The JBL Pulse 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a vibrant, fun speaker with powerful sound and a built-in LED light show that makes any party come alive. With its 360-degree audio and eye-catching design, the Pulse 5 stands out as one of the most unique speakers on the market. Whether you’re using it at home or outdoors, it brings entertainment and quality sound to the table.
Quick Highlights
- 360-degree sound with deep bass
- Customizable LED light show
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- 12 hours of battery life
Release Date
The JBL Pulse 5 was released in early 2023, following the success of previous models in the Pulse series.
JBL Pulse 5 Unboxing
- Inside the box, you’ll find:
- A JBL Pulse 5 speaker
- A USB-C charging cable
- A quick start guide and other essential documentation
Everything is packed securely, making the unboxing experience smooth and straightforward.
Quick Specs: JBL Pulse 5
- Output Power: 30W RMS
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
- Dimensions: 10.4 x 21.4 x 10.4 cm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
Design and Display
The design of the JBL Pulse 5 is sleek and modern, with a cylindrical shape that allows for 360-degree sound. Its most striking feature is the customizable LED light show, which covers most of the speaker’s body and syncs with your music. The IP67 rating means it’s waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The Pulse 5 also features a sturdy base, ensuring stability even during active use.
JBL Pulse 5 Controls
The control buttons are conveniently placed on the back of the speaker, allowing you to easily adjust the volume, play/pause music, control the light show, and pair it with other devices via Bluetooth.
Differences Between Sizes and Variants
The JBL Pulse 5 is the latest in the Pulse series, succeeding the JBL Pulse 4. It improves on the Pulse 4 with a more advanced Bluetooth 5.3, better battery life, and enhanced LED light customization. The Pulse 5 also offers a slightly larger and more immersive sound experience compared to its predecessor.
JBL Pulse 5 Colors
The JBL Pulse 5 is available in black, with the light show providing a range of vibrant colors to match your mood or party vibe.
Features: JBL Pulse 5
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Waterproof and Dustproof
The IP67 rating ensures that the JBL Pulse 5 is waterproof and dustproof. You can safely take it to the beach, pool, or any outdoor environment without worrying about damage from water or dirt.
- Sound Quality
The Pulse 5 offers 360-degree sound, delivering powerful and clear audio in every direction. Furthermore, its bass is enhanced by the down-firing passive radiator, ensuring a rich, deep sound. Additionally, it handles various music genres effortlessly, providing a balanced and immersive listening experience.
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JBL Pulse 5 Connectivity
The Pulse 5 features Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a strong and stable connection with your devices. Additionally, you can connect two Pulse 5 speakers for immersive stereo sound. Moreover, it allows you to pair the speaker with other JBL speakers using JBL PartyBoost for an even larger sound experience.
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JBL Pulse 5 Battery Life
With up to 12 hours of playtime, the Pulse 5 has more than enough battery life for most events. It charges via USB-C, making it convenient and fast to recharge.
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JBL Pulse 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker App
The JBL Portable app allows you to control the LED light show, customize the colors, and adjust the sound settings. It’s easy to use and adds extra functionality to the speaker.
Price and Availability
The JBL Pulse 5 is priced at around $199. It’s available for purchase through JBL’s official website, Amazon, and other major retailers.
Comparison: JBL Pulse 5 vs. JBL Xtreme 4
The JBL Pulse 5 and JBL Xtreme 4 are both top-tier portable Bluetooth speakers, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The JBL Pulse 5 is known for its unique 360-degree sound and customizable LED light show, making it an excellent choice for parties or gatherings where visual appeal is as important as audio performance. Its IP67 rating ensures it’s waterproof and dustproof, and with up to 12 hours of battery life, it’s built for both indoor and outdoor use. The Pulse 5 also offers Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for stable pairing and supports pairing multiple devices for an enhanced experience.
On the other hand, the JBL Xtreme 4 is all about delivering powerful, deep bass and clear sound in larger spaces. Its robust design is also IP67-rated, offering waterproof and dustproof protection, but it comes with a larger, bulkier form compared to the Pulse 5. The Xtreme 4 boasts 15 hours of battery life and features JBL PartyBoost for stereo pairing with other JBL speakers. While it lacks a customizable light show, the Xtreme 4 is known for its superior sound performance, especially for outdoor activities like camping or large gatherings.
Key Features Comparison:
| Feature | JBL Pulse 5 | JBL Xtreme 4 |
| 360-Degree Sound | Yes, with deep bass | Yes, with powerful bass |
| Customizable LED Light Show | Yes, via JBL Portable app | No |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Party Features | Customizable light show, PartyBoost | PartyBoost, but no light show |
| Weight | 1.5 kg | 2.0 kg |
| Price Range | Around $249 | Around $379 |
Comprehensive Comparison:
- Sound Quality: Both speakers deliver immersive sound, but the JBL Xtreme 4 excels in sheer volume and bass depth, making it better suited for large outdoor events. The JBL Pulse 5, however, offers a more dynamic experience with its 360-degree sound and vibrant LED light show, adding a visual aspect to your audio.
- Design and Portability: The Pulse 5 has a more compact and portable design, with its cylindrical shape and lightweight build. The Xtreme 4 is bulkier, making it less portable but still easy to carry for larger gatherings.
- Battery Life: The Xtreme 4 has a slight edge in battery life, lasting up to 15 hours, compared to the Pulse 5’s 12 hours. However, for most events, the Pulse 5’s battery life is more than sufficient.
- Special Features: The standout feature of the Pulse 5 is its customizable LED light show, which is a unique offering not found in the Xtreme 4. Meanwhile, the Xtreme 4 focuses more on delivering higher power and longer-lasting performance for big-sound enthusiasts.
Who is the Better Choice?
- JBL Pulse 5 is ideal for those who prioritize a fun, visually engaging experience with 360-degree sound, customizable lights, and portable design. If you want a dynamic, party-ready speaker that combines both sight and sound, the Pulse 5 is the better choice.
- JBL Xtreme 4 is the better option for users who need a rugged, high-performance speaker for larger events or outdoor adventures where sound quality and battery life are more important than a light show. It’s perfect for those who want maximum volume and bass.
Ultimately, the better speaker depends on your needs: for a balance of vibrant visuals and sound, the JBL Pulse 5 stands out, while the JBL Xtreme 4 is more suited for audiophiles and those seeking a powerful, durable speaker for bigger events.
What’s Good About the JBL Pulse 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
- Fun and interactive LED light show that enhances your music experience
- Clear and immersive 360-degree sound
- Waterproof and dustproof, perfect for outdoor adventures
- Compact and easy to carry
What’s Not So Good About the JBL Pulse 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker?
- No support for voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
- No aux input, limiting connectivity options
- Price may seem high for users who don’t prioritize the light show feature
Should You Buy JBL Pulse 5?
If you’re looking for a speaker that not only sounds great but also adds a visual element to your music experience, the JBL Pulse 5 is a fantastic choice. Its portability, durability, and customizable light show make it a unique option for music lovers. However, if you’re focused more on sound quality than visuals, there are other options at a similar price point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the JBL Pulse 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a top choice for those seeking impressive sound and visuals. Its 360-degree sound, powerful bass, and customizable LED light show make it ideal for parties. Moreover, the speaker’s IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating ensures durability for various environments like beaches or poolsides. Additionally, the Pulse 5 provides up to 12 hours of battery life, making it perfect for long events and gatherings. While its price may be steep for some, the combination of vibrant lights and excellent sound quality makes the JBL Pulse 5 a worthwhile investment.
How long does the battery last?
The JBL Pulse 5 offers up to 12 hours of battery life on a full charge. This impressive battery life allows you to enjoy your favorite music and LED light shows without worrying about recharging during most events and gatherings.
Can I customize the light show?
Yes, you can fully customize the LED light show on the JBL Pulse 5. Using the JBL Portable app, you can control the colors and patterns to match your mood or party vibe, adding a personal touch to your audio experience.
Does the JBL Pulse 5 have an aux input?
No, the JBL Pulse 5 does not feature an aux input. Instead, it connects via Bluetooth 5.3, allowing for wireless pairing with your devices. However, you can pair two Pulse 5 speakers for enhanced stereo sound or connect with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers.
