Question 1

Is the JBL Charge 4 still a good speaker in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you find it at a discounted price. The core strengths, IPX7 waterproofing, up to 20 hours of battery life, and 30W output, remain competitive. The main caveat is that it has been discontinued, so stock is limited. At or near its original price, the newer JBL Charge 5 is a better long-term investment.

Question 2

What is the difference between JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5?

Accepted Answer

The Charge 5 upgrades the water and dust protection rating from IPX7 to IP67, adds Bluetooth 5.1 for better range, and uses the newer Party Boost multi-speaker system instead of Connect+. The biggest trade-off is that the Charge 5 removes the 3.5mm aux input entirely, which the Charge 4 still has.

Question 3

Can the JBL Charge 4 be used to charge my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is a USB-A port on the back that lets you charge a phone or tablet directly from the speaker's battery. Keep in mind that charging a device while the speaker is playing will reduce playback time noticeably. Use the USB-C port only for charging the speaker itself, as it does not support device charging out.

Question 4

How do I reset the JBL Charge 4?

Accepted Answer

First, delete the speaker from your device's Bluetooth paired list. Then power the speaker on and hold the Bluetooth button and the volume up button at the same time for a few seconds until the LED ring on top lights up. The speaker will power down automatically. Turn it back on and it will enter pairing mode ready for a fresh connection.

Question 5

Is the JBL Charge 4 good for outdoor use?

Accepted Answer

It is one of the better options in its price range for outdoor use. The IPX7 rating handles rain, splashes, and accidental submersion. It floats if dropped in water. The 30W output is loud enough to compete with outdoor background noise at a beach or campsite. The only drawback for outdoor use is the weight at 965 grams, which becomes a factor if you are carrying it long distances on foot.

Question 6

Does the JBL Charge 4 support voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant?

Accepted Answer

No. The Charge 4 does not have a built-in microphone, so it does not support Siri, Google Assistant, or any voice assistant functions. It also cannot be used as a speakerphone for calls. Both of those features were removed compared to the Charge 3. All voice interactions will need to go through your phone directly.

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