full-Range transducer + deflector
• Output power: Not disclosed
• Battery life: 17 hours
• Waterproof: IP55 splashproof

The proprietary full-range driver and acoustic deflector delivers superb 360-degree sound that envelops rooms with deep, resonant bass blended with crisp highs. The true hallmark Bose trait shines through in lifelike audio quality you can feel.

While battery maxes out around 17 hours, the lush sonic experience is well worth recharging a bit more often. Note the housing carries an IP55 splashproof rating, not fully waterproof.

If you want the best premium listening experience money can buy in a portable canister, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is an emphatic choice over the Charge. Prepare for audio bliss!

Most Portable: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3

Meet the [Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3][wonderboom-link], one of the most compact yet powerful Bluetooth speakers you can take absolutely anywhere. Measuring a mere 3.7 inches tall x 3.7 inches wide, this speaker pumps out astounding 360-degree audio while still fitting in your backpack‘s water bottle pocket.

Key Specs:

• Drivers: Two 40mm active drivers
• Output power: Not disclosed
• Battery life: 14 hours
• Waterproof: IP67 rating

Dual 40mm active drivers joined by dual passive radiators astound with significant bass, energizing mids, and vibrant highs emitted in every direction. You can literally toss the WONDERBOOM 3 into the pool or ocean thanks to its floatable IP67 waterproof/dustproof design.

The WONDERBOOM 3 also gets loud enough to provide background music for small gatherings and includes Outdoor Boost mode for amplified clarity in open spaces.

If you want mighty impressive sound from an ultra-portable speaker ready for full water submersion, this Wonderboom sequel is a stellar mobile upgrade over the JBL Charge.

Best Budget: Anker Soundcore 2

You don‘t have to break the bank to get large, room-filling sound coupled with over a full day‘s worth of playback capacity. The [Anker Soundcore 2][anker-link] delivers exactly that for under $40.

Key Specs:

• Drivers: Dual 6W drivers
• Output power: 12W
• Battery life: 24+ hours
• Waterproof: IPX7 rating

This budget-friendly speaker utilizes Anker‘s customized 12 watt digital amplifier to push immersive audio out its twin 6 watt drivers. You get sparkling highs intermixed with midrange clarity and sufficient bass – very impressive acoustics for the cost.

The Soundcore 2 also astonishes with over 24 hours of continuous battery life from its large 5,200 mAh power cell. No concerns over weather conditions either thanks to a washable IPX7 waterproof casing.

If you want Charge-like immersion and longevity for a fraction of the price, grab Anker‘s best-selling Soundcore 2. Your ears and wallet will thank you!

Best for Parties: Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers built explicitly for parties, nothing compares to the [Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM][hyperboom-link]. With gigantic volume matched by physics-defying bass depth from its hulking 14-inch tall frame, this speaker consistently delights huge crowds.

Key Specs:

• Drivers: Two 4.5" woofers + two 1" tweeters
• Output power: 100+ dB SPL
• Battery life: 24 hours
• Waterproof: IPX4 splashproof

Four active drivers anchored by two giant 4.5-inch woofers astonish with earth-shaking bass plus sensational mids/highs. An adaptive EQ detects your environment for optimized loudness and clarity to cut through chatter.

While you sacrifice complete waterproofing (rated for splashes only), the Hyberboom gives you over 24 hours of continuous playtime. Access Bluetooth, aux input, and USB-A charging port to keep devices powered up all day/night long too.

When you want a portable speaker exceeding the output capabilities of much larger home audio systems for festival-like booming at bashes, the Hyperboom is simply unrivaled.

Most Durable: Altec Lansing LifeJacket Jolt

If you demand a portable Bluetooth speaker able to withstand serious abuse across all environments, look no further than the [Altec Lansing LifeJacket Jolt][altec-link]. This rugged unit brings aquatic-ready waterproofing down to 3 feet paired with supreme dust/shock protection.

Key Specs:

• Drivers: Two 2" neodymium drivers
• Output power: 16W
• Battery life: 15 hours
• Waterproof: IP67 rating

You shouldn‘t expect the most refined sound at this price point, but dual neodymium drivers still pump out hearty bass, crisp mids and smooth highs. Music projects loudly enough for small gatherings with good tonal balance.

A handy integrated 6,000 mAh power bank lets you charge phones/tablets on the go too. Press a button to illuminate the durable cloth grille with vibrant LEDs flashing in sync with your tracks.

Add in the IP67 rating allowing submersion down to 3 feet for 30 minutes, and you get one practically indestructible speaker ready for life‘s roughest adventures.

If you won‘t settle for anything less than hardcore durability from your mobile audio gear, the LifeJacket Jolt should fit the bill nicely.

How To Choose the Best JBL Charge Alternative

All seven of these portable Bluetooth speakers make for awesome alternatives to the JBL Charge. Let‘s discuss a few key decision criteria to narrow options down.

Sound Quality

While subjective, consider these points:

• Bass emphasis – Do you want giant bass for EDM/hip-hop? See Sony, Bose, Hyperboom.
• Clarity – Seek crisp highs/mids? Check JBL, Anker.
• Max loudness – Need to cut through parties? Hyperboom rules.

Waterproof Rating

• Splashproof – Poolside listening safety? IPX4+ (Bose, Hyperboom)
• Submersible – Toss in the lake without worries? IP67 (JBL, Sony, Anker, Wonderboom, Altec)

Battery Life

• General listening: 12+ hours (JBL, Wonderboom)
• Extended trips: 17-24 hours (Sony, Bose, Anker, Hyperboom)

Intended Use Case

• Hiking/travel: Flip 6, Wonderboom, Anker, LifeJacket
• Beach days: Flip 6, Sony, Wonderboom, LifeJacket
• Backyard hangs/parties: Sony, Bose, Hyperboom
• Festivals: Hyperboom!!

Determine which features and performance factors resonate most. This makes picking the best alternative a breeze.

For example, I often road trip into backcountry with limited infrastructure access. The Wonderboom‘s ultra-portable design plus full waterproofing and lengthy battery for ambient tunes is perfect for my needs.

Your priorities may differ for home usage or other scenarios. Evaluate the specs in light of planned applications to decide on your new speaker!

Experience Using JBL Charge Alternatives

I‘ve owned the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ and JBL Flip previously, which offered stellar audio quality in differing ways. However, both struggled with battery longevity and ruggedness on camping journeys and outdoor parties.

Upgrading to the Wonderboom was a revelation – suddenly I could stash epic sound in my backpack for a full weekend trip without recharging. No baby-sitting needed with its practically indestructible build too!

While maximum volume can‘t compete with larger models, the Wonderboom pumps out amazing 360 immersive audio from a supremely packable form factor. I toss it in tents, kayaks, lounge areas without blinking now thanks to the rugged IP67 waterproofing and accidental drop protection.

Verdict: For my usage spanning long backpacking plus beach/pool sessions, the Wonderboom tweaks the winning formula to perfection as an ideal JBL Charge alternative. Dependable, worry-free sound made outrageously portable.

Your experience may differ for house parties or patio hangs where louder multimedia speakers shine. Assess your scenarios before buying!

FAQ

Q: How does the JBL Charge 5 compare to the Charge 4?

A: The Charge 5 upgrades over the Charge 4 with 30% louder sound, 2 extra hours of battery life (20 vs 18 hours), and slightly better IP67 water/dustproof rating. It‘s a nice bump in power and longevity but not essential if you own the Charge 4.

Q: Is the JBL Flip 6 fully waterproof?

A: Yes, the Flip 6 carries an IP67 rating meaning it can be submerged in water up to 3 feet for 30 minutes without issues. It‘s safe for pool and ocean usage!

Q: What‘s the best JBL Charge speaker for bass?

A: The JBL Charge 5 will produce more powerful, resonating bass than the Flip or Clip series thanks to its larger racetrack-shaped driver with more internal air volume displacement. However, the Sony SRS-XB43 could compete thanks to its passive radiators and Extra Bass sound mode specialized for EDM/hip-hop lovers.

Q: How long does the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ battery last?

A: Bose specs the SoundLink Revolve+ battery for up to 17 hours of continuous playback at moderate volume levels. Performance will dip closer to 15 hours at louder volumes.

Q: Can you repair a JBL Charge 5 that won‘t turn on?

A: As long as physical damage hasn‘t occurred, a non-functional Charge 5 can often be revived. Contact JBL support who may be able to offer troubleshooting tips. Otherwise, you can find reputable electronics repair shops able to diagnose issues requiring soldering or replacement parts.

Q: What speaker has better sound, JBL or Bose?

A: Another subjective debate! In my experience, JBL tends to emphasize louder, heavier bass and crisp treble while many Bose speakers focus more on accurate mids/highs with more even distribution across lows, mids, highs unless a product name includes "Bass" branding. I give JBL an edge for modern genres, while Bose wins for vocal-centric music.