Portable speakers have become a must-have for hosting a party. A portable speaker should have a solid build and excellent sound quality. JBL Charge 4 and UE Blast are two such speakers. We will review and compare both of them. We will provide a detailed description of both the speakers by comparing the JBL Charge 4 and UE Blast.
JBL and UE are both prominent brands in the portable speaker industry. Both have been making portable speakers for quite a long time. JBL Charge 4 and UE Blast are both powerful speakers. Both speakers are water-resistant. They are dustproof as well as shockproof. They are splash proof and consist of extra seals for protection against spillages. Both have on-device control buttons for easy-to-use options. They have buttons for the speaker on/off and volume control. The UE Blast also has a magic button that can help to navigate among tracks.
The battery life of JBL Charge 4 is around 20 hours, and the charging time is 5.5 hours. In comparison, the battery life of the UE Blast is about 12 hours with a charging time of 2.5 hours. The sound frequency range of JBL Charge 4 is 60Hz-20kHz. The frequency range of the UE Blast is 90Hz-20kHz. The broader range of JBL speakers helps to emphasize the lower notes of the soundtrack. But the UE Blast provides a 360-degree sound experience. The UE Blast also has built-in Amazon Alexa. It also supports wi-fi as well as Bluetooth connectivity.
Our verdict, UE Blast, is a better option than JBL Charge 4. The built-in Alexa and fast charging time make UE Blast a more viable option. Also, it has the advantage of 360-degree sound experience.
UE Blast supports wi-fi as well as Bluetooth connectivity. This provides more interactive features and easy setup option. JBL Charge 4 supports Bluetooth and 3.5 input. This allows for pairing with old compatible devices. JBL Charge 4 also includes a USB port. This can ensure the optimal battery in your smart device, and you do not need a new power bank.
2. Design
The JBL Charge 4 is bulkier and heavy. Its dimensions being 8.66″ x 3.74″ x 3.66″. The UE Blast has a thin cylindrical shape. It can fit in backpack pockets. Its dimensions being 5.6″ x 10.1″ x 5.5″. It weighs less than JBL Charge 4. The design of apps for both speakers are quite different. JBL Connect+ provides options for pairing and upgrading software. It also has the option to set up a new device. In contrast, UE Blast provides pairing options for up to 8 devices. You also get the option to enable Amazon Alexa and customize other features.
3. Battery
The JBL Charge 4 offers up to 20 hours of battery life. The charge time for the speaker is around 5.5 hours. In comparison, the battery life of the UE Blast is up to 12 hours. The charge time for this speaker is about 2.5 hours. Both speakers offer different battery life and charging time. UE Blast compensates for the low battery life with fast charging time compared to JBL Blast 4.
Thus, JBL Charge 4 has more battery life than the UE Blast. But it needs more charging time than UE Blast.
4. Magic Button
JBL Charge 4 and UE Blast have on-device button controls. The on-device controls are convenient to use. These include controls for the speaker on/off as well as volume controls. But the UE Blast also features a “Magic Button.” This button allows us to navigate among tracks. It allows us to skip/pause tracks. With the long press, you will also be able to select your favorite playlist.
Thus, UE Blast features more interactive on-device button controls.
5. Quality Of Audio
The sound frequency range of JBL Charge 4 is 60Hz – 20kHz. In contrast, the sound frequency range of the UE Blast is 90Hz-20kHz. The sound frequency of JBL Charge 4 is more full in comparison to UE Blast. Hence JBL Charge 4 will have a more vibrant and more energetic bass. It will emphasize the lower notes of the soundtrack.
The UE Blast has a 360-degree sound experience, but JBL is directional. This is a personal preference. Both speakers are loud and designed for music lovers.
JBL charge four and UE Blast are both waterproof speakers. The water-resistant rating for JBL Charge 4 is IPX7. At the same time, the water-resistant rating for UE Blast is IP67. Both the speakers are dustproof and shockproof. They are weather-sealed and splash-proof. They consist of extra seals to prevent failures due to water splashes. These features make them great companions for pool parties and trekking activities.
2. Hardware
They consist of an amplifier to produce better sound quality. Both have passive radiators and active drivers. Both consist of a rechargeable battery and display battery level indicators. The control panel features button for the speaker on/off as well as volume control buttons.
3. Built-in Alexa
UE Blast comes with built-in Amazon Alexa. This provides the advantage of hands-free control of your speaker. The speaker offers an easy setup option for the voice assistant feature. You get most of the features of Amazon Alexa with a few minor limitations. Amazon Alexa needs a wi-fi connection for working. JBL Charge 4 does not come with any voice assistant feature.
UE Blast is the clear winner in this segment.
Features And Technical Specifications of JBL charge 4
The battery life of the speaker is up to 20 hours. The charging time needed is around 5.5 hours.
The speaker features on-device controls, which are handy and straightforward to use. The speaker has buttons for the speaker on/off and volume controls. This helps to control the speaker in the absence of a smartphone.
The speaker weighs about 960 grams. The dimensions of the speaker are 8.66″ x 3.74″ x 3.66″.
The design of the speaker is durable and sturdy. This makes it perfect for adventure seekers.
The JBL Charge 4 has the best in class sound quality. It has a loud sound making it suitable for large spaces. The sound frequency range of the speaker is 60Hz-20kHz. The wide frequency range provides a rich and stronger bass—this helps to emphasize the lower notes of the soundtrack.
This does not provide a 360-degree experience. But the sound is loud and gives a rich experience.
You can connect up to 2 devices for wireless streaming. It also has a 3.5 input option for connecting old devices. The speaker does not include a voice assistant feature. It consists of a USB port. This can help you to charge your smartphone on the move.
The speaker is waterproof. The water-resistant rating is IPX7. The speaker is dustproof and shockproof. It is weather-sealed and splashes proof. It has protective seals for the prevention of failure against water splashes. This makes it ideal for a pool party.
The speaker consists of an amplifier for better sound quality. It has a passive radiator and drivers.
The battery life of the speaker is up to 12 hours. It can charge in about 2.5 hours.
It has on-device controls. This provides simplicity to use. It also has a magic button that allows you to navigate among soundtracks. You can skip/pause tracks and, with a long-press jump to your favorite playlist.
The UE Blast has a sound frequency range from 90hz-20kHz. It provides a 360-degree sound experience. But it struggles with deep bass.
UE Blast comes with a voice assistant feature. It has built-in Amazon Alexa. This gives hands-free control of the speaker. The Alexa is easy-to-setup with the help of the app. Alexa has a few minor limitations in the speaker. It needs a wi-fi connection to work.
It supports wi-fi as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The application of UE is interactive and provides an easy setup option. The app offers the opportunity to enable/disable Amazon Alexa. UE Blast can pair up to 8 devices.
The speaker has a thin cylindrical shape. Its dimensions are 5.6″ x 10.1″ x 5.5,” and it weighs around 650 grams. The design of the speaker is sturdy. The cylindrical speaker has a wrap-around fabric cover, and rubber ends.
UE Blast is a waterproof speaker with a water-resistant rating of IP67. It is dustproof and shockproof. It has an extra seal for protection against water splashes. These features make it suitable for pool parties and adventurous activities.
JBL Charge 4 comes packed in a medium-size rectangular box. The sides and the back feature its prominent features. In the box, you get your speaker. The box contains a Type-C USB Cable. Other contents in the box include a quick start guide and a safety sheet. The box also consists of the warranty card of your speaker.
UE Blast 4
UE Blast comes packed in a long rectangular box. The back features the prominent specifications of the speaker. The contents in the box include your product with the micro USB cable. It also consists of the power supply adapter. For a quick recharge, capability uses the power supply and cable included in the box. It also includes the instruction manual and warranty information.
JBL is an indisputable brand in the market of Bluetooth speakers. It offers Bluetooth speakers in every price range. JBL Charge 4 is a portable speaker in the charge series. It features the best sound and builds quality with great features. The speaker has a cylindrical type of design. It is a heavy speaker weighing about 960 grams. The dimensions of the speaker are 8.66″ x 3.74″ x 3.66″. The speaker includes on-device buttons for control. This offers simplicity and flexibility in operation.
It has buttons for power and volume control. The speaker supports Bluetooth connectivity. It can connect up to 2 smartphones for Bluetooth streaming. It also consists of a 3.5 mm input to connect to old devices. It includes a USB port. This makes it possible to charge your phone on the go. You can also connect a series of JBL speakers with the help of the JBL Connect+ application. The speaker has a broader sound frequency range from 60Hz-20kHz. This provides a more robust and juicier bass. The quality of the sound is high and clear. It performs well in the high and the low musical tones.
Charge 4 has refined and balanced sound output. The speaker is loud and is suitable for a large room. The battery backup of the JBL Charge 4 is around 20 hours at a low volume. It needs approximately 5.5 hours to charge fully. The speaker is waterproof with a water-resistant rating of IPX7. It is dustproof and shockproof. This makes it a perfect speaker to take to the beach and on trekking. JBL Charge 4 is a great speaker with exceptional sound quality and long battery life. For more information on JBL charge, You should check out, JBL charge 4 vs UE boom 3.
Things We Like
Good build quality
The battery life of around 20 hours
The option of charging devices consists of a USB port.
Ultimate Ears have been for a long time in the speaker industry. Their product, UE Blast is a powerful portable speaker with a voice assistant feature. It has excellent specifications and features. The speaker has a thin cylindrical design weighing about 650 grams. The dimensions of the speaker are 5.6″ x 10.1″ x 5.5″. It has a wrap-around fabric with on-device controls. This provides flexibility in use. It has buttons for power and volume control. It also has a button for skip/pause tracks. With the long press of this button, you can jump to your favorite playlist. If you’re really interested in UE Blast, you should check out How UE Blast is in comparison to UE Boom 3.
The speaker supports wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It can connect up to 8 devices with the help of an app. The battery life of the speaker is around 12 hours and needs 2.5 hours of charging time. It consists of a voice assistant feature and has built-in Amazon Alexa. This facilitates hands-free control of the speaker. The Amazon Alexa is easy to setup. It needs a wi-fi connection to work. There are a few limitations of Alexa on the UE Blast. It is only compatible with Amazon Music and does not work with Google Music or Spotify. Alexa has difficulty in picking up voice commands if you are outside or playing music on high volume. The sound quality of the UE Blast is loud and reliable.
It has a sound frequency range from 90Hz-20kHz. It provides a 360-degree sound experience. It performs well at high frequency. But struggles with deep bass. It is a waterproof speaker with a water-resistant rating of IP67. It is dustproof and shockproof. This makes it a perfect speaker for pool parties and adventurous activities. Thus, UE Blast is a portable, powerful speaker with Amazon Alexa capability.
Things We Like
Voice assistant feature, built-in Alexa
Excellent sound quality and rugged build
Loud, suitable for large spaces
Things We Don't Like
Struggle with deep bass
Not compatible with Google Music or Spotify
FAQs
1. Is the UE Blast waterproof?
Yes, UE Blast is water-resistant with a rating of IP67. The speaker is perfect for pool parties. It is also dustproof and shockproof.
2. How loud is the UE Blast?
UE Blast is loud with a sound level of 90dBa. The speaker has refined sound quality. The sound frequency range of the speaker is 90Hz-20kHz.
3. Is UE better than JBL?
Both brands are making portable speakers for a long time. Both the brand’s speakers are loud and have refined sound quality. They make water-resistant and dustproof speakers. Both the brand’s speakers are shockproof as well.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an affordable smart portable speaker, UE Blast is a perfect choice. It has a solid build and excellent sound quality. It has built-in Alexa and supports wi-fi connectivity. It is loud and suitable for large spaces. The water-resistant feature makes it great for pool parties. If you want the feature of JBL Connect+, JBL Charge 4 is the right choice. It has a long battery life and a full sound frequency range. It has rich and deep bass. It also has a USB port.
JBL charge 4 - Editor's Choice
4.9
Summary
JBL is an indisputable brand in the market of Bluetooth speakers. It offers Bluetooth speakers in every price range. JBL Charge 4 is a portable speaker in the charge series. It features the best sound and builds quality with great features. The speaker has a cylindrical type of design. It is a heavy speaker weighing about 960 grams.
Neil is the lead technology reporter and in-house expert for BeOnHome.com.His expertise is in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. In addition to this, he loves experimenting with new gadgets and taking up DIY home improvement projects in his free time.
Leave a Reply