JBL Charge 3 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Audio output power: 20.00 W
  • Battery life: 20 hours
  • IP rating: IPX7
  • Bluetooth version: 4.1
  • Weight: 800 g

JBL Charge 3 review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.9

Technical Score

20.0%

9.7

User score

Very good
6.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.3

Audio

20.0%

8.4

Battery

18.0%

7.3

Durability

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

8.0%

6.7

Controls

3.0%

8.5

Design

3.0%

7.6

Smart features

Good
9.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

9.5

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(25070)
amazon
4.7
(11972)
amazon
4.6
(4773)
amazon
4.3
(250)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(47225)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(1062)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 8.8
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    5.7

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.4

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Battery life

  • 6.8
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    10

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.4

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 6.7
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.4

    Weight

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JBL Charge 3 is a rugged portable Bluetooth 4.1 speaker featuring dual 50mm transducers with a total rated power of 20W, a 65Hz–20kHz frequency response, and an IPX7 waterproof housing. Its defining characteristic is a high-capacity 6,000mAh lithium-ion polymer battery providing up to 20 hours of playtime alongside a 5V/2A USB-A power bank to charge external mobile devices. Main pros include a durable fabric and rubber design, powerful audio output with dual external passive bass radiators, a noise-canceling speakerphone, and multi-speaker daisy-chaining via JBL Connect. However, significant cons include its bulky and heavy 800g chassis, the complete lack of backward track navigation controls, and slightly muffled high-frequency audio clarity resulting from its thick waterproof material layers.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Charge 3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.3

Audio

20.0%

8.4

Battery

18.0%

7.3

Durability

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

8.0%

6.7

Controls

3.0%

8.5

Design

3.0%

7.6

Smart features

6.9
JBL Charge 3 has a technical score of 6.95 points, which is higher than 57.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

9.5

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(25070)
amazon
4.7
(11972)
amazon
4.6
(4773)
amazon
4.3
(250)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(47225)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(1062)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.7
JBL Charge 3 has a user score of 9.67 points, which is higher than 99.4% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
10
JBL Charge 3 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

8.1
JBL Charge 3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.1 points, which is higher than 76.4% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

20.00 W
JBL Charge 3 has an audio output power of 20.00 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 20.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

50.00 mm
JBL Charge 3 has a driver unit size of 50.00 mm which is larger than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10.2% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 50.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

2
JBL Charge 3 has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

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Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

65.00 Hz
JBL Charge 3 has a lowest frequency of 65.00 Hz which is higher than that of 57.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 65.00 Hz.
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Charge 3 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

4.1
JBL Charge 3 supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 4.1.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
JBL Charge 3 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Charge 3 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

20 hours
JBL Charge 3 has a battery life of 20 hours which is longer than that of 80.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

6,000 mAh
JBL Charge 3 has a battery capacity of 6,000 mAh which is larger than that of 88.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.5% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

4 hours
JBL Charge 3 has a charging time of 4 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 19.3% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

11 W
JBL Charge 3 has a maximum charging input power of 11 W which is higher than that of 70.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Charge 3 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX7
JBL Charge 3 has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Charge 3 is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
JBL Charge 3 is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

1 m
JBL Charge 3 has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Charge 3 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Charge 3 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Charge 3 does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

800 g
JBL Charge 3 weighs 800 g which is lighter than that of 49.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

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Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

21.3 cm
JBL Charge 3 has a width of 21.3 cm which is wider than that of 61% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

8.7 cm
JBL Charge 3 has a depth of 8.7 cm which is deeper than that of 52.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

JBL Portable
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Charge 3 supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

OTA; App
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Charge 3 supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Charge 3 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
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JBL Charge 3 vs the average portable speaker

  • 2 more multipoint connections
    JBL Charge 3 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 3.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    JBL Charge 3 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).3 vs 1
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Charge 3 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 1 m

    JBL Charge 3 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).1 m vs 0 m
  • 3,400 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Charge 3 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    JBL Charge 3 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).6000 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 8 hours longer battery life
    JBL Charge 3 has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (20 hours vs 12 hours).
    What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
    When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 h

    JBL Charge 3 has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (20 hours vs 12 hours).20 hours vs 12 hours
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Charge 3 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Charge 3 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has a power bank function
    JBL Charge 3 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Charge 3 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Supports party mode
    JBL Charge 3 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
    What it is: Indicates whether multiple speakers can play the same audio together.
    When it matters: When several compatible speakers should play together.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Charge 3 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    JBL Charge 3 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can join a synchronized multi-room audio system.
    When it matters: When synchronized playback across several rooms matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Charge 3 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Charge 3 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    JBL Charge 3 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
  • 3,400 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Charge 3 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (6,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • 8 hours longer battery life
    JBL Charge 3 has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (20 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Has a power bank function
    JBL Charge 3 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    JBL Charge 3 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 1 W higher charging input power
    JBL Charge 3 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (11 W vs 10 W).
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Charge 3 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
  • Better ingress protection
    JBL Charge 3 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
  • 20 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    JBL Charge 3 has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (60 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Supports party mode
    JBL Charge 3 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports playback mute
    JBL Charge 3 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    JBL Charge 3 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports voice assistants
    JBL Charge 3 supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    JBL Charge 3 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Charge 3 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 90.00 dB.
  • 5 Hz less deep bass extension
    JBL Charge 3 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (65 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 65.00 Hz.
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Charge 3 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.1.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    JBL Charge 3 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    JBL Charge 3 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 20 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    JBL Charge 3 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).
  • 3.2 cm wider
    JBL Charge 3 is wider than the average portable speaker (21.3 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 3 older
    JBL Charge 3 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2016.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    JBL Charge 3 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    JBL Charge 3 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    JBL Charge 3 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
    When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <= 4 h

    JBL Charge 3 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).4 hours vs 3 hours
  • 20 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    JBL Charge 3 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).
    What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= -10 °C

    JBL Charge 3 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (-20 °C vs 0 °C).-20 °C vs 0 °C
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    JBL Charge 3 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.1.
    What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
    When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5.0

    JBL Charge 3 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5.0).4.1 vs 5.0
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    JBL Charge 3 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 90.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    JBL Charge 3 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).90.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 5 Hz less deep bass extension
    JBL Charge 3 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (65 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 65.00 Hz.
    What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <= 60 Hz

    JBL Charge 3 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (65 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).65.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • 77.8% more expensive
    JBL Charge 3 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£160 vs £90).
    JBL Charge 3 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£160 vs £90).£160 vs £90
  • 3 older
    JBL Charge 3 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2016.
    What it is: The official launch timing of the speaker model.
    When it matters: When newer connectivity, software support, or product longevity matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 2024

    JBL Charge 3 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).2,016 vs 2,019

Graphic comparison of JBL Charge 3 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about JBL Charge 3?

  • Powerful audio performance with deep, thumpy bass and high volume output
  • Excellent battery life offering up to 20 hours of continuous playback
  • IPX7 fully waterproof and rugged design that can withstand submersion and floats
  • Built-in 6,000mAh power bank functionality to charge external mobile devices via USB
  • Reliable Bluetooth connectivity with a strong wireless range and stable pairing
  • Includes a built-in echo and noise-cancelling speakerphone for clear voice calls
  • JBL Connect feature allows pairing with multiple compatible speakers for synchronized sound

What customers dislike about JBL Charge 3?

  • Slightly heavy and bulky cylindrical design, making it less backpack-friendly
  • Waterproofing material causes slightly muffled or recessed midrange frequencies
  • Lack of 360-degree audio due to the strictly forward-facing internal drivers
  • Controls do not support backward track navigation to return to the previous song
  • Exposed side passive bass radiators can be prone to scratching or damage from sharp objects
  • Relies on an older micro-USB charging port rather than modern USB-C fast charging
  • Does not support high-fidelity aptX Bluetooth audio codecs for premium streaming

Expert reviews

W
whathifi.com
13/11/2018
Summary of the review
S
soundguys.com
14/07/2021
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
20/11/2019
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
23/06/2016
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
11/07/2016
Summary of the review
T
tomsguide.com
05/07/2016
Summary of the review
T
techhive.com
27/06/2016
Summary of the review
M
mashable.com
16/07/2018
Summary of the review
M
me.pcmag.com
11/07/2016
Summary of the review
L
legitreviews.com
10/08/2016
Summary of the review
A
androidheadlines.com
12/08/2016
Summary of the review
T
techgearlab.com
05/04/2017
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
29/06/2018
Summary of the review
T
themasterswitch.com
14/03/2019
Summary of the review
L
lbtechreviews.com
17/08/2018
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
09/09/2016
Summary of the review
A
av-magazin.de
20/03/2017
Summary of the review
B
bluetooth-lautsprecher-infos.de
19/01/2024
Summary of the review
A
areadvd.de
24/06/2016
Summary of the review
M
musikbox-test.de
N/A
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
31/05/2016
Summary of the review
C
cnetfrance.fr
17/12/2011
Summary of the review
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
28/05/2016
Summary of the review
G
global.techradar.com
09/01/2020
Summary of the review
F
fwd.nl
11/08/2016
Summary of the review
C
consumentenbond.nl
14/08/2026
Summary of the review
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
29/05/2016
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
27/11/2017
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
10/10/2016
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
17/03/2018
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
20/02/2019
Summary of the review

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