Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    New Ski Touring Maps and Guides
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition Skis Dynafit Free 107 Skis Ortovox Diract Voice Transceiver Burton Straight Chuter Splitboard Scarpa 4-Quattro XT Boots Atomic Backland Carbon Boots Plum OAZO Bindings

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Avalanche Transceivers 101 Dalbello Quantum Boots How To Buy a Transceiver North Face FUTURELIGHT Jacket Faction La Machine Skis Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Boots Plum OAZO Bindings

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    • Home
    • »
    • REVIEWS
    • »
    • Accessories
    • »
    • Technology
    • »
    • JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

    JBL Pulse 3 & Charge 3 Portable Bluetooth Speakers

    JBL is a Harman Brand, which is a subsidiary of Samsung. The companies produce high-quality audio and visual electronics that are used widely in many mobile applications including car audio systems, mobile phones and portable Bluetooth speakers.

    The Charge 3 and Pulse 3 are both high-powered portable Bluetooth speakers which are built to pump your tunes for hours on end. Both speakers have 3.7V lithium-ion batteries providing 22.2-watt-hours of power. The Charge will play music for about 20 hours and is able to charge other devices like a smartphone or tablet via a USB cable, though this reduces music play time. While the Pulse lacks device charging capabilities, it makes up for it with a colourful display. With both the lights and music going, the Pulse will last about 12 hours. 

    JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers

    Two similar JBL portable Bluetooth speakers, each with their own unique features.

    JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    Both the Charge 3 and Pulse 3 are waterproof so you need not worry about spilly friends or inclement weather. The IPX7 rating means the speaker can be immersed in water up to 1m deep for up to 30 minutes, so you can even feel good about bringing your tunes to the lake or to placing it precariously on the edge of a hot tub. All the ports are hidden and sealed by a waterproof enclosure.

    JBL Portable Bluetooth Speakers

    While both speakers are made to be last, the Charge is built to take a beating. A rubber housing and durable fabric material make the Charge a rugged companion. And while tough is great, sometimes it takes a little something different to lighten to mood (pun intended). The Pulse offers a 360º light show that is fully customizable through the JBL Connect app. 

    While I couldn’t properly capture the light show with my camera, take a look at the reflections to get a better idea of what it would look like.
    JBL Pulse 3 Speaker

    The JBL Connect system allows multiple JBL Connect enabled speakers to be wirelessly synced together and amplify the listening experience. To take it to the next level, the Pulse features Connect+ which allow more than 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers to be connected. When multiple Pulse 3 speakers are connected, even the light show can be synchronized simply by shaking the device. 

    JBL Pulse 3 Speaker
    JBL Charge 3 Speaker

    Both the Pulse and the Charge are able to connect to multiple devices via Bluetooth so DJ’ing responsibilities can be shared amongst the friends. The Charge is able to connect to up to 3 smartphones or tablets at a time, while the Pulse can connect to 2. The Pulse also features the JBL Connect App so that you can customize light sequences and adjust other settings from a distance. The Pulse is also compatible with Siri or Google Now for completely hands-free control. 

    JBL Pulse 3 Speaker

    Last but not least, the sound produced by these speakers is super clean and each speaker features bass specific speakers at each end. If you need to take a phone call, both speakers offer crystal clear speakerphone settings at the touch of a button. The speakers offer noise and echo cancelling speakerphone so you can talk hands-free without worrying about the quality of the audio. 

    JBL Charge Speaker

    Features:

    JBL Pulse 3
    • Wireless Bluetooth® Streaming
    • 12 hour of playtime
    • 360º Lightshow and Sound
    • IPX7 waterproof
    • JBL Connect+
    • Speakerphone
    • JBL Connect App
    • Voice Assistant Integration
    • Bluetooth® version: 4.2
    • Support: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
    • Transducers: 2 x 40mm
    • Output power: 20W
    • Frequency responce: 65Hz-20khz
    • Signal-to-noise ratio: >80dB
    • Batter type: Lithium-ion Polymer (3.7V, 22.2Wh)
    JBL Charge 3
    • Wireless Bluetooth® Streaming
    • 6Ah power bank
    • Speakerphone
    • IPX7 waterproof
    • JBL Connect
    • Lifestyle materials
    • JBL Bass Radiator
    • Bluetooth version: 4.1
    • Support: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
    • Transducers: 2 x 50mm
    • Rated Power: 2 x 10W
    • Frequency responce: 65Hz-20khz
    • Signal-to-noise ratio: >80dB
    • Batter type: Lithium-ion Polymer (3.7V, 22.2Wh)
    • Power Supply: 5V / 2.3A
    • USB charge out: 5V / 2A (max)
    JBL Pulse 3 Speaker
    JBL Charge 3 Speaker

    Verdict:

    If you’re looking for a wireless Bluetooth® speaker, JBL has two great options for you. The Charge 3 and Pulse 3 offer a variety of features to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a more bombproof design that doubles as a backup battery bank for other portable devices, then the Charge 3 is a safe choice. If you’re looking to light up the party and enjoy greater connection options, opt for the Pulse 3.

    Both speakers have excellent battery life and great sound quality. The downside to this long battery life is that the speakers take a long time to charge when the battery is low or depleted. With only 1 bar of battery left, I plugged the speaker in overnight. It charged all night (over 10 hours) and wasn’t fully charged when I went to grab it that morning. While I initially found this a little concerning, it wasn’t a big deal as I could still use the speaker all day at without it starting at 100%.

    I think the coolest feature offered these by speakers is the JBL Connect. The ability to connect multiple speakers means you can amp up the volume for bigger crowds and create a surround sound experience with 360º sound. With JBL Connect+ offered in the Pulse 3, more than 100 JBL Connect+ speakers can be synched up to throw a party anywhere. Another great connection feature in both speakers is the ability to connect multiple smartphones or tablets so that 

    I found the sound in both speakers to be of excellent quality. Another big bonus is the waterproofing; they can be fully submerged or left out in a storm and be right as rain. 

    The light show offered by the pulse is sort of cool, but I never found myself in a position where I wanted to use it. It has quite a few settings to suit the situation. You can switch from a bit of a lava lamp sort of theme, or something that’s attempting to look like fire, or a variety of other colour themes. 

    If I was to choose between the two, my preference would be the Charge 3. While the LED light show is sort of cool and could be cool in the right scenario, I would be much more likely to keep the lights off. The inability of the speaker to sit horizontally is also a bit of an inconvenience as the speaker is much more stable (less likely to fall over) lying down. The price point is also lower on the Charge 3, and the ability to charge other devices is a welcome feature.

    PROS:

    • Long battery life.
    • Being able to sync up speakers with the Connect feature is the cats meow.
    • Great sound in both products; more robust with charging capabilities or a light show.
    • Waterproof is always a big win.
    • Long battery life.

    CONS:

    • The Pulse has no way to sit horizontally without rolling around, and I find the light show is not something I would use much.
    • Slow to charge up.
    • Can’t turn the units on from your phone.
    • Expensive.

    SPECS:

    JBL Charge 3
    Price: $219.99CAN / $145.95US
    Music play time: up to 20 hours
    Battery charge time: 4.5 hours
    Dimensions: 21.3x8.7x8.85cm / 8.4x3.4x3.5in
    Weight: 800g / 28oz


    JBL Pulse 3
    Price: $269.99CAN / $169.95US
    Music play time: up to 12 hours
    Battery charge time: 4.5 hours @ 5V 2.3A
    Dimensions: 22.3x9.2x9.2cm / 8.8x3.6x3.6in
    Weight: 960g / 34oz

    RATING: 9/10

    Ease of use       2/2
    Features           2/2
    Sound Quality   2/2
    Form Factor      1.5/2
    Price                 1.5/2

    buy backcountry skiing gear


    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

    Leave a Comment:

    Back to the rest of the reviews.


    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos, and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this website and value the content we create for you, then please support Backcountry Skiing Canada by donating today or by clicking on those sponsor ads and 'Buy Now' links at the bottom of the reviews. Thank you!

    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2022-23 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.