Michael Dixon 
JBL Pulse 5
- Release Date: September 25, 2022
- Price: $249.95 Check on Amazon
- Power Output: 30W RMS for Woofer, 10W RMS for Tweeter
- Waterproof: IP67
- Bluetooth: V5.3
- Model Number: JBLPULSE5BLK
Table of Contents
Who Should Get the JBL Pulse 5?
- If you are someone who’s been awaiting its release since possessing formerly purchased JBL speakers. You’ll absolutely love it! With the JBL app, the JBL Pulse 5 becomes a core speaker for your get-together event.
- If you prefer effective and eye-catching light shows and are ready to offer a battery’s life for it. The speaker’s playtime is the same as the JBL Flip 6 if not this light mode.
JBL Pulse 5 Specs
Name | JBL Pulse 5 |
Price | |
SOUND QUALITY | |
Frequency Response Range | 58 Hz - 20 kHz (axial, -6 dB ) |
Output Power | 30 W RMS for Woofer 10 W RMS for Tweeter |
BUILD QUALITY | |
Waterproof | IP67 |
BATTERY | |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hrs |
Charge Time | 4 hrs |
Power Saving | |
Changing Port | |
Battery Type | Li-ion polymer 27 WH (equivalent |
VOICE ASSISTANT | |
Alexa | |
Google Assistant | |
Siri | |
APP | |
App Name | JBL Portable |
iOS | |
Android | |
EQ | |
JBL PartyBoost | |
BLUETOOTH | |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6 |
Bluetooth Frequency | 2407 MHz - 2475 MHz |
Bluetooth Transmitted modulation | GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
Bluetooth Transmitting Power | < 10 dBm (EIRP) |
PORTABILITY | |
Dimensions (cm) | 10.7 x 21.6 x 13.2 |
Dimensions (in) | 4.2 x 8.5 x 5.2 |
Weight (kgs) | 1.5 |
Weight (lbs) | 3.2 |
WHAT'S IN THE BOX | |
 | |
Design and Build
Total look
When you unpack the box, you’ll notice how high-quality it is. This is JBL. The cylindrical shape makes it stand on the surface pretty good having a stand mount on the bottom. The big eye-catching JBL logo was brought to the front. Take into account that it’s not suitable for lying down.
Portability
The JBL Pulse 5 is about 1.5 kilos which is relatively high but you can transfer it thanks to a small carrying strap.
Not fingerprint-proof
We agreed that it needed a clear case since all the fingerprints will be visible and they will mess up the light show if you highly rely on it during the event.
Scratch-resistant?
Only time will show us how the surface of the speaker collects the scratches. The overall opinion is that it’s sturdy enough.
No volume buttons
Well, that’s more a matter of taste, but we would like to use the volume buttons on the speaker. Yeah, you can manage it on the phone without problems. Maybe the manufacturer wanted us to avoid touching the speaker itself since the fingerprints are quite noticeable.
IP67 water- and dustproof
Yep! To the backyard, pool, or beach. Wind and dirt will not damage the sound system as well as water splashes or rain.
How to Manage the JBL Pulse 5?
At the back of the speaker, you have all the necessary buttons vertically lined up:
- Switch On/Off button;
- Bluetooth Connection button;
- Changing light shows option – there are so many light settings based on different themes like a cocktail, party, weather, and so on;
- the JBL PartyBoost button to connect even more speakers and enjoy the music experience;
- Battery Indicator button which unfortunately lights up too quickly while turning on/off;
- USB-C port to charge external devices.
The JBL App and Light Control
The JBL app allows you to set up the light show to your preferences. Pick different light patterns, regulate their intensity and brightness, make unique light show, switch on/off the main body light and so many more.
With it, you can easily adjust mids and highs or set up the equalizer. The Ambient Sound option allows one to choose between different nature sounds to make a calm easygoing atmosphere.
Is Connection Strong Enough?
The JBL PartyBoost feature connects up to a hundred speakers at the same time, but it’s possible only for those speakers which possess the PartyBoost. So, you can’t link the Pulse 5 to the speakers with the Connect +, for instance.
The Bluetooth 5.3 version provides strong connectivity having zero latency so all your sound and video will play in sync.
Battery Life
The battery failed our testing lasting only 6-7 hours instead of the 12 recommended with a minimum of the light show, low brightness, and 50% volume. The only advantage is that the charging process happens faster.
Sound
What’s inside?
Here we have solid output power with 30 W RMS for the woofer, and 10 W RMS for the tweeter. The all-directions 360-degree ability of the speaker to produce and spread audio is perfect to fill out the room with nice mids and trebles. There’s a separate upfiring driver on the top, and the passive radiator on the bottom to deliver bass.
Our sound test results:
- Sounds loud, however, the bass didn’t show the difference compared to the previous Pulse 4 model;
- We needed to boost bass with the JBL app almost to the maximum and reduce the trebles to remove hissing;
- These settings didn’t withdraw a shallow feeling of audio due to only one tweeter and woofer and a pretty small passive radiator which could’ve assisted in bass enrichment.
Should you buy the JBL Pulse 5?
The JBL Pulse 5 review showed that it’s a vivid and eye-catching Bluetooth portable speaker with solid mid-bass and an open soundstage. If you want to power the bass more, adjust it within the JBL app to the maximum and reveal the potential of this device.
The centerpiece of the speaker is multiple abilities to light up your event with various 360-degree light shows which will nicely surprise your friends and guests whether you have an indoor party or somewhere outdoor – it will do its job just well.
If you’ve already purchased the JBL Pulse 5, share your experience below with us.
