JBL Charge 3 speaker review and specs by Our

The new copy of the portable audio system received more advanced IPX7 protection and improved sound. Read about other interesting features of the device in the JBL Charge 3 review.

Content

About JBL Charge 3

Specifications

Equipment

The audio system is packed in a large box with a picture of Charge 3 submerged in water. Key features (Bluetooth, IPX7 water resistance, JBL Connect) and the International Design Awards 2016 win mark are printed on the front of the package. Detailed technical specifications can be found on the back.

Inside the box:

• JBL Charge 3;
• Power Supply;
• Interchangeable plugs (US and European included);
• microUSB cable;
• Documentation.

Design and build

The Charge line is shaped like a beer can. In Charge 3, the manufacturer decided to slightly correct the lines of the device, now the audio system is more like a “barrel” of JBL Xtreme. The body of the device is made mainly of plastic with aluminum inserts. Much of the area of ​​the Charge 3 is covered in a soft-touch fabric.

The textile surface is very tenacious, the column does not slip in the hands even if it is dipped under water for a long time. On the shelves of stores, the device is offered in five colors: black, gray, red, blue and turquoise.

There are six function buttons on the top side of the Charge 3. They control Bluetooth pairing with other devices, volume levels, JBL Connect operation, and playback of the current track. The button outlines protrude a little from the fabric, they are easy to grope blindly.

The JBL logo is sewn into the front of the device. Below are five LED lights that show the current battery level.

Wired interfaces are built into the back of the speaker. There are 3.5mm TRS, microUSB and USB connectors. The latter is designed to charge other portable devices from the built-in Charge battery. The USB output delivers 2 amps, which is enough to quickly charge most smartphones and tablets. The connectors are protected from water by a thick rubber plug.

The top and bottom of the «keg» are covered with large passive radiators with the company logo. They are built into small recesses so that the column can be placed vertically. It can also be placed horizontally on the platform below.

There are two small flaws in the Charge 3 build.

The first is the rubber cover on the connectors. Immediately after purchase, some problems may arise with this plug. Often it does not fully enter the groove, which is why water gets inside. At first, to close the plug, you will have to apply a little effort to firmly fix the rubber partition.

The second drawback is the inclusion of the device. To do this, you need to briefly press the top button, which is why the speaker can sometimes accidentally start inside the backpack. When turned on, it also emits a non-adjustable beep sound that cannot be turned off.

In general, the Charge 3 form factor is very well balanced between good autonomy, normal sound and compactness. The audio system is still easy to transport in a small bag, although its weight has increased by 200 grams compared to the previous model. In addition, the device is protected from water according to the IPX 7 standard, it can be safely immersed under water for a short time.

sound

The sound quality has improved markedly since Charge 2. Now the vocals do not drown out the rest of the musical instruments, but gently harmonize with them.

Throughout the entire frequency range (from 65 Hz to 20 kHz) there are no dips or distortions. This also confirms the frequency response of the speaker system.

However, different ways of synchronizing with external devices can drastically change the impression of the speaker. Connecting a smartphone via Bluetooth significantly loses the wired connection between the audio system and the computer’s sound card. If you move a few meters away from the Charge 3, the sound loses depth and is often intermittent.

Synchronization with a PC is not accompanied by any problems. The device works best in a stationary format. The device can be used at parties, but you need to make sure that the smartphone with the track running is not far away from the speaker.

autonomy

The documentation says that Charge 3 should work continuously for about 20 hours at medium volume.

In practice, this figure is at the level of sixteen hours. A low battery is indicated by a flashing red LED and does not affect music playback in any way.

Charging time from the power supply — 2.5 hours. USB input from a computer will charge the column for an hour longer. If desired, Charge 3 can be turned into a power bank by connecting another portable device to it.

Peculiarities

The Charge 3 has a JBL Connect system that allows you to connect multiple speakers into one audio system. After synchronization, the effect of stereo sound appears. The process is controlled by a proprietary application from JBL.

There is also a built-in speakerphone inside, with which you can fully talk with a telephone interlocutor. His voice is transmitted directly to external speakers, so the device is great for small video conferences.

Conclusion

The Charge range is closer than ever to perfection. For only $180, the manufacturer offers a nice design, great sound and a solid battery. There are practically no flaws here, and minor flaws almost do not spoil the impression of the device.

The column’s only competitor is the previous JBL Charge 2 Plus. The devices have almost the same technical characteristics and a slight difference in price. The predecessor will appeal to those who love compactness, the second model is lighter than the Charge 3.

pros

• Excellent autonomy
• Waterproof IPX 7
• The presence of a built-in microphone
• Tenacious textile surface
• Ability to charge other devices in power bank mode

Minuses

• Mediocre sound when connected via Bluetooth
• Possible involuntary activation
• Too rigid plug on the underside of the case