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JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

As smartphones go everywhere we do, music has become much more portable.  And while many devices have decent built-in speakers to broadcast the sound, there’s nothing quite like a dedicated speaker to enjoy your favorite tunes.  The JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker has some impressive attributes to move it to the top of the category at $129.95 USD as of March, 2017.

JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Device features

Because the JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker uses a wireless Bluetooth system to connect to smartphones and other Wi-Fi enables devices, there are no cords or cables involved.  You can connect three smartphones or tablets to the device at any time so everyone can have a turn at playing their favorite music to stop arguments.

The speaker uses a 6000mAH power bank that means it gives up to 20 hours of play time and can also charge smartphones and tablets via a USB cable.  The battery is a built-in rechargeable Li-ion so will charge quickly and has good longevity.

The Charge III can also act as a speaker to take calls through the smartphone.  There is a button that activates the noise and echo-cancelling features that allow you to talk to someone via the device with clear sound.

Advantages of the Charge III

One of the big advantages of the JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker over other Bluetooth speakers is that it is waterproof.  It is IPX7 waterproof which means if you are poolside and drop it in the water, there is no adverse effect on it.  It can withstand having water spilt on it or even being left outside in a heavy downpour.  Customer reviews have already highlighted this as a major plus point for people who have lost other devices when they were accidentally dropped in water.

The device can also use the JBL Connect system to build a network of speakers around your home.  This allows you to create a surround-sound style system with speakers placed at locations that suit you, both inside and outside your house due to the waterproof nature of the Charge III.  Simply press the special JBL Connect button to locate other devices to pair with and create your own system.

The Charge III is a larger device than its predecessors and this means it can be a bit weighty to carry about in a bag or backpack.  However, the extended battery life that the extra size accommodates is something that customers are already happy with.  The device measures 213 x 87 x 88.5mm and weighs around 1.7 pounds.

JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Disadvantages of the Charge III

The weight and size of the product may be counted as a disadvantage to some but the sound quality and battery life that are gained in place of size make this only a negative to a few customers.

Some users have noticed that very high frequencies, such as the sound of violins, have a little distortion compared to some other Bluetooth speakers available.  However, this is mostly due to the waterproof casing used to protect the device so again, customers have reported being happy with this added benefit.

Is the speaker worth it?

The Charge III offers high-quality sound and the ability to talk through it as it is was your smartphone – users have reported that people on the other end of the call didn’t realize they were talking through a speaker.  The waterproof element is a big feature for many users and while the device is bigger than some competitors, it offers enough extra benefits to make this a good trade.

JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker Specifications

Battery typeLithium-ion Polymer (22.2Wh)

Music playing timeup to 20 hours (varies by volume level and content)
Rated power2 x 10W
USB charge out5V / 2A (maximum)
SupportA2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
Frequency Response65Hz-20kHz
Transducer size (mm)2 x 50
Signal-to-Noise Ratio>80dB
Bluetooth transmitted modulationGFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
Battery charge time4.5 hrs
Weight (g)800
Power supply5V / 2.3A

The JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker was provided by Harman for review purposes. All opinions expressed above are that of Aspiring Gentleman only.