JBL Charge 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Which one sounds better IRL?

Bargain-shopper tech fans, this one’s for you: the JBL Charge 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): both are portable, rugged, and on sale.

I’m a bargain-hunter of a tech editor. Sure, I get to test the latest gadgets before they even drop—and yeah, that’s fun. But you know what I like even more? Tech that works beautifully without blowing a hole in my budget. Which brings me to today’s comparison: JBL Charge 5 vs. Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen).

Yes, the JBL Charge 5 is now the last-gen model (the Charge 6 landed in April 2025), but that only makes it more appealing for buyers like me. It frequently goes on sale for less while still delivering killer battery life, rugged durability, and loud, punchy sound. For its part, the Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen refreshes the 2021 original with more balanced tuning, a redesigned control strip, and graphic EQ.

Both speakers are currently $119 for Cyber Week—up to 33% off! That brings us to the real question: if you’re bargain shopping for a portable speaker on a budget, which one’s the better buy? And more importantly, which actually sounds better IRL?

Want answers? I’ve got ’em! Keep reading my comparison below 🙂

JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)

JBL Charge 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Design & Portability

While both are technically portable Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Charge 5 and the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) take different approaches to design and travel-friendliness.
The JBL Charge 5 weighs about 2.1 lbs and measures 22.3 x 9.7 x 9.4 cm. You could throw it in a backpack, but it’s definitely more of a day-bag speaker because of its cylindrical shape and heavier build. Those make it great for outings like picnics or beach days. It’s definitely not a pocket-sized speaker, but you can carry it from location to location.

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), on the other hand, is noticably slimmer and lighter at ~1.3 lbs. Reviewers consistently point out how easy it is to carry; it fits into smaller bags, hangs from a loop, and is the kind of speaker you’d grab on your way out the door without thinking twice. It also has an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. It’s just as ready for the outdoors as the Charge 5, but is much easier to carry around.

Winner for portability: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) hands down. It’s compact, nimble, and easier to move around with.

JBL Charge 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Battery Life

Battery life is where the JBL Charge 5 shines. On a full charge, it plays for an impressive 20 hours. That’s right, you could chill to your favorite tunes all day and party all night with this thing. Or, you could count on it sporadically throughout a long weekend by the lake. Your choice. You won’t have to worry about running out of power too quickly here.

And that’s not all. The JBL Charge 5 also has a built-in power bank that lets you charge your devices without stopping the music.

Meanwhile, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is rated for around 12 hours of battery life, which is a little over half of what JBL offers. But given its compact size and lighter build, that’s pretty much expected; a smaller speaker means a smaller battery. Bose Clearly prioritized portability and convenience over outstanding runtime. But honestly, if you’re grabbing a speaker this slim, your goal probably isn’t listening for 20 hours straight.

Battery Winner: The JBL Charge 5 has longer playtime plus a power bank. It’s a better choice for long trips, parties, and heavy use.

JBL Charge 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Sound

Sound matters most, right? And just like their designs, these two speakers take different paths. The JBL Charge 5 leans toward a punchier profile thanks to its JBL Pro Sound setup: long-excursion woofer, separate tweeter, and dual passive bass radiators. It won’t shake the walls, but reviewers consistently praise its solid volume and lively bass, especially outdoors or in open spaces where smaller speakers fall short. It’s great for parties with upbeat playlists and outdoor weekends.

The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) plays a different game. Reviewers describe it as surprisingly full and warm for its size, with bass that feels bigger than the form factor suggests. Its PositionIQ technology adjusts the sound based on its position in the room (standing, hanging, flat), so you’re getting the best tuning automatically. These features make it better for indoor listening, travel, kitchen/desk setups, and low-effort everyday music. Just don’t expect the same volume punch as the Charge 5.

Winner: It depends. The Charge 5 is better for parties and open spaces, while the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) sounds richer and more natural in everyday indoor use.

JBL Charge 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Call/Voice Assistant Features

When it comes to calling and voice controls, only one speaker has what it takes: the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). It features a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and even lets you trigger your phone’s voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant) right from the speaker. Just press and hold the multi-function button, and the mic essentially becomes an extension of your phone.

Reviews here are mostly positive. People love being able to take calls in the kitchen or while working in their home office, without picking up their phone. Some users do note that their voice can cut in and out occasionally, which is totally fine for casual chats, but not the setup you’d want for important Zoom calls.

Which Speaker Should You Buy?

If you want loud sound, longer battery life, and solid outdoor use, go for the JBL Charge 5.
It wins when it comes to volume-per-dollar, and holds up longer during beach days and camping trips. In my opinion, it’s the better choice for parties and outdoor use because its sound just carries better.

But if you want cleaner, warmer audio, plus voice calls and a design that’s easier to travel with, I recommend the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen).
It’s the more refined listener’s pick since it’s super portable and is the only one here that lets you take calls or summon Siri/Google Assistant. It’s great for apartments, bedside listening, work-from-home background music, and travel.

Stuck between the two?

Here’s how I’d break it down:

• Pick JBL if you want it to live outside: pool days, parks, road trips, barbecues.

• Pick Bose if you want it to live with you: kitchen podcasts, calls, hotel rooms, chill listening sessions.

Both are solid discount speakers, but they suit different scenarios.

My final take

If I personally had to choose one based on everyday use? I’d get the Bose for the sound quality and voice features. It’s also more versatile for real life—music, calls, podcasts, everything. But if volume matters more to you than microphone features, JBL Charge 5 is the easy win.