JBL Charge 5 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Megen Hardshell Travel Case with IP67 Waterproof and USB Charge Out (Blue)
JBL Charge 5 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Megen Hardshell Travel Case with IP67 Waterproof and USB Charge Out (Blue)
Reviewed by: Daniel Roberts
United Kingdom
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
The JBL Charge 5 has long been a go-to portable speaker for music lovers who demand powerful sound, rugged durability, and long battery life. This bundle takes things to the next level by pairing the speaker with a Megen Hardshell Travel Case, ensuring maximum protection whether you’re at the beach, poolside, camping, or on the road. After testing it across different environments—from backyard barbecues to hiking trips—I can confidently say this is one of the best all-around Bluetooth speakers available in its price range.
Design & Build Quality:
The Blue colorway is striking yet refined, with JBL’s signature fabric mesh and sturdy rubberized edges for drop protection. The IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means you don’t have to worry about splashes, rain, or even accidentally dropping it in the pool.
The included Megen Hardshell Case adds another layer of practicality. It’s lightweight yet tough, custom-fitted for the Charge 5, and comes with compartments for cables and small accessories. It makes traveling with the speaker not only easier but also safer.
Sound Performance:
JBL’s reputation for bass-forward, dynamic audio shines through in the Charge 5. It features:
- Powerful bass response that punches without distorting.
- Clear mids and crisp highs for vocals and instruments.
- A surprisingly wide soundstage for a portable speaker.
Whether listening to rock, hip-hop, EDM, or acoustic music, the Charge 5 consistently delivers full, balanced sound. At max volume, it easily fills a medium-to-large room or outdoor space without losing clarity.
The built-in JBL PartyBoost feature lets you pair multiple JBL speakers together for an even bigger audio experience, great for parties or outdoor gatherings.
Battery Life & Charging:
The 20-hour battery life is one of the Charge 5’s strongest selling points. Even with continuous playback at moderate volume, it easily lasts a full day. For travelers, campers, or beach-goers, this means you can go all day without worrying about charging.
It also doubles as a power bank via USB charge-out, so you can recharge your phone or other small devices on the go—a handy feature when traveling.
Connectivity:
The Charge 5 uses Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a stable connection up to around 40 feet. Pairing is fast and seamless across devices, whether you’re connecting a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It doesn’t support aux-in or built-in voice assistants, but the focus here is reliability and sound quality.
Pros:
- Bold, room-filling sound with punchy bass
- Long-lasting 20-hour battery life
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof – safe for pool, beach, or outdoor use
- Functions as a power bank with USB charge-out
- Sturdy, stylish design in Blue color
- Megen Hardshell Travel Case protects speaker during travel
- PartyBoost pairing for linking multiple JBL speakers
Cons:
- No built-in voice assistant
- Slightly heavy for ultra-light backpacking
- No wired aux input option
Final Verdict:
The JBL Charge 5 with Megen Hardshell Travel Case is a near-perfect combination of style, durability, and performance. It’s powerful enough to be the life of a party, tough enough to withstand outdoor adventures, and portable enough for everyday use.
If you’re looking for a premium Bluetooth speaker that balances booming audio with rugged reliability, the JBL Charge 5 is hard to beat. The added case makes this bundle an even better value, especially for frequent travelers or anyone who wants extra protection for their gear.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
