JBL Charge 5 Red (Renewed) Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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JBL Charge 5 Red (Renewed) Portable Bluetooth Speaker

4.7

★★★★⯨ 4.7

About this item JBL Pro Sound with an optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter and dual JBL bass radiators Long…

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Introduction

In the world of portable Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Charge 5 has long been a standout choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. This renewed red version, available at an attractive price of $99, offers premium features typically found in higher-end models. With a stellar 4.7 out of 5-star rating from over 706 Amazon reviews, it’s clear that many users are thrilled with its performance. But does this refurbished gem live up to the hype? In this comprehensive JBL Charge 5 Renewed review, we’ll dive deep into its sound quality, build, battery life, and more, drawing from real customer feedback and key specifications to help you decide if it’s the right portable Bluetooth speaker for your needs.

Product Overview

The JBL Charge 5 Renewed in red is a rugged, portable Bluetooth speaker designed for on-the-go adventures. Measuring about 8.7 x 3.8 x 3.7 inches and weighing just over 2 pounds, it’s compact enough to toss in a backpack yet powerful enough to fill a room—or a beach party—with rich, immersive sound.

At its core is JBL’s Pro Sound technology, featuring an optimized long-excursion woofer, a separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators that deliver punchy bass and clear highs. It boasts up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, and its IP67 rating makes it fully dustproof and waterproof, submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Unique features include PartyBoost for stereo pairing or multi-speaker linking, and a built-in powerbank to charge your devices via USB.

As a renewed product, it’s been inspected, tested, and restored to like-new condition by Amazon-qualified suppliers, complete with a 90-day warranty. Customers consistently note that it looks, smells, and performs indistinguishably from a brand-new unit, making this $99 deal a steal compared to its original $180 price tag.

Pros

The JBL Charge 5 Renewed shines in several key areas, earning its high ratings through superior performance and value. Here are the top advantages based on specs and user experiences:

• Exceptional Sound Quality and Bass: JBL’s Pro Sound setup, with dual bass radiators, produces deep, rumbling lows and crisp highs that outperform many competitors. Reviewers rave about its room-filling volume and clarity, often comparing it favorably to larger, pricier speakers.
• Impressive 20-Hour Battery Life: Delivers consistent all-day playtime, even at high volumes. Users report it lasting through beach days, parties, or workouts without needing a recharge.
• IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating: Perfect for outdoor use—survives splashes, rain, sand, and dust. One detailed review highlighted its water resistance while noting minor sand issues (more on that later).
• PartyBoost Connectivity: Easily pair two compatible JBL speakers for stereo sound or link multiples for massive setups. Owners love the expanded audio experience, describing it as “spacious” and immersive.
• Built-in Powerbank: Charge your phone or other devices on the go, adding practical utility for long outings without access to outlets.
• Outstanding Value as Renewed: At $99, it offers flagship features at a budget price. Customers emphasize it feels brand new, with premium packaging and accessories like the distinctive orange-tipped USB cable.
• Durable Build and App Support: Sturdy fabric-wrapped exterior, rubberized bottom grips for stability, and a companion app for EQ tweaks and firmware updates enhance longevity and customization.

Cons

No product is perfect, and while the JBL Charge 5 Renewed scores highly overall, some drawbacks emerge from user feedback. Here’s a balanced look at the main cons:

• Weight and Portability for Handheld Use: At over 2 pounds, it’s hefty for extended carrying by hand, especially for smaller users or long hikes. The cylindrical shape lacks ergonomic grips, though third-party handles or straps ($15) solve this.
• Sand Accumulation in Grills: While dustproof, fine sand can occasionally stick in the speaker grills after beach use, requiring careful cleaning (e.g., with a sharp tool). It’s not a dealbreaker but needs maintenance.
• Limited Bluetooth Range: Some report choppy connections beyond 20 feet, potentially due to device compatibility (e.g., older iPhones). Newer phones may perform better, but it’s not ideal for very large areas.
• Exposed Bass Radiators: The passive radiators on the sides move visibly with bass—fun to watch but vulnerable to damage if touched by kids, pets, or curious adults. Protective nets are available from third parties.
• High Volume Ear Safety: It gets dangerously loud, which is great for parties but risky for prolonged exposure, especially around children or pets.

Customer Reviews Analysis

With a 4.7-star average from 706 reviews, the JBL Charge 5 Renewed garners overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly for its audio prowess and value. A standout 5-star review from a high school user turned into an epic saga: initially skeptical about the price, they were blown away by the “out-of-this-world” sound, “amazing bass,” and packaging. They rated audio, bass, and battery 10/10, calling it louder than cheaper big-box speakers. Even as a refurbished unit, “you would never know.”

Updates in the review addressed real-world use: sand in grills (cleanable), Bluetooth glitches at 20+ feet (phone-related?), and warnings about touching radiators. Despite these, family members fell in love—even the reviewer’s mom wanted one for Christmas after planning a return. Final score: 9.8/10, praising its addictiveness and superiority over competitors (7.5/10 average).

Other positives echo this: “Probably the best sounding portable on the market” for PartyBoost stereo pairing; “Great sound, great bass… looks and smells brand new!” from a quick reviewer thrilled by the deal; and a Spanish 4-star noting it “suena muy bien” (sounds very good) for the price.

Negatives are minor and often mitigated: weight tires arms after prolonged carrying (buy a strap), but stability on surfaces is excellent. No major refurbished complaints—users insist it’s indistinguishable from new. Common themes: durability, app integration, and the orange USB cable’s thoughtful design for safety. At $99, it’s hailed as a “fantastic deal,” with warnings about its ear-damaging volume underscoring its power.

Overall, 90%+ of sentiment is positive, with cons being nitpicks from heavy users. This aligns with the high rating, making it a trusted choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking premium performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the JBL Charge 5 Renewed really like new?
Yes, customers universally report it arrives in original packaging, looks pristine, and performs flawlessly. Amazon’s renewed program ensures it’s tested and restored, backed by a 90-day warranty.

2. How waterproof is the JBL Charge 5?
IP67-rated: fully dustproof and submersible in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Great for pools or rain, but rinse off sand/chlorine and avoid prolonged submersion.

3. What’s the actual battery life of the JBL Charge 5?
Up to 20 hours at moderate volume; real-world tests confirm 15-18 hours at higher levels. The powerbank feature adds versatility but drains battery when in use.

4. Does PartyBoost work with older JBL speakers?
PartyBoost is compatible only with other PartyBoost-enabled models (like Charge 4/5, Flip 5/6). It enables stereo pairing or multi-speaker chains for enhanced sound.

5. How heavy is the JBL Charge 5, and is it easy to carry?
Over 2 pounds—portable in bags but fatiguing handheld for long periods. Bottom grips prevent sliding; accessories like handles improve comfort.

Who Should Buy This Product

The JBL Charge 5 Renewed is ideal for:

• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Beachgoers, hikers, and campers who need rugged, weatherproof sound with powerbank convenience.
• Party Hosts: Those wanting loud, bass-heavy audio that links with others for bigger events.
• Budget Audiophiles: Value seekers getting flagship features at half price—perfect if you prioritize sound over ultra-lightweight design.
• Families and Groups: Durable for shared use, though supervise kids around radiators and high volumes.

Avoid if you need something featherlight for jogging or have pets/kids who might poke it. For everyday home use or small rooms, cheaper alternatives suffice, but this excels in power and portability.

Final Verdict

The JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker in Red (Renewed) is a resounding recommendation, especially at $99. Its Pro Sound, 20-hour battery, IP67 protection, PartyBoost, and powerbank make it a versatile powerhouse that punches above its weight—literally. Customer reviews paint a picture of addictive audio quality that wins over skeptics, with minor cons like weight and maintenance easily addressed.

Balanced against drawbacks, the pros dominate, earning it a spot as one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100. If you’re tired of tinny sound from budget options, this renewed gem delivers JBL mastery without breaking the bank. Grab it for your next adventure—you (and your family) won’t regret it.