When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024, two popular options stand out: the Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) and the JBL Charge 5 ($139.99). Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years. What started as simple battery-powered units has transformed into sophisticated audio devices with features like waterproofing, multi-speaker pairing, and even light shows. Modern speakers need to balance sound quality, durability, and battery life while remaining portable enough for everyday use.
The key improvements we've seen since 2021 (when the JBL Charge 5 was released) and 2023 (the BOOM 2's release) include:
The BOOM 2 leads with 80W of maximum power output, compared to the Charge 5's 40W. However, raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. The Charge 5 uses its power more efficiently, with carefully tuned drivers that create clean, balanced sound even at high volumes.
Both speakers take different approaches to audio delivery:
The BOOM 2 features:
The Charge 5 includes:
In real-world use, the BOOM 2 delivers more impactful bass and higher maximum volume, making it ideal for outdoor parties. The Charge 5 provides clearer mids and more natural sound reproduction, better suited for varied listening scenarios.
The BOOM 2 is noticeably larger, measuring roughly 10% bigger than the Charge 5. This extra size houses larger drivers and more battery capacity but impacts portability. The Charge 5's more compact design includes a useful carrying strap, making it more practical for on-the-go use.
Both speakers offer serious weather protection:
Battery performance has become increasingly important, and both speakers deliver impressive results:
BOOM 2:
Charge 5:
Real-world battery life varies significantly based on volume level, bass boost usage, and feature activation. The BOOM 2's light show, for instance, can reduce battery life by 20-30% when active.
Both speakers use Bluetooth, but with different implementations:
The BOOM 2's newer Bluetooth version provides slightly better connection stability and range, though both perform excellently in typical use cases.
Each speaker offers its own multi-speaker ecosystem:
BOOM 2's PartyCast 2.0:
Charge 5's PartyBoost:
The Soundcore app provides more customization options, including:
JBL's app offers:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve as temporary solutions:
BOOM 2:
Charge 5:
Neither would replace a dedicated soundbar or home theater system, but they can enhance TV audio in a pinch.
The BOOM 2 at $129.99 offers:
The Charge 5 at $139.99 provides:
Both speakers represent excellent value in the premium portable speaker market, but they serve different users best. The BOOM 2 excels as a party speaker with its higher volume, light show, and bass-forward sound. The Charge 5 shines as a more versatile everyday companion with superior build quality and balanced audio reproduction.
Consider your primary use case when choosing:
Remember that both speakers will serve well in most situations - these distinctions matter most to users with specific needs or preferences. Either choice provides a solid foundation for portable audio needs in 2024 and beyond.
| Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) | JBL Charge 5 ($139.99) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound presence | |
| 80W total (more powerful for outdoor use) | 40W total (sufficient for most scenarios) |
| Speaker Configuration - Affects sound quality and stereo separation | |
| Dual 20mm tweeters + 90x120mm woofer (true stereo) | Single 20mm tweeter + 52x90mm woofer (mono) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended outdoor use | |
| 24 hours (at moderate volume) | 20 hours (at moderate volume) |
| Charging Time - Important for quick turnaround | |
| 5.5 hours to full | 4 hours to full |
| Water Resistance - Essential for outdoor durability | |
| IPX7 (waterproof, can float) | IP67 (waterproof + dustproof) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects range and stability | |
| 5.3 (100m range) | 5.1 (80m range) |
| Multi-Speaker Pairing - Expands sound coverage | |
| PartyCast 2.0 (100+ speakers) | PartyBoost (2+ speakers) |
| Special Features - Adds value beyond basic audio | |
| Beat-synced light show, BassUp 2.0, extensive EQ | PartyBoost, basic EQ, more compact design |
| Size - Impacts portability | |
| 223 x 96.5 x 94 mm (larger) | 223 x 96.5 x 94 mm (more portable) |
| Weight - Affects ease of transport | |
| 2.34 lbs (heavier) | 2.11 lbs (lighter) |
| Power Bank Function - Useful for charging devices | |
| Yes (5V/1A output) | Yes (5V/2A output) |
| App Features - Enhances customization | |
| Full EQ control, light show customization, firmware updates | Basic EQ presets, firmware updates |
| Price-Performance Ratio - Overall value proposition | |
| Better feature set for lower price | Premium build quality, balanced sound signature |
The Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) has better stereo separation with its dual tweeters, making it more suitable for TV viewing. While the JBL Charge 5 ($139.99) offers clearer dialogue, its mono design is less ideal for home theater applications. Neither should be considered a permanent home theater solution, but the BOOM 2's wider soundstage makes it the better temporary option.
The JBL Charge 5 offers more balanced, natural sound with clearer mids and highs. The BOOM 2 delivers more powerful bass and higher volume but can lose some clarity at maximum levels. For critical listening, the Charge 5 is superior, while the BOOM 2 excels at high-volume party scenarios.
While both can improve TV sound compared to built-in speakers, neither is an ideal soundbar replacement. The BOOM 2's stereo separation and higher power make it the better choice if you must use it for TV audio, but a proper soundbar would provide better dialogue clarity and wider sound dispersion.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers 24 hours of playback compared to the Charge 5's 20 hours. However, using features like the BOOM 2's light show will reduce battery life significantly. Both provide enough power for most use cases, but the BOOM 2 has a slight edge in longevity.
Both speakers are waterproof, but the Charge 5 has superior IP67 rating (waterproof and dustproof) compared to the BOOM 2's IPX7 rating (just waterproof). Both can handle submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Yes, both offer multi-speaker pairing. The BOOM 2's PartyCast 2.0 can connect 100+ compatible speakers, while the Charge 5's PartyBoost allows pairing with other JBL speakers for stereo or multi-speaker mono playback.
The BOOM 2 offers better Bluetooth connectivity with version 5.3 and 100m range, compared to the Charge 5's Bluetooth 5.1 with 80m range. Both provide stable connections for typical use cases.
Both speakers include power bank functionality. The Charge 5 offers faster charging with 5V/2A output, while the BOOM 2 provides 5V/1A output. Both can charge phones in emergencies, though this will reduce speaker battery life.
The JBL Charge 5 is more portable, being slightly lighter at 2.11 lbs versus the BOOM 2's 2.34 lbs. The Charge 5 also includes a carrying strap and has a more compact design.
The Soundcore app offers more extensive features, including detailed EQ settings and light show customization. The JBL app provides basic EQ presets and PartyBoost controls. For customization options, the BOOM 2 offers more flexibility.
The BOOM 2 ($129.99) offers more features at a lower price point than the Charge 5 ($139.99). However, the Charge 5's superior build quality and balanced sound may justify the higher cost for some users. Consider your primary use case when deciding if the price difference is worthwhile.
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: soundcore.com - audioholics.com - community.anker.com - trustedreviews.com - soundcore.com - manuals.plus - soundcore.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - soundandvision.com - techradar.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - howtogeek.com - jbl.com - abt.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - homedepot.com - bhphotovideo.com - dxomark.com
