When it comes to portable audio, few brands command as much respect as JBL and Bose. Today, we're comparing the $139.99 JBL Charge 5 and $99.99 Bose SoundLink Micro, two popular but quite different approaches to portable sound.
Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past decade. What started as tiny, tinny-sounding novelties have become serious audio contenders. Modern portable speakers pack impressive audio technology into increasingly durable packages, with features like waterproofing and extended battery life becoming standard.
The key factors that matter most are:
The JBL Charge 5, released in 2021, represents the latest iteration of JBL's popular Charge series. It features a cylindrical design that's become somewhat iconic, measuring 8.7 inches long and weighing just over 2 pounds. The speaker uses a rugged fabric covering and rubber ends, with exposed passive radiators (these are like unpowered speakers that move with the bass, enhancing low frequencies).
In contrast, the Bose SoundLink Micro, introduced in 2017, takes a much more compact approach. At just 3.87 inches square and weighing 0.68 pounds, it's designed for ultimate portability. Its silicone exterior and tear-resistant strap show clear focus on durability despite its small size.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. This is particularly impressive for the Bose given its size.
Here's where the size difference really shows its impact. The Charge 5 employs a sophisticated audio setup:
This configuration allows for what audio engineers call "frequency separation" - different drivers handling different parts of the sound spectrum, resulting in clearer audio. The larger size also means more air movement, which translates to better bass response and higher maximum volume.
The SoundLink Micro uses a custom-designed transducer and passive radiators, but in a much smaller package. While Bose doesn't publish detailed specs, testing reveals impressive performance for its size, particularly in the mid-range frequencies where human voices reside.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements since the Micro's 2017 release, which is evident in these devices:
Charge 5:
SoundLink Micro:
The Charge 5's power bank feature lets you charge your phone from the speaker's battery - particularly useful during outdoor activities or travel.
Having tested both speakers extensively, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The Charge 5 excels as a primary room speaker, filling medium-sized spaces with rich, balanced sound. It's particularly impressive with movies and TV shows, where its bass response adds depth to explosions and sound effects. However, it may be overkill for a bedroom or office.
The Micro shines in personal listening scenarios. Its sound is clear and present without overwhelming the space. It's perfect for podcast listening while cooking or casual music in a small room.
Here's where the differences become stark. The Charge 5's extra power means it can overcome wind noise and maintain clarity at distance. It's ideal for beach trips, backyard parties, or poolside use.
The Micro performs admirably outdoors but within a much smaller radius. It's perfect for personal use while gardening, biking, or hiking, where its compact size and attachment strap prove invaluable.
Both speakers use Bluetooth for connection, but with different approaches:
When considering value, it's crucial to match features to your needs:
The Charge 5's $140 price point delivers:
The Micro's $100 investment provides:
Choose the JBL Charge 5 if:
Choose the Bose SoundLink Micro if:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The JBL Charge 5 stands as a versatile, powerful speaker that can handle almost any situation, while the Bose SoundLink Micro offers impressive performance in an ultra-portable package.
For most users seeking a primary Bluetooth speaker, the Charge 5's additional capabilities and superior sound quality make it the better choice despite the higher price. However, if portability is your primary concern or you're looking for a secondary speaker for personal use, the Micro remains a compelling option even several years after its release.
| JBL Charge 5 | Bose SoundLink Micro |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and sound potential | |
| 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 inches, 2.11 lbs | 3.87 x 3.87 x 1.37 inches, 0.68 lbs |
| Audio Output - Determines volume capability and sound quality | |
| 40W total (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) | Not specified, significantly lower output |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without charging | |
| 20 hours playback | 6 hours playback |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) | IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) |
| Speaker Configuration - Affects sound clarity and bass response | |
| Dedicated woofer, tweeter, dual passive radiators | Single transducer with passive radiator |
| Charging Port - Affects charging convenience and speed | |
| USB-C (modern standard) | Micro-USB (older standard) |
| Extra Features - Adds versatility | |
| Power bank function, PartyBoost multi-speaker pairing | Built-in speakerphone, tear-resistant strap, voice assistant access |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection stability and range | |
| 5.1 (latest standard) | 4.2 (older standard) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $139.99 (premium features justify cost) | $99.99 (good value for ultra-portable use) |
| Best Use Case - Helps match to needs | |
| Primary speaker for gatherings, outdoor events, room audio | Personal listening, travel, sports activities, compact spaces |
The $139.99 JBL Charge 5 is significantly better for movie watching due to its larger drivers and dedicated tweeter/woofer setup. The enhanced bass response and higher volume capability make it more suitable as a home theater companion compared to the Bose SoundLink Micro.
Yes, both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The JBL Charge 5 performs better in this role due to its fuller sound range and higher volume output. The Bose SoundLink Micro works but is better suited for personal listening.
The JBL Charge 5 delivers notably stronger bass thanks to its larger 52x90mm woofer and dual passive radiators. The Bose Micro's bass is good for its size but can't match the larger speaker's capabilities.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance. The $99.99 Bose SoundLink Micro has a more rugged silicone exterior, while the JBL Charge 5 uses a fabric covering with rubber ends. Both are highly durable for outdoor use.
The JBL Charge 5 offers 20 hours of playback time, while the Bose SoundLink Micro provides 6 hours. This significant difference makes the Charge 5 better for extended use scenarios.
Yes, both models offer this capability. The JBL Charge 5 uses PartyBoost to connect with other JBL speakers, while the Bose Micro uses SimpleSync technology for Bose speaker pairing.
Both are weather-resistant, but the JBL Charge 5 is better for outdoor gatherings due to its louder volume and longer battery life. The Bose Micro is better for personal outdoor activities like biking or hiking.
Neither speaker is designed for true home theater surround sound. However, the JBL Charge 5 can serve as a decent supplementary speaker for casual TV viewing. The Bose Micro isn't recommended for this purpose.
The JBL Charge 5 offers better value for those needing a versatile, powerful speaker with long battery life. The Bose Micro provides good value if ultra-portability is your priority.
The Bose SoundLink Micro includes a built-in speakerphone feature making it better for calls. The JBL Charge 5 doesn't have this capability.
The JBL Charge 5 features newer Bluetooth 5.1 technology and can connect to two devices simultaneously. The Bose Micro uses older Bluetooth 4.2 but still maintains stable connections.
Neither speaker is designed for wall mounting. For home theater use, the JBL Charge 5 can be placed on a shelf, while the Bose SoundLink Micro is too small for effective home theater use.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - howtogeek.com - jbl.com - abt.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - homedepot.com - bhphotovideo.com - dxomark.com - rtings.com - mygolfspy.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bose.com - alwayswander.info - target.com - bose.com - bose.com
