JBL Charge 4 vs. Bose SoundLink Color II

Introduction

When it comes to Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Charge 4 and Bose SoundLink Color II are two of the most popular options available. Both devices have a number of things in common: they both feature wireless music streaming, they are both water resistant, and they both have splashproof covers that can be removed if you want to take them on the go.

However, each has its own set of pros and cons when compared side by side. This post compares these two Bluetooth speakers head-to-head in order to help you decide which is right for your needs!

Sound

If you’re looking for an amazing, quality sound experience at a budget-friendly price tag, then the JBL Charge 4 is definitely your best bet. Featuring powerful 30W drivers and two radiators that produce smooth bass notes with no sound distortion until it reaches 70% volume – twice as loud as its competitor Bose – it won’t let you down! And if the Charge 3 gives even more bang for the buck, why pass up on this unique listening opportunity?

The midrange is where these headphones really differ; while both have good treble and a nice amount of detail in their mids, the JBL Charge 4 wins out because it has more clarity overall (though this can be said about any pair of headphones).

In terms of soundstage and size, neither earbud beats out its rivals by much—the Bose SoundLink Color II has a slightly wider soundstage than either model, but both have similar widths at best (and some may prefer one over another).

The Bose SoundLink Color II may look appealing, but its minimal bass and flat sound prevent it from standing out amongst other portable speakers. With less than half of the volume compared to JBL’s Charge 4, this speaker doesn’t offer sufficient value for the money.

Design

The Charge 4 is a lightweight speaker that offers convenience and versatility with its 8.7-inch base allowing it to easily rest horizontally. Offered in 10 vibrant colors, including Black, Blue, Forest Green, Grey, pink, Red, Sand Teal and White – this compact device provides an upgrade from the unappealing design of SoundLink Color II without compromising on sound quality.

The Bose SoundLink Color II strikes a sour note – an aesthetically unappealing design complete with mediocre battery life. Even the app that monitors usage lets us down, inaccurately predicting power levels. However, though it may seem like all is lost in terms of sound quality and portability, thankfully, there are some bright spots:

• Four color variants ranging from Aquatic Blue to Soft Black
• Lightweight 1.2lbs silhouette offer convenience without compromising on audio performance capabilities
• We can connect external devices via a 3.5mm port or use the Voice Assistant feature activated by a multifunction button!

The Charge 4 is undeniably the superior choice between these two designs, boasting a sleek contemporary look, enhanced features and a variety of colors to choose from.

Durability

Charge 4 offers superior protection against the elements, earning an IPX7 waterproof rating that allows it to be submerged in a meter of water for up to half an hour. Despite not being officially classified as ‘shockproof’, Charge 4 can withstand shocks and drops better than SoundLink Color II, which can only handle splashes without risking destruction.

Overall, The JBL Charge 4 is a little more durable than the Bose SoundLink Color II. The latter has a plastic cover on its body, but it’s relatively fragile and susceptible to damage if you drop it or bang it into something hard. The JBL Charge 4 is made of all stainless steel and can withstand some drops without getting damaged

For those seeking extra durability from their speaker, Charge 4 comes out on top!

Power

Although JBL promises 20 hours of battery life, with my testing, I found it gets around 8.5 to 6.5 depending on the volume level you play at. However, this could still be up to three times better than Bose’s SoundLink Color II, which delivers what was advertised – an approximate 8-hour lifespan and a 3-hour charge time if depleted.

Moreover, Charge 4 offers more convenience as its USB-C port can also act as an external charger for tablets, phones and other devices in mere four hours!

So JBL Charge 4 rocks the house all night long! With its low-volume capabilities, this speaker lets you crank up your favorite tunes for hours and hours.

Software

Despite creating some of the world’s best speakers, JBL falls short when it comes to software. Bose has a significant advantage in this area over Charge 4’s buggy and hard-to-use technology offerings. Promises for firmware updates have been made by JBL yet remain unfulfilled. However, there is one silver lining – you can connect multiple devices at once using their Connect+ button system, which offers more stable connections than other Bluetooth options.

The Bluetooth connection offered by the SoundLink Color II offers an extra five feet of range and is more reliable than its predecessor. Not only that, but you can pair up to eight devices through Party Mode while managing them with Bose’s app! However, updates are long and prone to failure, so be prepared for a challenge when trying to update your device.

Charge 4 and SoundLink Color II both have pros and cons, but the latter stands out with its user-friendly software, making it a great choice.

Bottom Line

Overall, the JBL Charge 4 offers better sound quality and battery life than the SoundLink Color II. It’s also built with higher-quality materials and has a more durable design that lasts for years. If you’re looking for something small, portable and easy to use at home or on the go, then don’t buy Bose SoundLink Color II. Instead, opt for JBL Charge 4.