Choosing Between Premium Portable Bluetooth Speakers: A Detailed Comparison

When looking for a high-quality portable speaker, two models stand out in different ways: the new Morel BIGGIE ($299) and the established JBL Charge 5 ($140). Let's explore how these speakers compare and who should consider each one.

The Evolution of Portable Speakers

Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way since their early days of tinny sound and limited battery life. Today's premium models offer impressive audio quality that rivals some home speakers, while maintaining the convenience of portability. The technology has matured significantly, with improvements in battery efficiency, Bluetooth connectivity, and driver design.

Sound Quality: The Core Difference

The BIGGIE represents Morel's first entry into the portable speaker market, bringing their high-end audio expertise to a new format. Released in early 2024, it employs a sophisticated two-way design with separate drivers for high and low frequencies - a 1-inch soft dome tweeter handles the high notes while a 4-inch woofer manages the midrange and bass. This separation allows each driver to focus on its optimal frequency range, resulting in clearer, more detailed sound.

The Charge 5, released in 2021, takes a different approach. It uses a single main driver coupled with passive radiators (which are like speakers without their own power, moving in response to air pressure from the main driver) to produce bass. While this design is more straightforward, JBL has refined it over five generations to deliver impressive performance, especially for outdoor use.

In direct comparison:

• The BIGGIE offers more refined treble and clearer midrange, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound more natural
• The Charge 5 produces stronger bass impact and projects sound better in open spaces
• The BIGGIE's 60-watt amplification (split between tweeter and woofer) provides more headroom for dynamic peaks
• The Charge 5's 40-watt system focuses more on efficiency and outdoor projection

Build Quality and Durability

Here's where use case really matters. The BIGGIE is built like a piece of high-end home audio equipment, with a solid MDF cabinet and premium materials throughout. However, it's designed primarily for indoor use or protected outdoor spaces.

The Charge 5 is essentially the opposite - it's built to survive. Its IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for:

• Pool parties
• Beach trips
• Camping
• Bathroom use
• Any situation where water or weather might be a concern

Modern Features and Connectivity

Both speakers incorporate modern connectivity features, but with different priorities:

The BIGGIE offers:

• Bluetooth 5.3 with extended range (165 feet)
• True Wireless Stereo for pairing two units
• Future Auracast support (a new technology that will allow broadcasting to multiple compatible devices)
• 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections
• USB-C fast charging

The Charge 5 provides:

• Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
• PartyBoost for connecting multiple JBL speakers
• USB powerbank functionality to charge other devices
• USB-C charging
• No auxiliary input

Battery Life and Charging

Both speakers advertise 20-hour battery life, but real-world performance varies:

• The BIGGIE typically achieves 16-18 hours at moderate volumes
• The Charge 5 consistently reaches 20 hours
• BIGGIE offers faster charging (20 minutes for 4 hours of play)
• Charge 5 takes longer to charge but can power other devices

Home Theater Considerations

While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the BIGGIE's superior audio quality makes it a viable option for small spaces or temporary setups. Its True Wireless Stereo capability allows you to create a basic stereo system using two units, though at $598 for the pair, there are better dedicated home theater options at that price point.

Value Proposition

The JBL Charge 5 at $140 represents excellent value for most users, especially given its durability and consistent performance. The BIGGIE at $299 is more specialized - you're paying for superior sound quality and more refined engineering, but losing some versatility.

How to Decide

Choose the BIGGIE if:

• Audio quality is your top priority
• You'll use it primarily indoors
• You appreciate refined sound and build quality
• Budget isn't a major constraint

Choose the Charge 5 if:

• You need weatherproofing
• You frequently use your speaker outdoors
• You want the ability to charge other devices
• Value and durability are key concerns

Remember that both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The BIGGIE brings audiophile-grade sound to the portable segment, while the Charge 5 offers proven durability and versatility at a more accessible price point. Your choice should ultimately align with how and where you'll use the speaker most often.

Technical improvements since the Charge 5's 2021 release haven't been revolutionary, but the BIGGIE shows how premium audio companies are now taking portable speakers seriously, bringing higher-end audio engineering to the category. While the Charge 5 remains a benchmark for outdoor-friendly portable speakers, the BIGGIE demonstrates how far portable audio quality can go when cost isn't the primary constraint.

Morel BIGGIE Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

JBL Charge 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker Deals and Prices