For portable speakers, choose Charge 4 for louder 30W and USB‑C; pick Charge 3 for lower price and calls via mic.
JBL Charge 4
JBL Charge 3
Best Under $100
- Great price when certified refurb pops up
- Built‑in mic for quick calls
- Links with Connect+ speakers
JBL Charge 3 (Refurb)
Best All‑Round
- Louder single driver (30W)
- Charges by USB‑C
- Links with Connect+ family
JBL Charge 4
For Bigger Rooms
- Buy two and set stereo
- Use Connect+ for wider sound
- Better spread than one unit
Two Charge 4 Units
Portable Bluetooth speakers live on patios, tailgates, and weekender bags. Pick the right one and you’ll get hours of music, phone charging, and a body that shrugs off water. These two models aim at the same sweet spot, but they lean different ways. Here’s the fast verdict, plus the trade‑offs that push buyers to one or the other.
In A Nutshell
The newer model leans into power and convenience. It bumps output to 30 watts, switches to USB‑C for charging, and keeps the same 20‑hour playtime rating. The older model costs less on the refurb circuit and keeps a microphone for calls. Both carry IPX7 water protection and a USB‑A port to top up a phone.
If your priority is louder sound and modern charging, go with the newer option. If you’re chasing a bargain and want a speakerphone, the previous model still makes sense when you spot a clean unit at a good price.
Side‑By‑Side Specs
JBL Charge 4 — What We Like / What We Don’t Like
✅ What We Like
- 30W output brings stronger headroom outdoors.
- USB‑C charging matches modern cables and power banks.
- Same 20‑hour rating with a larger 7500 mAh cell.
- Connect+ links many units for bigger gatherings.
- Rugged shell and IPX7 rating handle splash and dunk.
⚠️ What We Don’t Like
- No microphone for calls or voice prompts.
- Heavier than its sibling by ~165 g.
- Links with Connect+ models, but not with newer PartyBoost units.
JBL Charge 3 — What We Like / What We Don’t Like
✅ What We Like
- Often the best price in this size when refurbished direct.
- Built‑in mic makes quick calls possible.
- Connect+ firmware upgrade lets it link with newer siblings.
- Three‑device handoff (up to 3 phones/tablets paired).
- IPX7 shell and dual passive radiators deliver pool‑friendly punch.
⚠️ What We Don’t Like
- Micro‑USB charging feels dated in 2025.
- Lower total wattage than the newer model.
- Stereo pair and linking rely on Connect+ after updating.
Charge 4 Or Charge 3: Which Fits You Better
Performance & Speed
Power defines the newer unit. Its 30W amplifier and racetrack driver add headroom that helps outdoors, especially when conversations and wind raise the noise floor. The older model uses two 50mm drivers rated at 2×10W. Indoors you may not hear a big gap at moderate volume, but outside the extra power matters when you nudge the dial higher.
Both carry dual passive radiators, so low‑end “thump” remains a shared trait. The newer unit’s single driver keeps output coherent in the mids; the previous model’s twin drivers spread sound a bit wider at close range. Either way, you’ll get the familiar warm JBL profile.
Display & Build
Both speakers wear the same woven fabric over a rugged shell with exposed passive radiators at the ends. Each has a rubberized foot with battery LEDs for a quick glance. IPX7 means they handle submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes—handy for pool days and drizzly hike breaks.
The newer speaker is bigger and heavier at 965 g. The earlier unit trims weight to about 800 g, which makes a difference in a backpack. If you carry it on walks or clip it to a day bag, that lighter feel adds comfort over time.
Battery & Charging
On paper both promise up to 20 hours. The newer model’s 7500 mAh pack gives you more reserve for phone top‑offs while keeping playback time in the same ballpark. Both feature a full‑size USB‑A port that outputs up to 5V/2A to revive a phone or action cam in a pinch.
Charging inputs differ. The newer unit moves to USB‑C, which works with the same cable as modern laptops, tablets, and phones. The previous model uses micro‑USB, which means an extra cable if everything else you own is Type‑C. Charge time is about four to four‑and‑a‑half hours for either.
Ports & Connectivity
Bluetooth versions are one step apart (4.2 vs 4.1), and both stay stable within a typical living room or patio range. You can keep two devices connected on the newer speaker; the older one allows up to three. Both include a 3.5mm aux‑in for wired playback from older gear, a small win if you still use a headphone‑jack music player or a TV without Bluetooth.
Linking speakers is where naming matters. The newer model ships with Connect+. The older one launched with Connect and later gained Connect+ through a firmware update in the JBL app, which lets it link with Connect+ models like the newer unit. Newer PartyBoost speakers link with each other but not with these two; if you plan to grow a multi‑speaker set, stick with the same family.
Software & Updates
These speakers keep things simple—no EQ on‑device and no voice assistant buttons. The JBL app handles firmware for eligible models. The earlier unit’s update that adds Connect+ remains the one toggle most buyers care about; once applied, it pairs cleanly with later Connect+ models in the line.
Pricing & Packages
U.S. launch pricing landed at $149.95 for both generations. Today, the newer one often sells around $115 on JBL.com when a color goes on promo, while the previous one shows up as a certified refurb near $80 when stock returns. If you plan to buy two for a stereo link, the refurb route can keep the total low.
ℹ️ Good To Know: Connect+ speakers (these two) don’t link with PartyBoost models. See JBL’s PartyBoost compatibility. For warranty length in the U.S., see JBL warranty terms.
Price, Value & Ownership
In short: the newer model asks a little more up front unless it’s on promo, while the older one shines when JBL’s certified refurb stock appears. USB‑C is the convenience win; the built‑in mic is the budget win.
Where Each One Wins
🏆 Price Under $100 — JBL Charge 3
🏆 USB‑C Convenience — JBL Charge 4
🏆 Calls On The Go — JBL Charge 3
🏆 Lighter To Pack — JBL Charge 3
Decision Guide
✅ Choose JBL Charge 4 If…
- You want stronger output for patios, parks, or a garage gym.
- Your cables are all Type‑C and you want one charger for everything.
- You plan to add more Connect+ speakers for larger spaces.
✅ Choose JBL Charge 3 If…
- You want the lowest price from a major brand and don’t mind a refurb.
- You take calls through the speaker and want a built‑in mic.
- You already own Connect+ units and want a cheap add‑on.
Best Bet For Most Listeners
If you’re buying once and keeping it for years, the newer speaker is the safer pick. The extra wattage gives you cleaner sound when the volume climbs, and USB‑C means one cable for your phone, tablet, and speaker. If your budget is tight or you want a mic for hands‑free calls, the older model remains a smart buy when JBL’s certified refurb stock appears. Either way, stick with Connect+ across your setup so every unit links together on the first try.
Sources: JBL spec sheets for Charge 4 and Charge 3; launch pricing confirmed by HARMAN press releases; pairing families clarified in JBL’s PartyBoost article and Charge 3 firmware notes.