Choosing Between the WONDERBOOM PLAY and Charge 5: A Complete Guide

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM PLAY and JBL Charge 5 represent two different approaches to solving the same problem - how to get great sound in a portable package. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.

The Evolving World of Portable Audio

Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in the past decade. What started as tinny, unreliable devices have evolved into robust audio solutions that can fill a room or power an outdoor gathering. Both of these speakers reflect that evolution, though they take different paths to get there.

The WONDERBOOM PLAY, released in early 2023, builds on Ultimate Ears' expertise in compact speakers, while the Charge 5, launched in 2021, represents JBL's fifth iteration of their popular mid-size portable speaker line.

Size and Portability: A Tale of Two Approaches

The physical differences between these speakers tell you a lot about their intended use. The WONDERBOOM PLAY is notably compact at just 95.3mm wide and tall, weighing a mere 318g - about as heavy as a can of soup. Its cylindrical design and integrated carrying strap make it incredibly portable.

The Charge 5, meanwhile, is substantially larger at 223mm long and weighing 960g - roughly three times heavier. This extra size isn't without purpose though - it houses larger drivers and more substantial battery capacity.

Sound Quality: Breaking Down the Differences

Overall Sound Character

The WONDERBOOM PLAY uses a 360-degree sound design, meaning it projects audio in all directions. This works well for casual listening situations where people might be gathered around the speaker. The sound is clean and balanced, with particular strength in the midrange where vocals live.

The Charge 5 takes a more traditional directional approach but backs it up with serious hardware: a 52x90mm woofer and dedicated 20mm tweeter. This separation of high and low frequencies allows for more precise sound reproduction. The dual passive radiators (think of these as speakers that move based on air pressure rather than electrical signals) provide robust bass response that the WONDERBOOM simply can't match due to size constraints.

Volume and Power Handling

Here's where the size difference really shows: The Charge 5 puts out 40W of total power (30W woofer, 10W tweeter), allowing it to fill larger spaces without strain. The WONDERBOOM PLAY, while impressively loud for its size, can't match this output level.

Battery Life and Charging Features

Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers benefit from this. The WONDERBOOM PLAY offers 10 hours of playback - respectable for its size. The Charge 5 doubles this to 20 hours and adds a killer feature: it can charge other devices via USB, essentially functioning as a power bank.

Both use USB-C for charging, but the Charge 5 takes longer to charge (4 hours) due to its larger battery capacity.

Durability and Environmental Protection

Both speakers carry an IP67 rating, which means they're:

• Dustproof (the '6')
• Waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes (the '7')

The WONDERBOOM PLAY adds float capability and better drop resistance, making it slightly more adventure-ready. The Charge 5 is plenty durable but its larger size makes it more susceptible to drop damage.

Special Features and Tech Improvements

WONDERBOOM PLAY

• Uses 68% post-consumer recycled plastic
• Automatic power-off after 15 minutes of inactivity
• Multi-device pairing for easy switching between sources
• True Wireless Stereo for pairing two units

Charge 5

• PartyBoost feature for connecting multiple JBL speakers
• Built-in powerbank functionality
• Updated Bluetooth 5.1 with improved range
• Separate tweeter for better high-frequency response

Real-World Performance

In practical use, these speakers serve different needs. The WONDERBOOM PLAY excels in situations where portability is paramount. It's perfect for:

• Travel and camping
• Shower listening
• Quick outdoor activities
• Small spaces

The Charge 5 shines when you need:

• Robust sound for small gatherings
• Extended outdoor use
• More bass response
• Power bank functionality

Value Consideration

At $99 MSRP for the WONDERBOOM PLAY versus $179 for the Charge 5, there's a significant price gap. The WONDERBOOM offers excellent value for its size class, while the Charge 5's premium price is justified by its superior sound quality and additional features.

How to Decide

Choose the WONDERBOOM PLAY if:

• Maximum portability is crucial
• You're primarily using it for personal listening
• Budget is a major consideration
• You need something ultra-durable

Go for the Charge 5 if:

• Sound quality is your top priority
• You'll use it for small gatherings
• You value the power bank feature
• Longer battery life is important
• You're willing to trade portability for better sound

Both speakers represent the best of their respective size classes, but they serve different needs. The WONDERBOOM PLAY is the grab-and-go choice for personal use, while the Charge 5 is the more capable all-arounder for those willing to carry a bit more weight.

Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how and where you'll use it most often, and choose accordingly.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM PLAY Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

JBL Charge 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker Deals and Prices