New JBL portable speakers take on Sonos with Wi-Fi and Dolby Atmos support
The JBL Charge 5 and Boombox 3 get upgraded versions with Wi-Fi, and the Boombox gets Atmos
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Two of thebest Bluetooth speakersfrom JBL have got a hefty upgrade, adding a host of Wi-Fi enabled capabilities and improved connection features, alongside JBL’s first-ever implementation ofDolby Atmosin a portable speaker.
The Boombox 3 and Charge 5 speakers were already solid options for a Bluetooth portable speaker, but have now ascended to a new level of convenience in their new forms: the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi and JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi.
When we reviewed the compactJBL Charge 5back in 2021, we were impressed by its balanced sound quality, 20-hour battery life, and impactful volume – though the new Charge 5 Wi-Fi also updates its Bluetooth to the latest 5.3 standard, along with Wi-Fi support that lets you stream in higher-quality throughmusic streaming servicessuch asApple Music.
Both models get a medley of Wi-Fi enabled features, includingApple AirPlay 2for iOS users, Alexa’s Multi-Room Music extension that lets you command speakers across your home, and even Chromecast support. But they also benefit from the higher bandwidth of a Wi-Fi connection compared to Bluetooth. It puts the Charge 5 Wi-Fi even more more directly in line with the super-popularSonos Roamspeaker, and the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi even closer to theSonos Move.
The larger and higher-specified JBL Boombox 3 is alone in getting Dolby Atmos support – the first time JBL has done this in a portable speaker (but the company knows the tech well from its soundbars, such as the hugely impressiveJBL Bar 1300X. The Atmos audio is currently limited to theTidalstreaming service, though, which has to be linked through the JBL One app.AppleMusic andAmazonMusic Unlimited HD both support it too, so we hope there’ll be support for them in the future.
You’re paying a little more for the Wi-Fi versions of these speakers, with the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi costing £549 (around $680 / AU$1,000) instead of its former £446 price tag, while the Charge 5 Wi-Fi will set you back £229 (around $280 / AU$430 instead of £140. We’re still waiting on confirmed US/Aus pricing. The products will be available in mid-May 2023.
For the latter model, it’s almost doubled in price, though the new smart features may be enough of a convenience to sway you next time you’re in need of a good Bluetooth speaker.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Go big and go home
Both of these models offer a sturdy construction and solid water resistance, making it great for trips out of the home, into nature or even the beach and swimming pools, alongside long battery life (20-24 hours) that mean they don’t need to be permanently wedded to a plug socket in your living room.
The Wi-Fi support is all about making these better at-home speakers too, with the improved capabilities and higher-resolution sound afford by that. So while you’re paying a little more, you’re also getting portable speakers that can double as both on-the-go sound machines and in multi-room music systems. The Charge 5 would be perfect for the bathroom, even if it costs a lot more thanIkea’s shower-friendly $15 waterproof speaker.
WhileSonosis usually a byword for quality sound, we’ve often found the JBL equivalent portable speakers to be meatier in a way that works well outdoors. And the Atmos-compatible Boombox 3 has a slight advantage on paper at its price point compared to the Sonos Move – and we bet it’ll take a tumble better.
Henry is a freelance technology journalist, and former News & Features Editor for TechRadar, where he specialized in home entertainment gadgets such as TVs, projectors, soundbars, and smart speakers. Other bylines include Edge, T3, iMore, GamesRadar, NBC News, Healthline, and The Times.
Wharfedale’s stunning Super Linton speakers could take pride of place in the hi-fi room of my dreams
Ultimate Ears Miniroll review: a chic mini party speaker that brings the bass – if not every feature you might like
Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: A powerful and truly portable projector
