Introduction
The JBL Pulse 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that promises to elevate your audio experience with its dazzling 360-degree light show and powerful sound. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this speaker combines impressive visual effects with the renowned JBL Original Pro Sound. This review will delve into the various features of the JBL Pulse 5, exploring its design, sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and more.
Design and Build Quality
Eye-Catching 360-Degree Light Show
One of the most striking features of the JBL Pulse 5 is its 360-degree light show. The speaker’s expanded transparent outer body is designed to showcase an array of vibrant colors that sync to the beat of your music. This feature is not only visually stunning but also customizable via the JBL Portable app. Users can select from different color schemes and patterns to match their mood or the ambience of their surroundings. This customization adds a layer of personal expression to the listening experience, making the Pulse 5 a centerpiece at any gathering.
Durable and Portable
The build quality of the JBL Pulse 5 is robust, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With an IP67 rating, the speaker is both dustproof and waterproof. This makes it an ideal companion for pool parties, beach outings, or park picnics. Its portable design is further enhanced by its relatively compact size and lightweight, allowing users to carry it with ease wherever they go.
Sound Quality
Bold Sound and Deep Bass
The JBL Pulse 5 delivers bold and immersive sound through its innovative design. It features a separate tweeter and an upfiring driver that distribute sound evenly in all directions. This ensures that the audio experience is consistent, no matter where you are in relation to the speaker. Additionally, the passive radiator on the bottom of the speaker enhances the bass response, providing deep and resonant low frequencies that you can feel.
Customizable Audio with Graphic EQ
While the JBL Pulse 5 offers impressive sound quality out of the box, it may not cater to everyone’s taste. Some users might find the sound a bit honky and harsh due to an overemphasis on high-mid frequencies. However, this issue can be mitigated using the graphic EQ available in the JBL Portable app. This feature allows users to fine-tune the sound to their liking, ensuring a more personalized listening experience. Despite its customization options, the speaker’s low-bass performance may still fall short for fans of bass-heavy music genres like EDM and hip-hop.
Battery Life
Long-Lasting Playtime
One of the key aspects of a portable speaker is its battery life, and the JBL Pulse 5 does not disappoint. It offers up to 12 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. This longevity ensures that the music can keep playing throughout the day or night without frequent interruptions for recharging. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a day out, the Pulse 5’s battery life is sufficient to keep the tunes going.
Connectivity and Features
Wireless Bluetooth Streaming
The JBL Pulse 5 supports wireless Bluetooth streaming, allowing users to connect up to two smartphones or tablets simultaneously. This feature makes it easy to switch between devices and share DJ duties with friends. The Bluetooth connection is stable and provides a decent range, ensuring that the music continues to play smoothly without interruptions.
JBL Portable App
The JBL Portable app is a powerful companion for the Pulse 5, offering various customization options for both the light show and the sound. The app’s graphic EQ feature is particularly useful for adjusting the audio output to suit personal preferences. Additionally, the app provides access to different ambient noise settings, such as campfire sounds or a rushing river, which can be used to create a relaxing environment or help you fall asleep.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Eye-Catching 360-Degree Light Show: The customizable RGB lights add a unique visual element to the speaker, making it a great addition to any party or gathering.
- Bold Sound and Deep Bass: The separate tweeter, upfiring driver, and passive radiator work together to deliver immersive and powerful sound.
- Durable and Portable: With its IP67 rating, the JBL Pulse 5 is both dustproof and waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge ensures uninterrupted music playback.
- Customizable Audio: The graphic EQ in the JBL Portable app allows for personalized sound adjustments.
Cons
- Sound Quality Out of the Box: Some users may find the default sound profile too honky and harsh due to an emphasis on high-mids.
- Limited Low-Bass Performance: The speaker may not satisfy fans of bass-heavy music genres, as it lacks the thump and rumble typically desired in these genres.
Comparison with JBL Pulse 4
The JBL Pulse 5 is the successor to the JBL Pulse 4, and it comes with several improvements that set it apart from its predecessor. One of the most notable enhancements is the expanded light show, which now covers a larger surface area of the speaker, providing a more immersive visual experience. Additionally, the Pulse 5 offers better sound quality with its separate tweeter and upfiring driver, resulting in more balanced and directional audio output.
Another significant improvement is the inclusion of the graphic EQ in the JBL Portable app, which was not available with the Pulse 4. This feature allows users to fine-tune the audio to their liking, providing a more customizable listening experience. The Pulse 5 also boasts an improved IP67 rating, making it more resistant to dust and water compared to the Pulse 4.
Real-World Performance
Indoor Use
Indoors, the JBL Pulse 5 excels as a versatile speaker that can enhance any room with both sound and light. The 360-degree light show can be customized to create a vibrant atmosphere for parties or a relaxing ambience for quiet evenings. The speaker’s sound quality is more than adequate for indoor spaces, filling the room with clear and balanced audio.
Outdoor Use
When taken outdoors, the JBL Pulse 5 proves to be a reliable companion. Its IP67 rating ensures that it can handle exposure to dust and water, making it ideal for use at the beach, by the pool, or during outdoor adventures. The speaker’s robust build quality ensures it can withstand the occasional bump or drop. The long battery life also means you won’t have to worry about recharging frequently during extended outdoor activities.
Conclusion
The JBL Pulse 5 is a standout portable Bluetooth speaker that combines impressive visual effects with solid audio performance. Its eye-catching 360-degree light show, bold sound, and deep bass make it a great choice for those who want to enhance their audio experience with a touch of visual flair. The speaker’s durability and portability make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while the long battery life ensures uninterrupted music playback.
The customizable audio settings via the graphic EQ in the JBL Portable app allow users to tailor the sound to their preferences, addressing some of the default sound profile’s shortcomings. However, the limited low-bass performance may be a drawback for fans of bass-heavy music genres.
Overall, the JBL Pulse 5 offers a unique combination of features that make it a versatile and attractive option for anyone looking to add both sound and light to their audio experience.
Recommendation
For those seeking a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers more than just sound, the JBL Pulse 5 is an excellent choice. Its dazzling 360-degree light show and robust audio performance make it a standout option for parties, gatherings, and outdoor activities. While it may not satisfy hardcore bass enthusiasts, its customizable sound profile and long battery life make it a versatile and enjoyable speaker for a wide range of users.
If you prioritize both visual and auditory experiences in your portable speaker, the JBL Pulse 5 is a worthy investment that will not disappoint.