The JBL Charge 6 builds upon the strong performance of the JBL Charge 5, incorporating several useful improvements into the previous model’s formula. Key enhancements include longer battery life, the addition of a carry handle, and the integration of AI-assisted sound.
The Charge 6 is designed for outdoor use, possessing a build that suggests activities like playing American Football. Despite its weight of over 1kg, the new detachable carry strap helps make carrying the speaker feel lighter. The durability of the unit has also been upgraded, with the IP rating shifting from IP67 to IP68. This designation means the speaker is waterproof and dustproof, and it is also drop-proof from about one metre.
The speaker is available in several colours, including red, squad, purple, blue, black, pink, and white. In terms of audio performance, the Charge 6 features a boosted power output, increasing from 40W to 45W. This power boost allows the speaker to expel low frequencies with more force at the same volume level. Reviewing the sound quality, the Charge 6 is noted for its ability to provide a bigger and clearer sound reproduction.
Its sound is described as smooth, demonstrating improvements in energy, vocal clarity, low-end performance, and overall detail compared to the Charge 5. The bass is described as weighty, offering good energy and depth, and it sounds clearer and digs deeper than the previous model. Furthermore, the Charge 6 is noted to sound more controlled than the Charge 5, which sometimes sounded brighter, harsher, and thinner. The overall sound quality is characterized by increased energy and power, better flow of music tracks, and greater dynamism, resulting in a better all-around sound.
Beyond sound, the Charge 6 maintains several core features. It can still function as a powerbank and supports playing lossless audio through its USB-C input. Connectivity is stellar, featuring a Bluetooth 5.4 connection that supports AAC streaming, maintaining no connection issues over long distances.
Regarding battery performance, when tested playing shuffled Spotify playlists at 50% volume for two hours, the Charge 6 showed a 20% drop in battery capacity, suggesting a potential of 10 hours at that volume. The reviewer noted that dropping the volume to about 30% yields better results, which is possible because the Charge 6 is larger and can go louder.
Overall, the article concludes that the Charge 6 offers great value and performance, making it a strong contender among portable Bluetooth speakers, and positioning JBL as a leading brand in the market.
Source: Trusted Reviews