The Bluetooth speaker market has seen an exponential rise over the years. That is not surprising because the audio equipment technology has become ideally more substantial, with new products being released every year.
Now, you can find upgrades on the products that were released and are now sold as a new model. That is a good sign. The manufacturer wants to provide the masses with something better than before.
After all, the market has to keep evolving every year. It could be with the design, features, and also sound quality, which is the main thing in a Bluetooth speaker. JBL has been an exceptional producer of Bluetooth speakers.
Their products are stunning in appearance; they come with excellent build quality. Besides, the audio quality of their models is second to none in the market. Moreover, they are affordable. JBL is showing the way for other brands to follow.
In today’s comparison review, we are going to be looking at the JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth speaker vs the JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth speaker. Both these models are not the latest from JBL, but they have sufficient demand in the market.
It is not surprising to see that the maker is still selling them to the masses. At times, we always think that the latest model could be better than the earlier model. That does not have to be the case always.
Both the models are almost similar in design and features. The JBL Charge 3 model is an excellent speaker. It comes with a beautiful design, lovely build quality, and opulent sound. Besides, it is water-resistant, meaning you can use it next to the swimming pool.
The JBL Charge 4 unit is a stunning speaker that comes with an eloquent design, a robust build quality, magnificent sound performance, and connectivity options for you. You can also find water-resistant available in them.
It comes with 3.5mm stereo input and UBS inputs and can be completely submerged for 30 minutes. The design of the Charge 4 speaker is quite similar to that of the Charge 3 speaker size.
To be honest with you, the Charge 3 is a fantastic product, and we do not see the need to make an upgrade unless you are really keen. Yes, the Charge 4 does have some minor differences in the design & size.
We did not feel that the audio quality was different from that of the earlier model. However, when you want to decide between two incredible speakers, then what better way than to read about their features between them.
Which is the better model to choose for you? Is the Charge 4 worthy of an upgrade? Perhaps, you can manage with the Charge 3 for a few more years. This guide will help you decide on it. We have mentioned the winner at the end of the review.
 |  |
|---|---|
| JBL Charge 3 | JBL Charge 4 |
| PROS | PROS |
| The model comes with an elegant design. The unit has a sturdy build quality. It provides you with IPX7 waterproof. It can be charged using a smartphone or any other USB device. The product has a battery life of 20 hours. | The unit is beautifully designed. The model is lightweight and portable. It can offer you with an eloquent sound ability. It provides you with the ability of USB-C charging. The product has an exceptional battery. |
| CONS | CONS |
| The product does not offer compatibility between Connect and Connect+ systems. | The product cannot be used as a speakerphone. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
JBL Charge 3 vs JBL Charge 4 Specification
| Specification | JBL Charge 3 | JBL Charge 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Charge 3 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker | Charge 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker |
| Brand | JBL | JBL |
| Compatibility | Universal | Universal |
| Speakerphone | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Rechargeable | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| USB Device Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Number Of Speakers | 1 | 1 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 80 decibels | 80 decibels |
| Minimum Frequency Response | 65 hertz | 60 hertz |
| Maximum Frequency Response | 20000 hertz | 20000 hertz |
| Warranty | Not Available | 1 Year |
JBL Charge 3 vs JBL Charge 4: Design & Features
The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker comes with magnificent design & features. The model comes much light and weighs around 1.7 pounds. When you hold it, you can feel that it is pretty light.
It is one of the most vital features that you would want to take a look at because you want to use it at outdoor parties. You do not want to struggle with the Bluetooth speaker’s weight.
Besides, you can take them in your car or for treks easily. Choosing a light speaker comes with its own advantages. Of course, there is no reduce the quality of the sound performance. Some of the features that you would like on this model, apart from the design, is the decent build.
There is also the JBL Connect compatibility. Though on the official website of JBL, it says that they have the Connect +, it is not equipped with it. Moreover, the model helps you to talk with somebody on the smartphone using it as a speaker phone.
This is a nifty little feature to have for yourself. You will be glad to know that the model comes with a noise canceling microphone in it. The microphone helps you to decrease the background sound, which is helpful when you are talking to somebody in a noisy environment.
The JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker has a perfect design & features. You can feel the model is somewhat sturdy and robust in design. It is almost similar in size to the earlier unit. But it is a little heavier at 2.1 pounds.
Yes, obviously, it does not have to be much of a deal because when you want a speaker that comes with good portability, then it has to be this model. Suppose you want to go on a hike, then you would enjoy using this unit.
This can be placed inside your backpack without any concern. It also comes with a powerful battery that offers you with a breathtaking ability. We found the fact that the Charge 4 has no speakerphone feature on it. Besides, you cannot access Google Assistant or Siri.
We felt that this was a huge letdown for us. Perhaps, the maker wants you to use the speaker strictly as one and not for communication purposes. Though many users do not use the speaker as a mode for speaking to somebody, some of us do find it helpful.
The best part about this is the Charge 3 comes with the features. It comes having the Connect + speakers. That means these two models cannot be connected with each other. You will have to get another speaker of the same brand and use it.
You need to make sure that it comes with the Connect or Connect + and use the one that matches. In Charge 4, you can note that they have provided the new USB-C port. The charging takes time, and you can do so on your smartphone.
You can make use of either a USB-C port or micro-USB with the unit you want to charge with. In the end, the design of the speaker is something that is up for debate. While some users might prefer the lighter one, some might choose the rugged and heavier unit.
That is fine as long as you are happy with the speaker. All in all, the Charge 3 and the Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker models come with fantastic features. But when it comes to the weight of the model, we would strongly recommend the Charge 3 because it is lighter.
JBL Charge 3 vs JBL Charge 4: Setup & Performance
The JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth speaker offers you with an eloquent setup & performance. Though the model is quite middle-aged for the market being a few years already, it remains to be the best speaker from JBL.
The sound quality is astonishing; combined with the exceptional features that it provides, you make it a standout product. Our tester felt that it could blend with the modern speakers that are present in the market.
The unit is portable, lightweight, and suitable for users of all kinds like travelers and campers. The Bluetooth pairing operates well. You can connect to several devices easily. There is also the volume up & down button that is smooth enough to use.
You can work on the power button that allows you to switch on & off the device effortlessly. You have the Connect button that can help you pair with the JBL Connect speakers. Moreover, you can make use of the other connectivity options like the answer calls & voice assistant.
The JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker has a phenomenal setup & performance. However, we were not impressed with the sound performance. Our tester thought that it was similar to that of Charge 3.
The model is a single driver that has a dual driver that is, otherwise, quite decent. Unless you are an audiophile, you may not notice the discrepancies in the audio quality. It comes with having sturdy low-end for model that is helped by passive radiators.
You can use it in large rooms and perhaps even the auditoriums if you want. The model is suitable for listening to bass music and higher-pitched sounds. But it is slightly heavier than the previous unit and takes more time to charge.
The connectivity is simple. You can connect to any device that you want. Once you switch the speaker, you must use the Bluetooth button that is present near the power button. Then you can pair it to the device.
You can then use the Bluetooth settings to connect the devices. It does not come with the microphone speaker ability, which was quite disappointing. The JBL Connect + is an exciting feature to have on the model.
It helps you to connect to 100 speakers easily. But you are using the earlier version of the speakers. Then it may not be helpful to connect with the unit. However, this is a feature that we doubt many would bother using in their home.
Nevertheless, it is a feather that is worth having on your speaker when they have removed other features. The battery of the Charge 4 speaker is larger than the previous model. But the working of 20 hours is still the same.
Of course, it is not 20 hours that they claim it to be, as it works for more than 14 hours. That is about it. However, you can charge the model with the help of the USB-A cable that is present at the rear of the speaker.
Besides, you can also make use of the 3.5mm and USB Type-C if you want to. These are present on the back of the speaker. Please do note that you can use only the Type-C for charging purposes.
It means that when you have the Type-C to Type-C cable and want to charge the iPad Pro, then you cannot make use of the port. That is because you have to utilize the USB-A port for charging purposes.
On the whole, the models provide you with a breathtaking setup & performance capabilities. You can make use of them effortlessly to listen to your favorite sounds. Besides, they come with a water-resistant feature that lets you use them near the swimming pool.
JBL Charge 3 vs JBL Charge 4: Price
The JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth speaker is priced under $100. As you can see, it is much more reasonably priced than the other model. The JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker is priced under $150.
At the time of writing, the Bluetooth speaker is priced under $109. So, if you are keen on owning this marvelous unit, then you can place an order today. The pricing of the Bluetooth speakers is one of the most vital elements to think about when getting it for yourself.
Both the models come with a major difference in the pricing, which is quite surprising for us. We did not see several differences in the features embedded in the new model for such a rise. There is, of course, an excellent, bright design on the newer unit.
You have only the Connect+ integration, which is a new element present on it. Otherwise, the old model seems quite worthy of your money because it comes with a better, smoother design, having rugged build quality, and a quick charge time.
JBL Charge 3 vs JBL Charge 4: Verdict
We have come to the end of the comparison review between the JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth speaker vs the JBL Charge 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth speaker. We hope that you enjoyed reading the post and were able to make your decision.
If you haven’t, then we suggest that you go through it one more time. Perhaps, that can give you an idea. The JBL Charge 3 model sounds fantastic, even when you are making use of the speaker and also voice assistant access.
However, please do avoid getting renewed products because you never know what damage they might have in them. The sound quality or the battery capability might not be the same. The JBL Charge 4 model is an excellent option for you.
It essentially comes with a better sound profile, elegant design, and USB-C charging as well. You will want to know that the Charge 4 is the better model, but it comes at a steeper price than the earlier unit.
It offers you with a built-in power bank that helps you charge other devices. The model comes with a top-notch 7500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. Moreover, the model comes with a USB charge so that you will not have less power.
The JBL Charge 3 model is better as it comes with stereo speakers, a lesser body volume, and it has 1 more driver. The model also has a shorter charge time, a noise-canceling microphone, and voice commands.
You can make use of the additional Bluetooth connection and the fact that it comes much cheaper than the counterpart reviewed here. The JBL Charge 4 could be a suitable model for you as it has a 5Hz lower low frequency, 10W more audio output power, and more battery power.
It also comes with a USB Type-C, has a sleep timer, and a 3.5mm connector. Our winner between the JBL Charge 3 Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Charge 4 Bluetooth Speaker would be the JBL Charge 3.
It comes with a fantastic design, robust build quality, water-resistant features, and most importantly, good sound quality. There is also the battery life that is also present on the other model discussed here, the Charge 4.
You can make use of the Charge 3 unit wherever you want. Because of its water-resistant feature, you can use it near the swimming pool and outdoor area if you want to. There is no need to worry if it is raining also.
Having said that, the Charge 4 model is another powerful speaker. It comes with a remarkable battery life of more than 20 hours. You can also make use of the lightweight design and decent features like the Connect+ integration present in it.
ALSO READ:
- JBL Boombox vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Charge 4 vs JBL Charge 5
- Bose SoundLink Mini II vs JBL Flip 5
- JBL Flip 5 vs Sony SRS-XB23
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.