JBL Charge 2+ Review

We’ve reviewed the first and second JBL Charge in the market. Now, it’s back in our hands with a plus sign next to its name. If you’re interested to see what changed on the JBL Charge 2+, check out our full review after the jump.

What’s in the Box

Upon opening the box, you’ll find the JBL Charge 2+, a high-powered 5V 2.3A USB adapter, a 1m micro USB cable, and a bunch of paper works. Interestingly, JBL included two (2) travel adapters, a type C and a type G that can be used with the included USB adapter just in case your mobile life requires different socket types.

These adapters and the USB cable are in orange color that is similar to the JBL logo.

Design

The JBL Charge 2+ is tube-shaped with matte polycarbonate shell and metal grills. The woofers for the bass are located on both ends, just like its predecessor. What is new with the Charge 2+ is the waterproofing of the device, or splashproofing per se. There’s no IPX certification which means that it cannot be totally submerged underwater.

There are 6 soft buttons on top—power, Bluetooth pairing, volume up and down, Social Mode, and hand-free. There are 5 tiny dots below the volume keys that indicate battery level. Due to its position, it can be easily mistaken as volume level. A microphone pinhole is also located above the device.

The micro-USB and full-size USB ports are located on the lower back along with the 3.5mm jack for wired connection.

Sound Quality

The signature sound quality of the previous model was carried over to this new one.

Like any JBL speakers, it boast good sound quality. The vocals are clear, with the mids getting better attention, and the lows are pleasant. Upon further testing, we noticed something that could be the speaker’s weak point. The bass is overpowering every song we throw in. Perhaps the Charge 2+ is designed to be used with modern pop songs today, those we often play on the poolside and the beach or when we wanted to feel alive.

With being said, if you’re in to classics and other music genres, you might find the Charge 2+ a little disappointing.

Usage

With a feature called “Social mode”, it can support up to 3 simultaneous paired devices. Three users can control the speaker wherein whoever presses the play will instantly take over. While the switching works fine, we hope for a crossfade effect or even a smarter feature like wait listing.

The 6,000mAh battery inside can last for days with casual use. That is using it for a few hours per day, let’s say around 4. According to JBL, it can last for 12 straight hours. You can also charge mobile devices through the USB port with the battery.

Aside from making noise, the Charge 2+ can also do hands-free calling using its built-in microphone.

Conclusion

With the same design and sound quality we’ve come to know from the previous model, we feel that the JBL Charge 2+ is just an incremental upgrade from its predecessor. The addition of of its splash-proof design should come in handy for users who brings their portable speaker everywhere they go, and the best part here is that it didn’t add to the cost of the speaker.

The JBL Charge 2+ retails for Php 7,995USD 136INR 11,550EUR 130CNY 992 and is available in the following stores:

JBL Sound Gallery – B3 Bonifacio High Street (beside TGIFriday’s and Happy Lemon), 799-9344
JBL Acoustical Space – 4th Floor SM Megamall Cyberzone, 919-6012
JBL Digital Dreams – 4th Floor SM North EDSA Annex, 738-2554
JBL / Harman Kardon – Level 3 Mindanao Wing TriNoma
JBL / Harman Kardon – 3rd Floor Fairview Terraces

JBL Charge 2+ specifications:
Bluetooth v3.0
Output power: 2 x 7.5W
Transducer: 2 x 45mm
Frequency response: 75Hz – 20kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: 80dB
Power supply: 5VDC, 2.3A
USB Output: 5V, 2.1A (max)
6,000mAh Li-ion polymer, 3.7V
Dimensions: 79mm x 185.2mm
Weight: 600g

What we liked about:

• Splashproof
• High volume
• Long battery life
• Able to charge other portable devices

What we didn’t:

• Less noticeable stereo effect
• Overpowering bass