The JBL Charge 5 was arguably the most popular portable speaker of the last few years. So, when JBL announced the Charge 6, the question wasn't "is it good?"—it was "how could they possibly improve it?"
Well, they found a way. The new JBL Charge 6 keeps the iconic shape but adds a laundry list of features fans have been begging for: a handle, better waterproofing, and finally, wired lossless audio. Is it worth the upgrade? I’ve dug into the specs and performance to see if this is the new champion of portable audio.
What’s New: The Key Upgrades
If you put the Charge 5 and Charge 6 side-by-side, they look similar, but the Charge 6 is a totally different beast under the hood.
- IP68 Waterproof, Dustproof & Drop-Proof: The durability rating got a boost. It’s now rated IP68 (up from IP67), meaning it can withstand deeper water and dust, but JBL also certifies it as "drop-proof" from up to 1 meter.
- Removable Carrying Strap: Finally! One of the biggest complaints about the Charge 5 was the lack of a handle. The Charge 6 comes with a sturdy, removable shoulder strap, making it much easier to hike with.
- AI Sound Boost & Lossless Audio: This is huge for audiophiles. The new "AI Sound Boost" optimizes the driver movement for louder, clearer sound with less distortion. Plus, the USB-C port now supports wired lossless audio—meaning you can plug your phone in directly for higher-quality sound than Bluetooth can provide.
- Auracast™ Connectivity: Goodbye PartyBoost, hello Auracast. This is the new industry standard that lets you wirelessly connect unlimited JBL Auracast-enabled speakers for a massive soundstage.
- 24+ Hour Battery: The standard battery life is now up to 24 hours (vs 20 on the old model). There is also a "Playtime Boost" mode that can stretch this to 28 hours by slightly optimizing the EQ.
How It Performs: The Real-World Test
The Charge 6 sounds noticeably richer than its predecessor. The separate tweeter and woofer (now slightly more powerful) deliver crisp highs and thumping bass that feels "wider" thanks to the new tuning. The "AI Sound Boost" isn't just marketing; the speaker maintains clarity even at max volume without the muddy distortion you typically get from portable speakers.
The Powerbank feature is still here but modernized. Instead of the old USB-A port, the USB-C port is now two-way: it charges the speaker and charges your phone. This streamlines your cable setup significantly.
The addition of the strap makes a surprisingly big difference in daily use. You no longer have to awkwardly clutch it like a football; you can just sling it over your shoulder.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Yes, absolutely.
If you already have a Charge 5 that works fine, you might not need to rush out. But if you are buying your first premium portable speaker, or if you really missed having a handle, the JBL Charge 6 is a no-brainer.
It takes everything good about the old model—the durability and the powerbank—and adds the modern features we actually wanted: a strap, better battery, and wired audio support. It is currently the best mid-sized portable speaker on the market.
