JBL Pulse 5

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

A JBL Pulse 5 Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: JBL's Pulse 5 had fair overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. Bass has good impact, but is slightly boomy, and deep bass is lacking. The dynamic range sounds compressed and sometimes distorted on program material with strong bass and/or impulsive content. Midrange is somewhat grainy and raspy, a bit hazy, thin and nasal, and the upper midrange is somewhat strident. Treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat sizzly and smeared, a bit glassy, and the mid treble is a bit prominent and harsh. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience, and sounds somewhat congested, and a bit constricted. This is a monophonic speaker. When two units are used as a stereo pair the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement. Provides a decent volume level in a small to medium sized room.

About

A JBL Pulse 5 Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system. In our tests the sound quality, and the versatility of provided features are assessed.

Features & Specs

Features

IP rating

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

Adjustable tone settings

Yes

Wireless stereo pairing

Yes

Speaker phone w/built-in mic

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

Yes

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

12/12

Other features

Manufacturer claims the unit is IP67 dust and water resistant. With PartyBoost (Bluetooth speaker linking feature) can connect to multiple compatible JBL Bluetooth speakers to provide sound reinforcement (increased evenness of sound spread and/or volume in a given area). Free JBL Portable app download for Apple and Android mobile devices can be used to check battery status, adjust EQ, toggle ambient noise, adjust light display, enable a feedback tone, update unit firmware and initiate PartyBoost mode. At time of testing: Unit firmware version 0.2.5.0, Apple app version 5.8.7, Android app version 5.8.9.

Included accessories

USB-A to USB-C charging cable, Quick Start Guide, Legal and safety information, warranty card

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Mono

Height (in.)

8.5

Width (in.)

4.2

Depth (in.)

Weight (lbs.)

3.2

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

None.

Price & Shop

JBL Pulse 5

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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