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Head-to-head · Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

JBL Authentics 500 vs JBL Charge 6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

JBL Charge 6 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.2). JBL Charge 6 is best for: outdoor adventurers needing rugged waterproofing. Read the strengths below before deciding.

JBL Authentics 500
Ranked #3 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Authentics 500
3 sources$449.95as of Oct 30

The JBL Authentics 500 wraps a Wi-Fi streaming platform and a 3.1-way driver array in a retro wood cabinet, and it plays loud and deep enough to fill a living room from a single box. 7Review, despite scoring it 9 out of 10, was unconvinced by the midrange and found the bass compressing at higher volumes. It is a stylish, feature-complete home speaker rather than a reference listening device, and it will not pair into stereo.

Strengths
  • — Retro design with textured leather-like vinyl wrap and signature Quadrex grille
  • — 3.1-way driver configuration with 6.5-inch down-firing subwoofer for deep bass response
  • — Supports dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, and multiple streaming protocols including Spotify Connect and AirPlay
Watch-outs
  • — The Quadrex grille may be polarizing due to its distinctive angular design
$449.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
JBL Charge 6
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Charge 6
7 sources$149.95as of Oct 30

The JBL Charge 6 improves on its predecessor with IP68 water resistance, a 7-band customizable EQ, thicker rubber bumpers, and drop-proof certification. PCMag's Mark Knapp liked the rugged design and the enhanced audio features but found that the Playtime Boost feature compromises sound quality. SoundGuys reviewer Shiun Okada called out the detachable handle and improved bass response, while flagging that it isn't backward compatible with older JBL models. Outdoor users who want a durable, weatherproof speaker with sound they can tune are the audience.

Strengths
  • — IP68 waterproof rating allows submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
  • — 7-band customizable EQ available through JBL Portable app
  • — Detachable handle offers dual functionality as traditional handle or carrying loop
Watch-outs
  • — Playtime Boost feature negatively impacts sound quality
  • — No backwards compatibility with older JBL speakers using Party Boost
$149.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

JBL Authentics 500

The JBL Authentics 500 is a home speaker with Wi-Fi streaming, 270W of power and no battery, where the JBL Charge 6 runs 24 hours on battery at 45W. It is rated IPX4 splash-resistant, against IP68 for the Charge 6 and IP67 for the Bose SoundLink Max. At 25.1 lb it is far heavier than the SoundLink Max at 4.7 lb, and it costs more.

JBL Charge 6

The JBL Charge 6 is rated IP68, matching the Soundcore Boom 3i, against IP67 for the Bose SoundLink Max and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). Its battery is listed at 24 hours, longer than the SoundLink Max's 20 hours and the SoundLink Flex's 12 hours. It has a 7-band customizable EQ in the JBL Portable app, where the SoundLink Flex's EQ options are lackluster, and it costs less than the SoundLink Max.

Specs side-by-side

SpecJBL Authentics 500JBL Charge 6
Weight25.1 lb2.18 lb
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX, EthernetBluetooth 5.4, USB-C (lossless audio and charging), Auracast
Dimensions17.6 x 9.4 x 10 in9.02 x 3.9 x 3.7 in
Frequency Response40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB)56 Hz - 20 kHz (-6 dB)
Color OptionsBlackBlack, White, Pink, Red, Blue, Purple, Squad
WaterproofIPX4 (splash-resistant)IP68
BatteryNone24 hours (up to 28 hours with Playtime Boost)
Wattage270W45W
MaterialWood—
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