JBL Pulse 5 Review

When it comes to JBL, many people first think of its trendy and constantly changing appearance. After all, over the years, JBL Bluetooth speakers have been a hot topic in the competitive market.

JBL is a well-known audio equipment manufacturer known for its fashionable looks and excellent sound quality. They produce a variety of different types of speakers, including Bluetooth speakers, home theater speakers, car speakers, and party speakers.

JBL Bluetooth speakers are particularly popular due to their convenient wireless connectivity, which allows them to be used at home or on the go. They also have a range of features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and water-resistant and dustproof capabilities.

In the competitive Bluetooth speaker market, JBL has consistently been a leader and continues to introduce new products to meet the needs of consumers.

In fact, it is not just the highly recognizable appearance and high-value aesthetics that sets JBL apart, but also the exceptional sound quality and unique design concepts that are incorporated into the product details. For example, the latest product on the market, the JBL PULSE 5, is a perfect example of this.

Design

The fact that the model has reached its fifth iteration means that the JBL PULSE 5 has evolved to a remarkably advanced stage. In terms of appearance, it adopts a design similar to that of the JBL PULSE 4, continuing its outstanding visual effects, but also making some changes while inheriting the classic.

For example, it features a more compact button layout, with the power switch, Bluetooth, light effect control, and chain key placed on the body, and the battery indicator and Type-C port arranged separately.

In addition, it also comes equipped with a more portable built-in hand-held rope, which not only gives the body a more futuristic, trendy, and portable look but also allows users to easily identify the distinctive changes made by the new product. Compared to the top concave button layout, the simple and bright collective button layout also makes the JBL PULSE 5 easier to control with one step.

In terms of the logo selection, the JBL PULSE 5 has upgraded to a similar embossed design, which also makes the entire body more recognizable. The subtle orange-red edging further reflects the brand’s tonality.

The JBL PULSE 5 is a highly advanced Bluetooth speaker that is both stylish and easy to use. Its transparent acrylic body looks like a crystal decorative piece and has a soft and excellent feel. The full-screen design and higher screen-to-body ratio make it even more attractive. In addition to its transparent design, the JBL PULSE 5 also has 140 full-color LED beads built-in and a 360-degree dazzling light belt and base ambient light.

This creates a larger area of dazzling lighting effects that present a ring-shaped full-color halo when the speaker is turned on. The melody is accompanied by 360-degree dazzling lights around the speaker, bringing a stronger visual impact and turning the room into a dynamic dance hall.

The JBL PULSE 5 comes with 6 categories and 26 different styles of themed light effects, which can be easily selected by pressing the control keys on the speaker. This is from HiFiReport.com.

Of course, if you want to play more and go deeper, you can download the JBL Portable APP. In this well-known APP for JBL fans, we can not only select our favorite lights through the phone, such as natural objects, dynamic parties, soul journeys, cocktail parties, changing weather, and colorful canvas-themed light shows but also turn the body lights and base ambient lights on and off through the light control button using the phone remotely.

The APP also provides an equalizer, which allows me to adjust the speaker to the sound I want at any time. After testing for a while, I personally think that the JBL Portable APP is an indispensable good helper. It not only allows the beautiful lights of the JBL PULSE 5 to be displayed at any time but also allows the speaker to be operated at any time in today’s situation where the phone is always with us.

We conducted a waterproof test and, in addition to the “nice-looking” splashes that accompanied the light effects of the base, we were also able to clearly understand the excellent waterproof design of the JBL PULSE 5. From the data, it has been upgraded from IPX7 to waterproof and dust-proof IP67.

But that’s not all, as the fifth-generation product, the JBL PULSE 5 has also upgraded the speaker unit, adding independent tweeter units and larger full-range speakers, as well as 40W high-power external performance.

This also gives the JBL PULSE 5 outstanding and powerful bass and a better ambient feel, especially the bottom transparent bass enhancement unit, which not only brings better bass performance but also makes the light effects of the speaker more eye-catching.

Sound Performance

JBL has previously marketed its “JBL Original Pro Sound” audio effect, and the JBL Pulse 5 is no exception. The sound is round and rich with a sense of power. Due to the independent low-frequency unit on the JBL Pulse 5, the low-frequency power feels stronger. When being picky, the JBL Pulse 5 is always a single-channel operation, with a sense of space coming from the 360-degree sound diffusion rather than a sense of stereo positioning.

If it is only a single speaker, there cannot be too much attachment to the sense of positioning. In addition, for better sound quality, the position is also important. When the JBL Pulse 5 is placed at the height of a coffee table, the low-frequency sense will be clearly stronger. On the other hand, if it is developed upwards, the high and medium frequency diffusion will have a different feel, and the overall result is interesting.

For example, when playing popular songs, the vocals have a good level of relaxation and it is also possible to clearly feel the tension and momentum of the speaker in the low-frequency range. The JBL PULSE 5 has a strong sense of volume, a relatively deep dive, and a still slightly popular overall tone.

Due to the addition of an independent high-frequency unit, the JBL PULSE 5 performs well in the high-frequency range, with a bright and transparent overall sound. I believe this listening experience is also very popular with the general public.

One of the selling points of the JBL PULSE 5 is its simplicity. It has upgraded to a Bluetooth 5.3 chip which offers faster connection, stable transmission, low power consumption, and improved sound quality. When used with an iPhone, it connects easily and effortlessly.

This simple connection allows the JBL PULSE 5 to excel in various scenarios. Whether you have a smartphone or a tablet that supports Bluetooth, you can easily immerse yourself in the music in a matter of minutes.

The JBL PULSE 5 is a versatile speaker that can be placed in a variety of settings, including on a living room table, a bedroom carpet, or at a pool party. Thanks to the PARTYBOOST technology, the JBL PULSE 5 also supports wireless connectivity with multiple speakers, making it more fun to use than more complex products.

Conclusion

The JBL Pulse 5 portable Bluetooth speaker is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add some flair and excitement to their home audio setup. With its impressive waterproof design, upgraded speaker units, and powerful 40W external performance, the Pulse 5 delivers an unparalleled listening experience with deep, thumping bass and a vibrant atmosphere.

And with its user-friendly Bluetooth 5.3 chip, connecting and streaming music is a breeze, no matter what device you’re using. Plus, with the added support of PARTYBOOST technology, the Pulse 5 allows for wireless linking with multiple speakers, making it even more versatile and fun. All in all, the Pulse 5 is a top-notch choice for anyone looking to bring the party to their home.