This JBL speaker has been heavily discounted. It has features that are not a given

Portable Bluetooth speakers are everywhere – but Wi-Fi enabled versions are not as common. You can now get the JBL Charge 5 WiFi for 3 816 Kč instead of the usual 4 490 Kč. Compared to its introductory price of 6 490 Kč in 2023, you save almost 2 700 Kč. The Wi-Fi version, unlike the classic Charge 5, offers the ability to stream via AirPlay, Chromecast, or Spotify Connect – while still being able to use your phone normally without interrupting the music.

Quick summary:
✅ It makes sense if you want a quality portable speaker with Wi-Fi streaming and water resistance.
⚠️ Consider if you expect stereo sound or plan to play audio from videos via Wi-Fi.
💡 For 3 816 Kč, you get an acclaimed speaker with features that competitors in this price category do not offer.

Why the Wi-Fi version is more interesting than classic Bluetooth

The main advantage of the JBL Charge 5 WiFi over the regular Bluetooth version is simple: when streaming via Wi-Fi, you can use your phone normally. You can answer a call, browse social media, reply to a message – and the music continues to play without interruption. This doesn’t work with Bluetooth streaming because the phone actively sends audio to the speaker.

Additionally, the Wi-Fi version supports AirPlay for Apple device users, Chromecast built-in for Android and the Google ecosystem, Spotify Connect for direct control from the Spotify app, and Alexa Multi-Room Music for connecting with other compatible speakers. According to users, the sound quality via Wi-Fi is noticeably better than via Bluetooth – compression is minimal.

JBL Original Pro Sound

The speaker utilizes JBL Original Pro Sound with an optimized long-excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and two passive bass radiators. Its 40 W power output and frequency range of 60 Hz – 20,000 Hz ensure balanced sound with prominent bass, even for a small device of this size.

The automatic tuning feature uses dual microphones to recognize the surrounding environment and optimize the sound – the speaker plays differently in an enclosed room than it does outdoors in a garden. In the JBL One app, you can customize the equalizer according to your preferences.

Practical aspects: battery life, durability, power bank

A battery with a capacity of 7,500 mAh (the manufacturer also states 14,100 mAh in some specifications) ensures up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge. Charging is done via USB-C. Additionally, the speaker functions as a power bank – you can charge your phone or other devices from it, which is useful for trips or festivals.

IP67 certification means resistance to dust and immersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. You can therefore confidently take the speaker to the pool, beach, or shower. A weight of 1 kg and dimensions of 9.7 × 22.3 × 9.4 cm make the Charge 5 WiFi a highly portable device – although lighter alternatives exist for long hikes.

You can connect two phones or tablets simultaneously via Bluetooth and take turns playing music. To create a stereo setup, you can connect two JBL Charge 5 WiFi speakers – but be aware that the Wi-Fi version is not compatible with the classic Charge 5 via PartyBoost.

What users say

On Alza, the JBL Charge 5 WiFi has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 (38 ratings) and 92% of customers recommend it. Over 500 units have been sold. Users most frequently praise the sound quality, Wi-Fi features (especially Chromecast and AirPlay), battery life, and durable design. Satisfaction is often expressed regarding the significantly higher music quality when played via Wi-Fi compared to Bluetooth.

Critical voices primarily concern the fact that the speaker is mono, not stereo – for a stereo effect, you need two units. Several users mention occasional disconnections from the Wi-Fi network (it needs to be reconnected in the app approximately once every two weeks). Important limitation: only music can be streamed via Wi-Fi – audio from videos (YouTube) must be played via Bluetooth. And beware: the speaker will not connect to Wi-Fi networks without a password (hotspot).

One experienced user with JBL Charge 3 and PartyBox 710 was disappointed by the bass character – describing it as “artificially produced” and not as natural as with older models. Therefore, it depends on personal preferences and the type of music you listen to.

When it doesn’t make sense

If you plan to use the speaker primarily outdoors without Wi-Fi, you won’t utilize the Wi-Fi features, and the classic JBL Charge 5 (without WiFi) will suffice at a lower price. Similarly, if you expect stereo sound from a single speaker – the Charge 5 WiFi is mono; for stereo, you need two units.

The Wi-Fi version is also not compatible with the regular Charge 5 via PartyBoost – if you already have one Charge 5 and want to connect them, you’ll need to buy another WiFi version. And if you want to play audio from YouTube videos via Wi-Fi, you’ll be disappointed – it only works via Bluetooth. However, for purely music streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music), this is not an issue.

Verdict: who it’s worth it for

The JBL Charge 5 WiFi is the choice for those who want a quality portable speaker with the benefits of Wi-Fi streaming. For 3 816 Kč, you get a device with AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, 20 hours of battery life, and IP67 resistance. Compared to the launch price, you save almost 2 700 Kč. If you use streaming services and want to use your phone normally while listening, the Wi-Fi version makes sense. If you mainly use the speaker outdoors without Wi-Fi, the cheaper Bluetooth variant will suffice.

Do you use a portable speaker for Wi-Fi streaming, or is Bluetooth enough for you?