JBL Charge 5 vs Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 are two heavyweights that dominate the market. Both are designed to deliver powerful sound, long-lasting battery life, and impressive durability, making them perfect for a variety of environments—whether it’s a beach party, a hiking trip, or just a casual day at home. In this report, we’ll break down the key differences and similarities between these two speakers to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs. From sound quality and battery performance to waterproofing and extra features, we’ll cover everything you need to know before making a choice.

1. JBL Charge 5 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Charge 5 is an impressive portable speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality and rugged durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures or parties. The combination of its optimized long-excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators ensures a well-rounded audio experience with clear highs and deep lows. The sound is loud enough to fill large spaces, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings. Its Bluetooth wireless streaming capability allows you to easily connect up to two devices simultaneously, and with the PartyBoost feature, you can link multiple Charge 5 speakers to amplify the sound for bigger gatherings.

With a remarkable 20 hours of battery life, the JBL Charge 5 ensures uninterrupted entertainment. It also doubles as a power bank, so you can charge your devices on the go. The IPX7 waterproof and dustproof rating makes it resistant to rain, splashes, and even submersion in water, ensuring its longevity even in harsh environments. While its sound quality, durability, and design are commendable, some users might find the size of the speaker a bit bulky for ultra-portability.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• Optimized long-excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators for rich sound.
• 20 hours of playtime with the option to charge devices via built-in powerbank.
• Wireless Bluetooth streaming with PartyBoost for multi-speaker connectivity.
• IPX7 waterproof and dustproof rating for versatile outdoor use.
• Stylish design with a range of new colors inspired by street fashion trends.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality with clear highs and deep bass.
• Long battery life ideal for extended use.
• Waterproof and dustproof design perfect for outdoor activities.
• Easy to connect multiple speakers for amplified sound.
• Durable and well-built construction ensures long-term reliability.

Cons:

• Limited bass depth at very high volumes for some users.

2. Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is a powerhouse in the portable speaker category, offering 360° sound that fills the room with deep, thundering bass and clear, immersive audio. The speaker’s design allows it to play loud without compromising sound quality, making it ideal for both small gatherings and larger outdoor parties. Its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating means it can handle being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, and it even floats, making it a fantastic choice for poolside or beach trips. The MEGABOOM 3 is also designed to endure tough conditions, having passed over 25 durability tests, ensuring it can withstand drops, tumbles, and rough handling.

In addition to its durable build, the MEGABOOM 3 boasts a long-lasting 20-hour battery life, allowing for nearly a full day of play on a single charge. The inclusion of the Magic Button allows for convenient control of music directly from the speaker, making it user-friendly and efficient. The ability to pair multiple speakers via the PartyUp feature offers even greater flexibility, allowing users to create a truly immersive audio experience. While it excels in sound quality, durability, and ease of use, some users may find its price a bit steep compared to similar models, and the Bluetooth range may not be as extensive as expected for larger spaces.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• 360° sound with deep, immersive bass.
• IP67 waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof for outdoor and water activities.
• Magic Button for easy control of music playback.
• 20-hour battery life for extended use.
• PartyUp feature to pair multiple speakers for larger sound coverage.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality with loud, clear audio.
• Highly durable and resistant to water, dust, and drops.
• Long battery life ideal for extended playtime.
• User-friendly with convenient controls and easy music management.
• Versatile pairing options for an enhanced audio experience.

Cons:

• Some users may find the bass overwhelming at higher volumes.

JBL Charge 5 vs Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, two models stand out in terms of performance, durability, and sound quality: the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3. Both speakers are designed for outdoor adventures, boasting impressive sound output, long-lasting battery life, and robust construction.

Sound Quality

JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 features an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators that combine to deliver clear and rich sound with impressive bass depth. Its sound signature is designed to fill larger spaces with powerful audio. With a maximum output power of 40 watts, the Charge 5 is designed to perform well both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that you can enjoy high-quality sound during parties or outdoor events.

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3, on the other hand, offers a 360° sound experience, meaning it projects audio equally in all directions, making it an excellent option for group gatherings where people are positioned all around the speaker. The sound is deep and immersive, with thundering bass that can be felt. Its 90dBA maximum sound level is loud enough for most environments, especially outdoor parties. MEGABOOM 3’s emphasis on balanced bass and clear treble provides a fuller listening experience, especially when used at high volumes.

Feature	JBL Charge 5	Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
Sound Quality	Powerful with deep bass	360° immersive sound with deep bass
Output Power	40 watts	90dBA max
Audio Output Mode	Stereo	Surround (360°)
Bass Performance	Deep and clear	Thundering bass with balanced treble

Battery Life and Charging

JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is equipped with a 20-hour battery life, which is more than enough for a full day of music, whether you’re at the beach, on a hike, or just relaxing at home. It also doubles as a power bank to charge your devices while on the go. The Charge 5 can be charged via USB-C, making it a quick and convenient option for those who need to juice up their speaker rapidly.

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
Similarly, the MEGABOOM 3 offers 20 hours of continuous playtime, thanks to its advanced battery technology. One unique feature of the MEGABOOM 3 is the option to charge it wirelessly with the PowerUp charging dock (sold separately). This makes it super convenient if you want to keep the speaker charged and ready to go without worrying about plugging it in manually. However, note that the PowerUp dock is an additional purchase, which could add to the overall cost.

Feature	JBL Charge 5	Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
Battery Life	20 hours	20 hours
Charging Options	USB-C	Wireless with PowerUp dock (sold separately)
Power Bank	Yes	No

Durability and Waterproofing

JBL Charge 5
One of the standout features of the JBL Charge 5 is its IP67 rating, meaning it is completely dustproof and waterproof, able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for pool parties, beach days, or any outdoor adventure that might expose the speaker to harsh weather conditions.

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
The MEGABOOM 3 is equally impressive in terms of durability, featuring an IP67 rating as well. It can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, and it also floats, making it perfect for poolside fun or a day at the beach. The MEGABOOM 3 is built to handle drops and tough environments, ensuring that it can withstand a fair amount of abuse during outdoor activities.

Feature	JBL Charge 5	Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
Waterproof Rating	IP67	IP67 (floats)
Durability	Waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof	Waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof

Additional Features

JBL Charge 5
The Charge 5 has a unique PartyBoost feature, allowing you to pair multiple JBL speakers for an enhanced sound experience. Whether you are at a larger event or simply want to amplify your music, this feature is perfect for creating a party atmosphere. The Charge 5 also includes the Magic Button, which allows for easy music control directly from the speaker without needing to interact with your phone.

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
The MEGABOOM 3 also offers the PartyUp feature, which allows you to pair multiple speakers, making it possible to connect over 150 speakers for an epic sound experience. Additionally, the Magic Button provides simple music control directly from the speaker, letting you play, pause, or skip tracks without touching your phone. The speaker is also available in a range of stylish colors, including iridescent themes.

Feature	JBL Charge 5	Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3
Music Control	Magic Button	Magic Button
Speaker Pairing	PartyBoost (connect up to 100 speakers)	PartyUp (connect up to 150 speakers)

FAQ

Which speaker is better for outdoor use, the JBL Charge 5 or the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3?

Both the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 are excellent choices for outdoor use, thanks to their impressive durability and waterproofing features. Both have an IP67 rating, meaning they are waterproof and dustproof, and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The MEGABOOM 3 has the added advantage of being able to float, which is great for poolside or beach activities. However, the JBL Charge 5 doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge your devices on the go, which could be a deciding factor for outdoor adventures. Ultimately, both are highly durable, but the MEGABOOM 3’s ability to float may give it a slight edge for water-based activities.

How do the sound quality and bass performance compare between the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3?

The JBL Charge 5 offers powerful sound with clear highs and deep bass, thanks to its optimized long-excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators. The sound quality is excellent, especially for larger spaces, and the bass is strong but can be less pronounced at higher volumes.

On the other hand, the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 provides 360° immersive sound that is great for group settings. The bass is deep and thundering, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more powerful bass experience. The sound quality is well-balanced, with clear treble and full bass, and it maintains clarity even at higher volumes. For users who prefer a more expansive soundstage, the MEGABOOM 3’s 360° audio may be the better option.

Can I pair multiple speakers with the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3?

Yes, both the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 allow you to pair multiple speakers for a more immersive sound experience. The JBL Charge 5 features PartyBoost, which enables you to connect multiple JBL speakers for enhanced sound coverage. You can connect up to 100 JBL speakers using PartyBoost.

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 offers the PartyUp feature, which lets you pair multiple speakers as well. In fact, you can connect up to 150 speakers for an incredibly epic sound experience. While both features allow for speaker pairing, the MEGABOOM 3 offers the option to connect to a larger number of speakers, giving it an edge for those looking to create a truly massive sound environment.

Does the JBL Charge 5 have a wireless charging option like the MEGABOOM 3?

No, the JBL Charge 5 does not have wireless charging capability. It charges via USB-C, which is a fast and convenient way to charge the speaker.

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3, on the other hand, offers the option to charge wirelessly with the PowerUp charging dock (sold separately). This can be more convenient for users who prefer to keep their speaker charging without needing to plug it in each time. However, this feature comes at an additional cost, as the PowerUp dock is sold separately.

How long does the battery last on the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3?

Both the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 offer impressive battery life. Each speaker provides up to 20 hours of continuous playtime, making them ideal for long outdoor events, parties, or road trips. The battery life on both speakers is sufficient for a full day of music, ensuring you won’t need to recharge too frequently during your activities.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Both the JBL Charge 5 and the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 offer superb sound, durability, and long battery life, making them excellent choices for those looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker. If you prioritize a 360° sound experience and are looking for a speaker that is perfect for group settings, the MEGABOOM 3 is the better option. Its immersive sound and the ability to float in water make it ideal for outdoor adventures. On the other hand, the JBL Charge 5 offers a more powerful output, longer range in terms of sound amplification with PartyBoost, and additional functionality like being able to charge your devices on the go.