I’m excited to share my experience with the brand-new JBL Charge 6. If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious. You want to know what the latest addition to an iconic lineup is worth. JBL’s Charge series has always made an impression. So, does this sixth version live up to the legacy? I tested it for you. I received the purple model, but don’t worry. JBL offers a wide range of colors. There’s something for every taste. In this article, I’ll give you my user feedback. I’ll detail my opinion on this promising speaker.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

Let’s start with the physical aspects of this speaker.

Dimensions and Weight: A Portable Middle Ground

First point, its weight. The Charge 6 weighs about 960 grams. So, it stays under the symbolic one-kilogram mark. It’s neither very heavy nor extremely light. I find it’s an excellent compromise. It slips easily into a backpack. It won’t break your back during your travels. Its dimensions are 228 x 98 x 94 mm. We notice a slight increase in size. It’s a trend with new models. But it remains very manageable.

Materials and Finish: Quality and Durability On Point

Next, let’s talk about the materials. JBL uses recycled plastic and fabric. That’s an excellent point for the environment. Importantly, this provides a very high-quality finish. The speaker inspires confidence from the first touch. On the sides and underneath, there are rubber supports. This material feels pleasant. It gives a sturdy and neat look. I tested its stability. Placed on my car’s dashboard, it doesn’t move. The rubber ensures good grip, even while driving. Honestly, this speaker exudes quality.

Durability and Ergonomics: Built for Adventure

Furthermore, the JBL Charge 6 is IP67 certified. This means it’s dust-tight. It’s also submersible in water. You can take it to the beach or pool without fear. This is a major advantage for a portable speaker. JBL has also included attachment points. You can attach a strap (not included) to them. The speaker then turns into a small handbag. It’s practical for transport.

Regarding the controls, they are well-designed. They are located on top of the speaker. There are two tiers of buttons. The first tier manages the music. You have play/pause, next/previous track, and volume. It’s intuitive and easily accessible. Above that, a second tier groups other functions. There’s the power button. You’ll also find the Bluetooth pairing button. Finally, the Auracast button is present.

Key Features: Connectivity and Options

Let’s now explore the features offered by the Charge 6.

Connectivity and Auracast: More Than Just a Speaker

Bluetooth is obviously included. Pairing is simple and fast. But the real novelty is Auracast. What is it? It’s an audio broadcasting technology. It allows you to connect multiple compatible speakers. You can create a stereo pair with two Charge 6 speakers. This greatly enhances the listening experience. You can also broadcast the sound to a larger number of speakers. It’s ideal for parties or large spaces.

At the back, a flap protects the connections. There’s a USB-C port. This port is used to charge the speaker itself. But it has a very practical dual function. It can also charge your other devices. For example, your mobile phone. This is extremely useful when on the go. No more dead smartphone batteries!

Colors and Price: A Wide, Accessible Choice

As I mentioned, I have the purple model. But JBL doesn’t stop there. The Charge 6 is available in several colors. You can choose between red, camouflage, greyish-blue, pink, and white. There really is something for every style.

Now let’s talk about the price. The JBL Charge 6 is priced at €200. Considering its features and quality, I find this price justified. It offers good value for money in the current market.

Battery Life: Does JBL Deliver on the Promise?

Battery life is a crucial criterion for a portable speaker. Let’s see what the Charge 6 has under the hood.

Manufacturer Specs vs. Reality: Impressive Numbers

JBL claims 20 hours of standard playback time. That’s already very comfortable. But that’s not all. The JBL Portable app offers a “Playtime Boost” option. By activating this feature, the battery life increases to 24 hours. That’s a significant 4-hour increase.

My Field Experience: A Weekend Without Recharging

I wanted to verify these figures myself. I used the speaker intensively. It was during a long, sunny weekend. It was the perfect opportunity to push it to its limits. I used it during various activities. Around a barbecue with friends. During a game of pétanque. Even during a quiet day of fishing.

Throughout this period, I listened to music at a moderate volume. Around 50% to 60% of its maximum capacity. It’s a pleasant sound level for background ambiance. Well, the result is stunning. I only needed to recharge it once. It was late Sunday afternoon. It had lasted the entire weekend without faltering. So, yes, the battery life announced by JBL is realistic. You can really trust this speaker on this point. It’s a reliable companion for long days.

The JBL Portable App: Useful or Unnecessary?

JBL offers a companion app for its products. It’s called JBL Portable. Is it essential for the Charge 6?

Available Features: Customization and Updates

The app is the same as for other recent JBL products. It offers some interesting features. You’ll find an equalizer (EQ). It allows you to customize the sound output. This is also where you activate the Playtime Boost option. The one that extends battery life by 4 hours.

The app also allows you to manage the Auracast connection. You can easily create a stereo pair. Or connect multiple speakers together. Finally, it’s through this app that you’ll update the speaker’s firmware. This is important to benefit from the latest improvements.

My Opinion on the App: Practical, but Not Essential Daily

My opinion on the app is mixed. It’s well-made and functional. It’s useful for initial settings. Especially for adjusting the equalizer to your taste. Or for activating Playtime Boost if needed. However, once these settings are done, I rarely go back to it. The speaker works perfectly without it. It mainly serves for initial setup and updates. Don’t expect an ultra-advanced app. It does the job required, nothing more.

Sound Quality: The Heart of the JBL Charge 6 Experience

Let’s move on to the most important point: the sound. This is probably what interests you the most.

Power and Clarity: Sound That Fills the Space

First, some figures for the tech enthusiasts. The Charge 6 features a woofer. It delivers 30W RMS power. It’s complemented by a tweeter. This one provides 10W RMS. In total, the speaker reaches a maximum power of 40W RMS. This is sufficient to fill a medium-sized room with sound. For example, a 50 m² room like the one I’m in. The sound fills the space well.

I found that the sound remains very decent up to 70% of the maximum volume. Listening is pleasant, without noticeable distortion. Beyond this threshold, like on many speakers, the sound can change. You might perceive a bit of distortion. The bass might seem less present. This is normal behavior at very high volumes. But up to 70%, the quality is really good.

Settings and Customization: Finding Your Ideal Sound

Now let’s talk about audio settings. JBL offers a default sound mode. It’s called “JBL Signature.” This mode will likely suit many users. However, I was a bit surprised. I found it lacked bass. This is surprising for JBL, often known for its generous bass.

Fortunately, the app offers an equalizer. So, I preferred to create my own custom setting. I was able to adjust the frequencies to my liking. I notably boosted the bass a bit. Once this small adjustment was made, the sound completely won me over. The sound becomes richer and deeper. It regains that “JBL touch” that I appreciate.

For Which Music Styles? Appreciable Versatility

Once adjusted, the JBL Charge 6 delivers clear and demonstrative sound. It adapts well to different musical styles. I listened to everything: pop, rock, electronic, classical. The rendering is always precise and detailed.

However, I find it particularly excels with current music. It’s perfect for rap, R&B, or urban pop. The bass (once adjusted) is punchy. The rhythms are well-defined. It’s ideal for setting the mood. For example, in the locker room after a football victory. Or during warm-up to get motivated. Its power and clarity work wonders outdoors. It’s perfect for livening up your evenings or afternoons in the open air.

My Verdict: Is the JBL Charge 6 Worth It?

We’re nearing the end of this review. What’s my conclusion on the JBL Charge 6?

Value for Money: A Wise Investment

I genuinely believe this is an excellent product. It offers very good value for money at €200. You get a neat and robust design. The recycled materials are a plus. This IP67 waterproof rating is very welcome. The battery life is impressive and reliable. The sound quality, once the EQ is adjusted, is very good. JBL to give its loudspeaker enough power for any purpose. The power bank function is a real bonus.

Against the Competition: A Matter of Preference

Of course, competition exists in this price segment. Brands like Marshall offer speakers of equivalent quality. Bose is often a bit more expensive for similar performance. The final choice will often depend on your personal preferences. Maybe you prefer the style of another brand. Or perhaps you’re already loyal to JBL.

If your budget is more limited, you might consider the JBL Flip 6. It’s cheaper. But it will logically be less powerful. It will also offer a less rich sound experience than the Charge 6. The Charge 6 represents an excellent balance. It combines power, features, and portability.