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Summer may have passed, but if you’re looking for a year-round portable speaker that’s durable and sturdy enough to survive the outdoors (and multiple drops), the JBL Charge 6 is down to $129.95 (originally $199.95) at Amazon, marking its lowest price. If you don’t need one for yourself, this speaker will also make a great gift.
Although the price increase for the Charge 5 is modest, the number of upgrades is impressive. This model is fully waterproof, has extended battery life, and an even larger woofer. Although the Charge 6 is slightly larger than its predecessor, it comes with a new ergonomic carrying handle that makes it ultra-portable.
It can survive drops of up to three feet and has an IP68 rating (an upgrade from its previous IP67 rating), meaning it can be submerged under five feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Its single USB-C connection on the back handles charging, lossless wired audio connections, and power output for charging other devices. The 34 watt-hour battery runs for up to 24 hours and doubles as a power bank for devices like phones or tablets that need charging. It can charge in just three hours, but it’s worth noting that you’ll need your own charging brick and USB cable as they’re not included in the package.
The app’s customization is limited to simple controls, but it features a customizable seven-band EQ, and this PCMag review calls the sound “surprisingly punchy” with a more robust audio response than similarly compact speakers. It provides loud, clear and balanced sound (even outdoors). Although the PlayTime Boost setting increases volume while saving battery, it comes at the expense of bass, meaning it can be useful for podcasts or audiobooks, but it could impact the sound of your music.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a small but powerful speaker that performs well and is built to last, the JBL Charge 6 is a great feature-rich choice, and at $129.95, it’s a steal for a new model. However, if you’re an audiophile looking for stereo speaker quality or bass comparable to a subwoofer, this may not be the right fit.
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