JBL Charge 3 speaker review

Audio equipment manufacturer JBL has become popular in the Russian market thanks to inexpensive headphones and functional speakers. The company produces portable acoustics for various spheres of life: there are devices with bright light music, durable carbines, water resistance and many other useful properties. Today we look at the JBL Charge 3 wireless speaker for outdoor enthusiasts. How does it differ from other devices from the Charge series, and how justified is its cost?

Equipment

The speaker comes in a signature bright box made of thick cardboard. In addition to the image of the device, on the package there are icons with basic technical characteristics, a company logo and a brief pairing instruction. The package includes an orange charging unit with an adapter for European outlets, a micro-USB cable, a warranty card and a user manual. Each item is packed in a separate compartment and has a small package. A cover is also attached to some other devices in the JBL catalog, but it is not required for the Charge 3 model, since the column is protected from water and other external influences.

Specifications

1. Main color: black, gray, blue, turquoise, red
2. Stereo system: yes
3. Ultimate Power (Watt): 20 W
4. Speaker size: 50 mm
5. Frequency range (Hz): 65 Hz - 20,000 Hz
6. Ultimate Sensitivity: 80dB
7. Production materials: rubber, plastic (soft-touch coating)
8. Built-in headset: yes
9. Water resistant: IPX7 certified
10. Display: no
11. Backlight: no
12. Wireless sound source: Bluetooth version 4.1
13. Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
14. USB Type A Playback: No
15. Line AUX input: yes
16. Other connectors: micro USB, USB Type
17. Use as a bank: yes
18. FM radio: no
19. Battery capacity: 6000 mAh (Li-ion)
20. Battery Life: 20 hours
21. Scope of delivery: documentation, USB cable, power adapter
22. Additional functionality: JBL Connect, the ability to simultaneously work with three devices
23. Dimensions: 213 by 87 by 89 mm
24. Weight: 800g

Design and Build

The design of the Charge 3 speaker is somewhat reminiscent of the younger modification of the portable speakers JBL Xtreme. In addition to black, it is also available in turquoise, red, blue and gray colors. The case is made in the shape of a small "barrel". On the front side there is a bright orange company logo, below - a light indication of the battery charge, which has five positions. This is convenient because, even without turning the column over, you can find out the charge level by reflection from a horizontal surface. The body is pleasant to the touch and has a ribbed texture. On the sides are high-quality subwoofers with JBL engraving. It looks stylish and bright.

All main keys are displayed on the upper part of the case and have a fairly symmetrical arrangement. If you look from left to right: wireless connection, decrease the volume level, power, pair with other JBL devices, increase the volume level and pause.

The connectors are located at the bottom of the chassis. They are tightly covered by a rubber stopper. The speaker has a standard 3.5 mm audio output, a socket for charging from the network and a full-fledged USB input for use as a portable battery. Dimensions of the device - 213 x 87 x 89 mm, it weighs about 800 grams. These are good indicators when compared with competitive speakers, but the speakers of the past generation had a more compact body. If you need a small device that can fit into a bicycle cup holder, it is better to pay attention to the Flip 3 model.

Sound quality

The portable JBL Charge 3 emitters reproduce frequencies in the spectrum from 65 to 20,000 Hz and produce a power of about 20 watts.The sound remains clear and clear even if the speaker is turned with the back to users. In general, since the release of the third generation, playback has become more enjoyable and balanced. Music is not distorted even at the ultimate volume level.

Most manufacturers of low-cost portable acoustics focus on playing bass, so in the middle and high range there are noises and the sound turns into a "mess". JBL did not strongly emphasize low tones, leaving a balance between different parts of the spectrum. Nevertheless, the bass is quite noticeable and is able to “rock” a small room. We recommend testing the speaker on uncompressed formats like FLAC. You will be amazed at how clear and detailed the sound in JBL speakers can be.

The device has a standard audio output, so it is easily connected to stationary equipment. Considering the JBL Connect function, several speakers may well replace the home acoustics of the primary and middle class. And wireless connectivity makes it even more versatile.

Battery life

The speaker received a built-in 6000 mAh lithium-ion battery. The presence of a large and heavy power source is justified, because the emphasis was on the duration of the work, and not on other technical parameters. On average, at a normal volume level, a speaker can play music for up to 20 hours in a row, at a maximum volume level and with an active Bluetooth connection, up to 8-9 hours. This is one of the best indicators among portable devices, if you do not take into account the acoustics of the previous generation, which played out for 18 hours. The charging process takes 3 and a half hours.

In the Verbank mode, the column can work up to 4 hours without interrupting the playback of songs. The charge is proportional to the battery capacity of the smartphone. For example, an iPhone will be able to charge three times, xiaomi - only 1.5 times.

Water resistant

The speaker has good moisture protection and IPX7 certification. Judging by the reviews, it can withstand immersion for 30 minutes to a depth of not more than 1-2 meters. These are excellent indicators when compared with similar devices. Also JBL Charge 3 can be left for a long time in the rain or spray. However, do not connect the column to the network immediately after contact with water.

Advantages and disadvantages

JBL has created a practical device that can be used both on the beach and at home. It is time to highlight the main pros and cons that we noticed as we compiled this review.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality. The column belongs to the budget segment, but, nevertheless, plays music at the level of expensive acoustics. The sound is balanced, pronounced instruments and vocals.
2. There is moisture protection. You can take the column with you to the pool or to the beach without fear of breakage or short circuit. All connectors are securely covered with a rubber pad.
3. A capacious battery that can charge other devices. The battery life is 20 hours, which can be considered a record among the wireless acoustics of the budget segment.
4. The JBL Connect function can combine all the speakers from the manufacturer into a single system. If you have other devices from the company, they can play music from one source in conjunction with each other.
5. Bright design and ergonomics. JBL speakers have a bright and compact body that fits perfectly in your hand and sets you apart from other people.

Disadvantages:

1. Not as long battery life as the older generation, given the average performance (14 hours versus 18).
2. There is no audio cable in the kit, so you have to buy it yourself if you want to use the speaker as a stationary device.
3. Does not support NFC interfaces.

To summarize

The manufacturer was able to significantly improve the functionality of devices from the Charge series, while sacrificing autonomy and size. The JBL Charge 3 portable speaker is a great choice for active lifestyle enthusiasts. It is waterproof, stylish and ergonomic.The only significant minus is the lack of an audio cable in the configuration. But it can be easily purchased during operation.