JBL Charge 6: A Powerful and Versatile Portable Speaker
The JBL Charge 6 steps into a market already dominated by its well-regarded predecessor, the Charge 5. Known for its robust build, practical utility, impressive battery life, and satisfying audio performance, the Charge 5 set a high benchmark. Fortunately, the Charge 6 rises to the challenge, establishing itself as a leading contender in the portable Bluetooth speaker arena.
One of the Charge 6’s defining features is its exceptional durability. It’s engineered to withstand the rigors of daily life, making it one of the most resilient Bluetooth speakers currently available. Staying true to its name, the Charge 6 also retains the power bank functionality, allowing you to replenish the battery of your smartphone or tablet when needed.
Speaking of batteries, the Charge 6 boasts an extended playtime. It provides a full day of use on a single charge, and with the Playtime Boost feature enabled, you can squeeze out an additional four hours of listening pleasure. Moreover, the speaker supports fast charging, minimizing downtime and getting you back to your music quickly.
The inclusion of Auracast technology significantly expands the speaker’s versatility. With Auracast, the Charge 6 can wirelessly transmit audio to an unlimited number of compatible devices, creating a synchronized audio experience across multiple locations. This feature is ideal for parties, gatherings, or simply sharing your favorite tunes with friends and family.
The audio performance of the Charge 6 is a key area of improvement over previous iterations. While past JBL Charge models were sometimes criticized for being overly bass-heavy, the Charge 6 adopts a more balanced approach. The bass is still present, delivering a satisfyingly deep and resonant sound that can even send subtle shivers down your spine. However, it doesn’t overwhelm the mids and highs, allowing for a more nuanced and detailed listening experience.
The Charge 6 provides a fairly balanced performance with a generous soundstage, creating a sense of spaciousness and immersion. Although there may be occasional instances of minor distortion, they are infrequent and barely noticeable, especially considering the speaker’s compact size and reasonable price point of $180 (although it retails for $200).
Overall, if you’re seeking a portable speaker that delivers both exceptional sound quality and outstanding value, the JBL Charge 6 deserves your attention.
The Charge 6 is currently available for pre-order on JBL’s website for $200, with an expected ship date of April 6. This price range puts it in direct competition with the UE Megaboom 4 ($200) and the Sonos Roam 2 ($180). The Bose Soundlink Max, on the other hand, is a more premium option with a significantly higher price tag of $400.
The design of the Charge 6 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With its attached handle, it resembles a stylish handbag, making it easy to carry around. The speaker also incorporates eco-friendly materials, aligning with JBL’s commitment to sustainability. The black fabric exterior is crafted from 100% recycled fabric, while the plastic components are composed of 85% post-consumer recycled plastic.
The Charge 6 boasts an impressive durability rating of IP68, making it one of the toughest speakers on the market. It’s not only water and dust proof but can also withstand drops of up to 1 meter onto concrete or hardwood surfaces.
Like its predecessors, the Charge 6 prominently displays the JBL logo on the front. The red lettering has a subtle 3D effect, adding a touch of visual flair. The speaker’s endcaps are made of semi-transparent plastic, adorned with a bold exclamation mark.
Above the JBL logo, you’ll find raised, hard plastic buttons for volume control and play/pause, along with a small console for Auracast, power, and Bluetooth. The two divots flanking the buttons serve as attachment points for the strap. Despite the thin plastic strip securing the strap, it feels sturdy and capable of withstanding significant stress.
A USB-C port on the back allows you to charge the speaker or connect a device that’s running low on power. This power bank feature is a signature element of the Charge series. You can also connect the Charge 6 to a laptop, smartphone, or tablet to enjoy Lossless audio, catering to audiophiles with discerning tastes. The bottom of the speaker features a pair of feet to prevent it from tipping over.
Weighing 33.8 ounces and measuring 9 x 3.9 x 3.7 inches, the Charge 6 has a substantial feel. While it’s not as heavy as the Soundlink Max (78.4 ounces, 4.7 x 10.4 x 4.13 inches), it’s noticeably heavier than the Megaboom 4 (32.98 ounces, 8.4 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches) and the Roam 2 (15.2 ounces, 6.6 x 2.4 x 2.36 inches).
For those seeking even greater sound, the Charge 6 can be paired with another Charge 6 using the PartyTogether feature in the free JBL Portable app, creating a stereo setup. The technology is also compatible with other PartyTogether-enabled JBL speakers. Moreover, thanks to its Auracast capabilities, the Charge 6 can broadcast audio to an unlimited number of compatible devices within range.
The JBL Portable app offers a range of useful features, including Playtime Boost, which disables the equalizer to extend battery life by approximately four hours. The app also provides four distinct equalizer settings, along with a custom option for personalized audio tuning. Most users will likely prefer the default JBL Signature setting.
Beyond its attractive design, the Charge 6 delivers impressive audio performance. JBL has refined its engineering to achieve "the most realistic sound reproduction yet." The speaker incorporates proprietary AI Boost technology, which analyzes your music in real time to optimize audio performance and minimize distortion. Extensive testing across various genres revealed the Charge 6’s capabilities.
The Charge 6 delivers a powerful and immersive listening experience. The bass is impactful and resonant, creating a palpable sensation. However, it doesn’t overshadow the mids and highs, allowing for a balanced and detailed sound. The speaker’s wide soundstage enhances the sense of spaciousness and clarity.
While there were minor instances of harshness in the highs and congestion in certain tracks, smaller audio details such as claps, maracas, and trilling keys were clearly audible.
The Charge 6 ships with approximately 65% battery life. JBL estimates that the 4,722mAH battery can provide a full day of music playback. With Playtime Boost enabled, the battery life extends to an impressive 28 hours. In testing, the Charge 6 lasted for 23 hours and 42 minutes at 50% volume without Playtime Boost. Recharging the speaker takes approximately three hours. A quick 10-minute charge provides around 150 minutes of music playback.
The Charge 6 lives up to its name by offering a power bank function, allowing you to charge smartphones or tablets. However, it cannot charge laptops. This would be a valuable addition, especially for users who want to take advantage of the Lossless audio feature.
In conclusion, the JBL Charge 6 is a powerful and versatile portable speaker that offers a compelling combination of durability, functionality, and sound quality. Its balanced audio profile, extended battery life, power bank capabilities, and robust build make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and enjoyable listening experience on the go.
