JBL Charge 6 review

The Charge 6 is the pick for people who mostly listen outdoors at home. In its launch release, JBL documents up to 28 hours of playtime with Playtime Boost, an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, and drop proofing for up to 1 meter above a concrete floor. Its waterproof rating is based on submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. AI Sound Boost analyzes music in real time to push the driver without distortion, and JBL fitted an upgraded woofer for deeper bass. Bluetooth Core 5.4 and Auracast let you link other JBL Auracast speakers, and a USB-C connection carries high-resolution lossless audio. The detachable strap is a practical touch for hanging it from a fence or tent. We could not see a US price on JBL's store from our location, so the price is marked pending, and the value score assumes JBL's usual pricing above the Flip.

Who it is for

Yard and pool owners who want a louder, longer-running speaker than the Flip without going to a party box.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Up to 28 hours of playtime with Playtime Boost
• IP68 waterproof, dustproof and drop proof design
• AI Sound Boost and an upgraded woofer for deeper bass
• Auracast multi-speaker connection with other JBL Auracast speakers
• High-resolution lossless audio over USB-C

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Detachable carrying strap with multiple configurations
• Strength: Drop proof for up to 1 meter onto concrete, per JBL
• Strength: Bluetooth Core 5.4 and the JBL Portable app
• Weakness: US price could not be checked from our location
• Weakness: Auracast grouping works only with JBL Auracast speakers
• Weakness: Heavier and bigger than the Flip 7 for travel

Key facts

• Battery: Up to 28 hours with Playtime Boost
• Water and dust: IP68
• Drop rating: 1 m onto concrete
• Bluetooth: Core 5.4, Auracast
• Wired audio: USB-C lossless

Where it ranks

JBL Charge 6 is No. 2 in our Best Bluetooth Speakers verdict.