JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Red

Weight just over two pounds. It’s not small enough that you can easilly put it in a purse or backpack and cary it around, but it’s not so big that you can’t move it if you really want to. Buttons on device are easily accessible, sitting along the top of the device in a row, with the Power and Bluetooth buttons easilly visible. It’s worth noting that on some JBL devices the Pkay button can be configured to access your Siri or Google voice assistant. You can not do this on the Charge 4, where the Play/ Pause button is just that— a play/pause button. The JBL Charge 4 offers slightly better power output than previous incarnations of the JBL Charge, with a rated power of 30 Watts RMS. Additionally, the device uses USB Type C for charging, can achieve a full charge in 4 ... MoreWeight just over two pounds. It’s not small enough that you can easilly put it in a purse or backpack and cary it around, but it’s not so big that you can’t move it if you really want to. Buttons on device are easily accessible, sitting along the top of the device in a row, with the Power and Bluetooth buttons easilly visible. It’s worth noting that on some JBL devices the Pkay button can be configured to access your Siri or Google voice assistant. You can not do this on the Charge 4, where the Play/ Pause button is just that— a play/pause button. The JBL Charge 4 offers slightly better power output than previous incarnations of the JBL Charge, with a rated power of 30 Watts RMS. Additionally, the device uses USB Type C for charging, can achieve a full charge in 4 hours, and offer 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. The charge time and playback are similar to what was offered on the JBL Charge 3, so there isn’t much of a benefit there, but those numbers are roughly twice as good as the JBL FLip 4. If you are thinking about getting that device. Again, similar to JBL Charge 3, the JBL Charge 4 is rated IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The JBL Charge 4 does feature JBL Connect Plus, so it can be wireless connected to more than 100 other JBL speakers that also have JBL Connect plus. It is worth noting that you can’t connect a JBL bluetooth speaker with JBL Connect to a JBL speaker with JBL Connect Plus. Just an FYI if you have some older JBL speakers. One of the biggest differences between the JBL Charge 4 and other devices is that it include a USB port on the back of the device that you can use to charge other devices. If you connect an MP3 player, you can play audio from that device through your jbl charge 4 while it is connected and charging. Next to USB port there is also a 3.5 millimeter audio cable input for hard-wiring an audio source to the JBL Bluetooth speaker. Now, let’s discuss the audio quality. The audio quality on the JBL Charge 4 does sound a bit muddy and washes out compared with other speakers. In closing, the JBL charge 4 is a great speaker at an alright price if you are looking for something with a degree of portability that has a fair amount of power. The battery life is impressive, and the ability to charge and play other devices though the USB port is nice. If you are looking for something that is going to primarily live in a share family room space, the Charge 4 is a good fit. If you are looking for the type of speaker that can sit on your desk or in an office, something along the JBL charge 4 is probably a better fit.

Amazing sound, poor durability

My sister got me the flip 4 for 2020 Christmas and I fell I love with the speakers. I got two of these a month later and I can say I am enormously impressed with the sound. Amazing sterior for such small and portable speakers, and of course JBL delivered on the powerful bass that shakes my walls even from these little things. Although I am not impressed with the durability or the app. Probably one of the worst capable apps ever, but at least they have one and it works okay. I bought the first pair (refurbished) and almost immediately I had distortion and crackling and sizzling sounds like the speakers broke. I returned those and got a second pair off of amazon (brand new) and they did the same thing. I just decided to deal with it and now they only do it ... MoreMy sister got me the flip 4 for 2020 Christmas and I fell I love with the speakers. I got two of these a month later and I can say I am enormously impressed with the sound. Amazing sterior for such small and portable speakers, and of course JBL delivered on the powerful bass that shakes my walls even from these little things. Although I am not impressed with the durability or the app. Probably one of the worst capable apps ever, but at least they have one and it works okay. I bought the first pair (refurbished) and almost immediately I had distortion and crackling and sizzling sounds like the speakers broke. I returned those and got a second pair off of amazon (brand new) and they did the same thing. I just decided to deal with it and now they only do it occasionally. they still produce fantastic sound and I am glad to have them, but probably not worth the money for what I got. I also bout these as a VERY cheap home theater system when I first got them, terrible idea. Horrible audio lag and I tried to fix it so many times but it just happens with everything. don't buy these to watch anything, only good for listening. I got a very high end Bose system instead and it works fabulously, but I think I'll get a second JBL home theater system because of price and they still work great. Last few things. I have used these in my shower with me a couple hundred times, they still work fanominally. not water damage and they still play just as loud as before. (they are not under a direct stream of water). Finally, I love the JBL connect plus feature. sometimes it acts up but most the time it connects the two charge 4's and my flip 4 and they work completely synchronously. I love it. Overall, amazing sound, base, stereo, and even surround if you place them correctly in you environment. Very disappointed with the frequent distortion and broken sounds.

Electrifying and rip-roaring

I love JBL Electronics, they always seem to put a smile to my face while using these products, so let me give you the deets of my Charge 4 and how much I love this speaker. I call him Jumbo Beats Travel, JBL for short. This is my sidekick, this is my buddy that I take everywhere with me because, he is so easy to carry around wherever I need him to be with me. If I am in the kitchen he is always there with me unconditionally, in the shower you bet he's also there while I shower and jam out. Getting ready for work, yep he's there for me, and the best reason I love him being there with me is because he doesn't talk back and he plays what I want him to. I can stream him wirelessly from my phone, he will play for me up to 20 hours of playtime, and he is also waterproof, ... MoreI love JBL Electronics, they always seem to put a smile to my face while using these products, so let me give you the deets of my Charge 4 and how much I love this speaker. I call him Jumbo Beats Travel, JBL for short. This is my sidekick, this is my buddy that I take everywhere with me because, he is so easy to carry around wherever I need him to be with me. If I am in the kitchen he is always there with me unconditionally, in the shower you bet he's also there while I shower and jam out. Getting ready for work, yep he's there for me, and the best reason I love him being there with me is because he doesn't talk back and he plays what I want him to. I can stream him wirelessly from my phone, he will play for me up to 20 hours of playtime, and he is also waterproof, so if he's is playing a sad song and my tears are running down my face and get him wet, he will survive. I really like also that he can charge my phone with his convenient USB charge out. The beats and bass that he provides are just enough to tickle my fancy. He's a travel companion and goes to parks and camping with me, sometimes he gets me in trouble when he's playing to loud and I get told to turn him down, he just likes to jam that bass. I don't know what I would do with my best friend with all his innovative and epic looking self. He is so amazing and everyone needs to own the charge 4. He sounds so crisp and clear and I will never part with him until the day he is not able to function properly anymore, but until that day I will keep on vibing with my Jumbo Beats Travel He is my best friend and I highly recommend y'all should get a best friend like this also, he will not disappoint.

Fits in my kayak's cup holder perfectly!

Love this speaker. I had a much older, smaller model which I loved because it fit in my bicycle's handlebar cup holder! I was disappointed that they kept growing in size over time when mine was stolen but you know what? The Charge 4 fits perfectly in my kayak's cup holder!! That's a Scotty brand cup holder fyi (wider than some). And the speaker's waterproof!! The sound is powerful and bassy, the charge lasts a bizarrely long amount of time and has bright lights to show how much charge is left and it charges phones rapidly. Have used it at the beach, by the pool, in the kayak, at the bbq and in the vintage car for vastly better sound. Way too loud for most uses. Highly recommend.

Good single speaker, but Connect+ feature is trash

As a single bluetooth speaker, the Charge 4 does a great job. it has decent sound quality and fills a room. However, I bought a 2nd Charge 4 to have a stereo pair using the Connect+ feature and the JBL Portable app. I've updated firmware on the devices, removed any other wireless devices that may cause interference, moved rooms, etc. It just will not work properly. In Party/Stereo mode, the speakers constantly cut in and out, crackle, speed up or slow down the audio, etc. My phone (audio source) has no issues with any other bluetooth connection.This is extremely disappointing, since I purchased the second Charge 4 to replace my two Amazon Echo devices that had similar issues, but the Charge stereo is even worse. I'm now a few hundred dollars down, and have two ... MoreAs a single bluetooth speaker, the Charge 4 does a great job. it has decent sound quality and fills a room. However, I bought a 2nd Charge 4 to have a stereo pair using the Connect+ feature and the JBL Portable app. I've updated firmware on the devices, removed any other wireless devices that may cause interference, moved rooms, etc. It just will not work properly. In Party/Stereo mode, the speakers constantly cut in and out, crackle, speed up or slow down the audio, etc. My phone (audio source) has no issues with any other bluetooth connection.This is extremely disappointing, since I purchased the second Charge 4 to replace my two Amazon Echo devices that had similar issues, but the Charge stereo is even worse. I'm now a few hundred dollars down, and have two speakers that work well solo.

Good sound for a decent price. Lasts a long time!

The JBL charge 4 is a great product. I found it to be initially disappointing due to the warm sound signature. I have found that the highs aren’t totally accurate but they’re close enough to not distract you from the music. The highs are present but definitely aren’t strong which adds to the warm signature. The mids are very good and exceptionally clear for the size of this device. Because of this, the vocals are great in most songs. They are well represented unless they sneak up on the high notes which is when you can hear a slight distortion from accuracy. However, the vocals which dip into lower range sound really good as the speaker does a great job not to put too much emphasis on the radiators making it sound bassy and unrealistic. If you listen to high quality ... MoreThe JBL charge 4 is a great product. I found it to be initially disappointing due to the warm sound signature. I have found that the highs aren’t totally accurate but they’re close enough to not distract you from the music. The highs are present but definitely aren’t strong which adds to the warm signature. The mids are very good and exceptionally clear for the size of this device. Because of this, the vocals are great in most songs. They are well represented unless they sneak up on the high notes which is when you can hear a slight distortion from accuracy. However, the vocals which dip into lower range sound really good as the speaker does a great job not to put too much emphasis on the radiators making it sound bassy and unrealistic. If you listen to high quality hifi tracks you’ll be able to imagine the singer right in front of you because of the presence and sound stage. As for the mono speaker, don’t listen to the critics of this new implementation because most of them either don’t know what they’re talking about or they are just picking at it because they don’t like the thought of it. You’re not going to get stereo by using 2 speakers 3 inches apart like on the last model and as for separation, this mono speaker separates just fine if not better than the last model especially in mid to lows. The speaker gets plenty loud for the average person and it manages to maintain its dynamics all the way to just under full volume. I’ve compared this speaker to many others such as charge 3, xb30, xb31, xb20, extreme, onyx... and what I’ve found is that while the highs are a bit lacking in certain songs it certainly makes up for it in other departments. The bass is very good in the charge 4. The bass notes are represented accurately and it’s able to hit lower frequencies most portable speakers of this size can’t (20). However, it’s worth mentioning it’s still no sub. This speaker has trouble representing very low frequencies. The radiators start shaking instead of making music which for those of you who don’t know (this doesn’t sound very good). The battery life of this speaker wasn’t as advertised and I found I could only get 9 hours on 60 percent volume which isn’t bad but is a huge deviation from the claimed 20 hours. After using this speaker for awhile and comparing it to other speakers, I’ve actually grown fond of this unit and it’s become my beach toy. Don’t take any critics in this review too seriously as I doubt most people are 50% as critical as me when it comes to audio but this one gets my thumbs up. Future improvements would definitely require a tweeter and possibly a bigger battery.

JBL Charge 4 - Excellent Sound!!

JBL Charge 4 sounds great! The sound is full, rich, excellent refined bass, clear mids and top end. I also have a Bose Soundlink Mini II. It also sounds good but not as realistic as the JBL. The JBL sound is just bigger, clearer and more realistic in every dimension. I find I’m using it every chance I get.I bought the JBL Charge 4 to replace my computer desktop speakers. Same money way more utility in a Bluetooth capable unit. It has a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack to the computer. The cable link provides better sound quality and I can tweak the sound with an equalizer in the PC. The sound is much better from the computer than from my phone’s Bluetooth when streaming music. The source of the music and quality of the recording are critical to how the unit will sound ... MoreJBL Charge 4 sounds great! The sound is full, rich, excellent refined bass, clear mids and top end. I also have a Bose Soundlink Mini II. It also sounds good but not as realistic as the JBL. The JBL sound is just bigger, clearer and more realistic in every dimension. I find I’m using it every chance I get.I bought the JBL Charge 4 to replace my computer desktop speakers. Same money way more utility in a Bluetooth capable unit. It has a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack to the computer. The cable link provides better sound quality and I can tweak the sound with an equalizer in the PC. The sound is much better from the computer than from my phone’s Bluetooth when streaming music. The source of the music and quality of the recording are critical to how the unit will sound for you.I play this unit at low volumes for background music while working and even at low volumes you can here all the music from the bass to the treble. When a good song comes on crank it up a little and it sounds great. It also works very well for webinars and ZOOM calls. These are MP3 files I’m playing.I play all kinds of music, Joe Cocker, Nora Jones to Allan Jackson to Mozart and it is great for all of it. Acoustic guitar and piano sounds especially good. There is one speaker and two passive radiators. You can’t tell it has only one speaker. The advantage is that one larger speaker is more capable of a bigger, wider range of sound. No replacement for displacement. The unit will easily fill a living room with music when friends are over. Put it closer to a wall and that amplifies the base and sound.In summary this is a great unit, the best I’ve heard from a wide range during my research.

Please read!! Great product

I’ve had this speaker for a couple years and it has been awesome! From 3 boys being rough with it to trips to the beach, wouldn’t want anything else. NOTHING though, can compare to what I just put it through though. I left it on an outside job site, over a March weekend in Ohio. Weather was 20 F but felt like 5 F, both nights. And it rained!! When I found the speaker Monday morning it was half frozen to the ground and itself has some ice build up. I put it in the truck for about a hour to warm up and defrost, expecting there to be zero battery. After turning on without hesitation, this speaker was able to play music all day without powering down!!! Would not buy another brand. I wouldn’t be shocked if I have to replace it soon, with what just happened but it’ll be ... MoreI’ve had this speaker for a couple years and it has been awesome! From 3 boys being rough with it to trips to the beach, wouldn’t want anything else. NOTHING though, can compare to what I just put it through though. I left it on an outside job site, over a March weekend in Ohio. Weather was 20 F but felt like 5 F, both nights. And it rained!! When I found the speaker Monday morning it was half frozen to the ground and itself has some ice build up. I put it in the truck for about a hour to warm up and defrost, expecting there to be zero battery. After turning on without hesitation, this speaker was able to play music all day without powering down!!! Would not buy another brand. I wouldn’t be shocked if I have to replace it soon, with what just happened but it’ll be an easy decision which route I’ll choose.

Poor battery life, Poor customer service.

I bought this JBL charge 4 2 years ago and used in only occasionally - perhaps 20 hours. The battery has already failed and will not recharge and needs to be replaced, The replacement battery is very expensive and even worse, it is very difficult to replace. Even more disappointing, i contacted the company on- line (erikson multimedia/ jamindustries) and no one responded to this issue. That is both a really disappointing product and disappointing customer service. I also own a much older UE Boombox that still works. JBL could use some lessons in how to make dependable products and , how to provide good customer service . We have enough disposal issues in the world without companies manufacuring undependable short life products. Rechargeable batteries must last ... MoreI bought this JBL charge 4 2 years ago and used in only occasionally - perhaps 20 hours. The battery has already failed and will not recharge and needs to be replaced, The replacement battery is very expensive and even worse, it is very difficult to replace. Even more disappointing, i contacted the company on- line (erikson multimedia/ jamindustries) and no one responded to this issue. That is both a really disappointing product and disappointing customer service. I also own a much older UE Boombox that still works. JBL could use some lessons in how to make dependable products and , how to provide good customer service . We have enough disposal issues in the world without companies manufacuring undependable short life products. Rechargeable batteries must last longer than this.

Very disappointed. Do not recommend purchasing one

I was visiting my son from overseas back in November of 2021 he has the JBL5 I use to listen to music while cooking and dance which I enjoy veryuch! I loved my son's JBL speaker so clear and so loud just the way I like it, So I decided to get one for myself before going back home. Once I visited the JBL site I realized that I could design my own speaker! Very nice I thought first they give u all these options but in reality u can't choose everything they are offering just the design they have picked! I did the pink and green that looked like a big watermelon! I like it. No problem. Once I ordered my speaker didn't realize that will arrive a day before my travels! No problem ... It arrived just a day before my travels like I was expecting it.I was happy untill I ... MoreI was visiting my son from overseas back in November of 2021 he has the JBL5 I use to listen to music while cooking and dance which I enjoy veryuch! I loved my son's JBL speaker so clear and so loud just the way I like it, So I decided to get one for myself before going back home. Once I visited the JBL site I realized that I could design my own speaker! Very nice I thought first they give u all these options but in reality u can't choose everything they are offering just the design they have picked! I did the pink and green that looked like a big watermelon! I like it. No problem. Once I ordered my speaker didn't realize that will arrive a day before my travels! No problem ... It arrived just a day before my travels like I was expecting it.I was happy untill I opened the box and realized there is no charger that comes with my new speaker!!! Then the sound it is so poor not like the one my son has very disappointed!!! I had the volume high on my phone and had the volume on the speaker as much high as I could have it, but it's not loud it's not even anything I don't know how to describe it I had no time to return the speaker and get a different one! Oh wait! U can't. I realized that I wouldn't be able to return the speaker because it's special order since I designed the speaker!!! I was so unhappy and disappointed, but had no choice. I am now home and have compered my new JBL speaker with an old speaker that I had bought a year ago from Amazon for $19 believe it or not my old one is much louder and more clear than this JBL that I paid $140 something for. Please save your money and not purchase this speaker very disappointing specially for the price! I'm overseas and have no way of reaching JBL, but I hope this review would help others from purchasing this speaker. I want this company to know that I was truly excited to get my new speaker to take home with me and listen to music as loud as I like while I'm cooking and dance, but u killed it for me! I really like an explanation from ur company! Would it be possible that got a bad speaker? Or this is the sound that one should expect out of this model speaker!