JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This is a super durable, waterproof speaker for outdoor adventures and job sites, and it doubles as a power bank to charge your phone.
The Charge 4 is a strong fit if your main priorities are extreme durability, waterproofing, and massive battery life that can also charge your phone. However, it's a weak fit for anyone focused on audio fidelity due to its mono driver, and its outdated Connect+ technology makes it a poor choice for pairing with modern JBL speakers.
If you want better sound quality, look for a portable speaker that explicitly lists dual drivers for true stereo sound or has a dedicated tweeter for clearer highs.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Massive 7500mAH battery provides up to 20 hours of playtime.
- IPX7 waterproof rating means it can be fully submerged in water without damage.
- Built-in USB-A port lets you charge your smartphone or other devices.
- Durable fabric and rugged rubber housing can handle being knocked around.
- Includes a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections, a feature missing on the newer Charge 5.
Cons
- It's a mono speaker with a single driver, not stereo, which can make music sound flat.
- Uses the older Micro-USB standard for charging itself, not the more common USB-C.
- Features the outdated JBL Connect+ protocol, which is incompatible with newer JBL speakers using PartyBoost.
- Weighs over 2 pounds, making it heavier than many other portable options.
Dimension Scores
The sound is only mono from its single driver, which makes vocals feel masked and the overall sound less detailed than stereo competitors.
It gets impressively loud for its size and the dual passive radiators deliver punchy, strong bass that users consistently praise.
It uses the older Bluetooth 4.2 and the outdated Connect+ pairing system, which is incompatible with newer JBL speakers.
The IPX7 waterproof rating and rugged fabric/rubber build are excellent, but it's quite heavy at over 2 pounds, which hurts portability.
Best For
- Pool parties and beach trips where its IPX7 waterproofing is a huge plus.
- Camping or multi-day trips where the 20-hour battery and phone charging are essential.
- Use on a messy job site thanks to its rugged, durable build.
- Anyone who still owns older JBL speakers with Connect+ and wants to link them together.
Not Recommended For
- Home listening where sound quality is critical, as the mono audio is a noticeable step down from stereo.
- People who want to create a multi-speaker setup with newer JBL models like the Flip 5 or Charge 5.
- Anyone looking for a lightweight speaker to throw in a small bag for casual travel.
Watch Out For
- You can't pair it with newer JBL speakers; the Charge 4 uses Connect+ while models like the Charge 5 and Flip 5 use the incompatible PartyBoost system.
- The sound is mono, not stereo, which users expecting a wide soundstage find disappointing and flat.
- The charging port is an older Micro-USB, so you'll likely need to carry a separate cable just for the speaker.
- There is no built-in microphone, so you can't use it as a speakerphone for calls.
- The loud power-on and power-off sounds can't be disabled, which is annoying in quiet environments.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 050036353397 |
| ASIN | B07HKQ6YGX |
| Brand | JBL |
| Color | Black |
| Shape | Rectangular Prism |
| Style | Speakers only |
| Material | Fabric, Rubber |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Impedance | 1 Ohms |
| Model Name | Charge 4 |
| Item Weight | 2.12 pounds |
| Manufacturer | JBL |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Speaker Size | 21.59 Centimeters |
| Speaker Type | Outdoor |
| Charging Time | 5.5 Hours |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Is Waterproof | True |
| Mounting Type | Tabletop Mount |
| Series Number | 4 |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Control Method | App |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Smartphone-Charging, Stereo Pairing, Waterproof |
| Woofer Diameter | 8.5 Inches |
| Battery Capacity | 7500 |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Item model number | JBLCHARGE4BLK |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, Tablet |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Product Dimensions | 10"D x 6"W x 4"H |
| Subwoofer Diameter | 30.48 Centimeters |
| Included Components | 1 x JBL Charge 4, 1 x Type-C to Type-A charging cable, Quick Start Guide, Safety Sheet, Warranty Card |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 80 dB |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming, Party, Travel |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Smartphones or Tablets |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 30 Watts |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | Yes |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00050036353397 |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 4.2 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing you'll find is that the Charge 4 is a mono speaker, a step back from the stereo Charge 3, and it makes a real difference in how music sounds. That said, what it lacks in audio separation it makes up for in sheer toughness and battery life. The IPX7 waterproofing is legit—you can drop it in the pool without a second thought. Its ability to act as a power bank for your phone is genuinely useful for long days out. The biggest annoyances are the outdated tech: it uses a Micro-USB port for charging and the Connect+ feature can't pair with any of JBL's newer PartyBoost speakers.
“i was so bummed when i realized it was mono not stereo like my old one, music just sounds kinda flat now... but it lasts forever and survived a drop in the lake so i guess i'll keep it.”
Common Praise
- The battery life is incredible, easily lasting all day and then some.
- It's built like a tank and can survive drops and full water submersion.
- The bass is surprisingly powerful for a speaker this size, thanks to the side radiators.
- Gets very loud without distorting, making it great for outdoor use.
- The ability to charge your phone from the speaker's battery is a lifesaver.
Common Complaints
- The sound is mono, which many users find flat and disappointing compared to stereo speakers.
- It uses an old Micro-USB port to charge instead of USB-C.
- It's not compatible with newer JBL speakers that use PartyBoost.
- The speaker is heavy, weighing over two pounds.
- The startup and shutdown sounds are very loud and cannot be disabled.
- Some users report issues with the speaker not charging correctly or the battery failing prematurely.
Ownership Tips
- The fabric covering can get dirty over time and is difficult to clean thoroughly.
- The rubber end caps that house the bass radiators are magnets for dust, lint, and sand.
- The auto-power-off feature can be aggressive, turning the speaker off after about 15-20 minutes of paused music, forcing you to turn it back on.
- Pairing with another Connect+ speaker can sometimes be finicky and prone to dropouts, especially if there's other wireless interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JBL Charge 4 stereo or mono?
The JBL Charge 4 has a single driver, making it a mono speaker. You can achieve stereo sound by pairing two Charge 4 speakers together through the JBL Portable app.
Can the JBL Charge 4 connect to a JBL Flip 5?
No, you cannot connect a Charge 4 with a Flip 5. The Charge 4 uses the older Connect+ system, while the Flip 5 uses the newer PartyBoost system, and they are not compatible.
Can I use the speaker while it's charging?
Yes, you can play music on the Charge 4 while it is plugged in and charging.
Does the JBL Charge 4 have an aux input?
Yes, it has a 3.5mm auxiliary input on the back, located under a protective flap next to the charging ports.
How is the Charge 4 different from the Charge 5?
The Charge 5 has a separate tweeter for clearer sound, is also dustproof (IP67), and uses the newer PartyBoost pairing technology. However, the Charge 4 has an aux input, which the Charge 5 lacks.
Can you use the JBL Charge 4 for phone calls?
No, the Charge 4 does not have a built-in microphone and cannot be used as a speakerphone.
How do you factory reset the JBL Charge 4?
With the speaker turned on, press and hold the "Volume +" and "Bluetooth" buttons simultaneously for 3-4 seconds until the speaker turns off.
Buying Guide
Before you buy, you need to decide what's more important: toughness or sound quality. The Charge 4 is a tank. Its IPX7 rating means it can literally be submerged in a meter of water for 30 minutes. The 20-hour battery is also a huge plus, and being able to charge your phone from it is more useful than you'd think. But you have to be okay with mono sound, which can make your music feel less immersive than a true stereo speaker. Also, check if your friends have JBL speakers—if they have newer models, this one won't be able to connect to theirs for a party.
IPX7 Waterproof
This isn't just 'splashproof.' 'IPX7' means you can fully submerge it in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. You can literally drop it in the pool, fish it out, and it will keep playing.
7500mAH Battery / USB Charge Out
Think of this as both a speaker and a portable power bank. The huge battery not only gives you up to 20 hours of music but also has a standard USB port to top off your phone when you're away from an outlet.
Mono Audio Driver
Stereo recordings have a left and a right channel to create a sense of space. This speaker combines them into one single channel (mono). For a small portable speaker, some don't mind, but others find it makes music sound noticeably 'flatter'.
JBL Connect+
This is JBL's older multi-speaker connection technology. It lets you link up to 100 other *Connect+* speakers. The key issue is that it's not compatible with JBL's newer 'PartyBoost' system, so it's an outdated ecosystem.
Alternatives
If this speaker isn't the right fit, look for alternatives with 'stereo drivers' or a 'tweeter and woofer' configuration for better sound detail. If you plan to pair with other speakers, search for models that use 'PartyBoost' for compatibility with the current JBL lineup.
You Might Also Like
Computer Speakers for Desktop PC Monitor, USB Plug-in, Wired, Computer Soundbar for PC, Laptop Speakers with Adaptive-Channel-Switching, Loud Sound, Deep Bass, USB C Adapter, Easy to Clip on Monitor
Price range unavailableThis $30 clip-on USB soundbar is a massive upgrade over tinny laptop speakers, perfect for cramped home offices that need clear audio without the cable clutter of a 2.1 system.
Bluetooth Pillow Speaker for Sleeping, Mini Portable Under Pillow Speaker with White Noise Timer Wireless Sleep Aid with Stereo Bass Private Sleep Headphones for Adult Kids
$0-$49A 3-Watt stereo Bluetooth 5.4 pillow speaker with 20-hour battery life and white noise, designed for private listening without disturbing others.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Charcoal
This is Amazon's cheapest, smallest Alexa speaker, built for adding voice control to tight spaces like a bathroom or dorm room, not for filling a room with music.
Amazon Echo Pop (newest model), Our smallest speaker with Alexa+ Early Access, Fits in any room, Midnight Teal
This is a cheap, no-frills Alexa speaker for small spaces like bathrooms and hallways, not for anyone who actually cares about music quality.