With so many Bluetooth speakers available in the market, comparing each one’s pros and cons get tiresome. We’ve done that research for you for these two well-reviewed portable devices: the JBL Charge 4 and the Bose SoundLink Revolve. Find out which one meets certain criteria better to determine the best one for you to get.
The JBL Charge 4 portable Bluetooth speaker features an IPX7 waterproof exterior, proprietary driver, 2 bass radiators, and a built-in power bank. Enjoy loud and clear sound plus JBL Connect+.
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JBL Charge 4 vs Bose Revolve Comparison Chart
| Model | JBL Charge 4 | |
|  | |
| Price | Check Price at Walmart | Check Price at Walmart |
| Height | 4.9″ | 6″ |
| Width | 10.8″ | 3.2″ |
| Depth | 5.9″ | 3.2″ |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Colors | 10 | 2 |
| Multi Speaker | JBL Connect+ | Bose SimpleSync |
| Microphone | No | Yes |
| Speaker | Forward-facing | Omnidirectional |
| Voice Control | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours | 12 hours |
| Powerbank | Yes | No |
Design
The JBL Charge 4 is waterproof, but the Bose Revolve is more portable.
As you can see, there are quite many striking differences between these two Bluetooth speakers. The JBL Charge 4 is built horizontally, with waterproof fabric stretching out over its cylinder and a flattened bottom. In contrast, the
However, when actually taking either speaker on trips, the smaller Bose Revolve is a lot lighter, being only half the weight of the JBL Charge 4. It likely won’t matter bringing it in a car, but for backpacking it can make a difference. In addition, it’s much easier to grip and handle the
Still, there’s no question that you’d rather have the Charge 4 if you’re going near water, as its IPX7 rating makes it full waterproof up to a meter underwater. The Revolve is only IPX4 water-resistant in comparison, which is enough to survive splashes but not dunks.
Setup and Controls
The Bose Revolve enables calls and voice control but you can sync more JBL speakers together.
Both sets of buttons can be found at the top of each speaker, and the usual power, volume and pause/play buttons are present. The power button on the JBL Charge 4 lights up nicely, making it easier to spot in the dark. It’s not as nifty as the multi-function button on the
In a pinch you can also answer phone calls and send texts with the Bose Revolve’s voice input, which is great if you’re a fan of voice commands. Those who prefer taking calls in private won’t miss it though.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve radiates sound in every direction, filling rooms with consistent coverage and uniform quality. With its portable and easy-to-grab design, take it wherever you go.
Although you can connect multiple compatible speakers with either model, you can wirelessly sync the JBL Charge 4 with as many JBL Connect-enabled speakers as you like. You and your friends can turn any meetup into a full-blown party bringing all of your JBL speakers along. You can also connect up to 2 devices per Charge 4 and take turns playing music instead.
In contrast, the Bose Music app on the SoundLink Revolve only allows you to pair it up with one other SoundLink speaker to get full stereo sound. It does fit easily within the Bose family of smart speakers though, but that’s usually limited to in-home situations.
Sound Quality
The
It’s surprising how much power and clarity the full-range transducer on the
In short, the Bose Revolve sounds amazing. It hits high notes with startling clarity and definition while bellowing low ends with authority. The 360 degree coverage it provides performs even better indoors, while outside you can simply plop it down. You will certainly experience the well-deserved reputation that Bose has cultivated with their audio products.
Not to be simply outdone, the JBL Charge 4 does manage to create well-defined highs and mids, so you can pick out vocals and strings with ease. Where it falls short is in the lower registers, which can get muddled especially at higher volumes. As a result, the Charge 4 sounds much better when playing out in the open than indoors, since the bass tends to get diffused better without walls to bounce from. At its highest volume setting it can easily provide the beats to any barbecue or beachside hangout.
Battery
The JBL Charge 4 can charge your phone and has a longer battery life than the Bose Revolve.
All the extra weight of the JBL Charge 4 comes into play with its larger battery, capable of powering the speaker for up to 20 hours. In contrast, the
Perhaps an even more welcome feature of the JBL Charge 4 is that you can use it as a power bank. Plug your phone to its USB-A port and you can play music while charging your device at the same time.
Verdict
The JBL Charge 4 is built for the outdoors while the
The JBL Charge 4 portable Bluetooth speaker features an IPX7 waterproof exterior, proprietary driver, 2 bass radiators, and a built-in power bank. Enjoy loud and clear sound plus JBL Connect+.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve radiates sound in every direction, filling rooms with consistent coverage and uniform quality. With its portable and easy-to-grab design, take it wherever you go.
Taking all of its strengths and features together, the JBL Charge 4 is our recommendation if you’re looking for a durable Bluetooth speaker to take outdoors. Despite its bulk and extra weight, you’ll likely prefer the device that can run longer and charge your phone if needed. Its loud sound performs better in open areas, and its powerful enough to drown parties in sound. To top it off, its waterproof build and scratch-resistant fabric can survive rough conditions more ably.
While it’s lighter and definitely easier to move and carry, the Bose SoundLink Revolve performs much better as an indoor device. Its smooth and elegant design looks fabulous in any room, which can be covered more easily with its 360 sound. You can certainly bring it on trips, though you’ll have to be more mindful of its battery level the whole while. Whether you use it outside or in, you’ll get one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers available today.
FAQs
Based on their sound signature alone, Bose speakers are overall better than JBL. However, in our comparison of the JBL Charge 4 and the
Its omnidirectional speaker that delivers high-quality 360-degree sound makes the
The
Bose is definitely among the top speaker brands today. Trailing close are Sonos, JBL, and Sennheiser.