The JBL Charge 5 battery life at max volume we discuss in terms of the following. How long the speaker plays at full volume. So we assume a full charge here.
JBL Charge 5 Battery Life at Max Volume: Per Charge
How long should the battery last? The built in lithium ion battery lasts up to twenty (20) hours per full charge. But at full volume, we often get only about eight (8) hours per charge. Note that this time varies depending on how loud you play the speaker. The ambient temperature around the speaker, and the type of audio you’re listening to also affects this. Charging external devices like phones and tablets with this speaker also shortens its Battery Life at Max Volume.
JBL Charge 5 Battery Life at Max Volume: Before Replacement
How Many Full Charges Should the Battery Take ?
The battery should provide at least 500 charge-discharge cycles before its performance begins to degrade. This is even when you typically play it at full volume. But however loud you play it, avoid storing the unit in very hot or cold places. This gives you the most recharge cycles. Also, do not leave the speaker dead. And do not leave the charger connected for long once charging is complete. Doing any of this will drastically shorten battery live, whether you play it at full volume or not.
Signs of a Bad Battery
The JBL Charge 5 Takes Too Long to Charge
Using a large enough USB-C cable, the battery should fully charge in under four (4) hours. Now it may take longer if your charger provides less than fifteen watts (5 volts at 3 amps). However if these are hefty enough, yet recharging takes too much longer, then the battery failure may be to blame.
The JBL Charge 5 Doesn’t Play as Long as it Should
You may also notice that your speaker doesn’t play as long as it did when new. This is another sign of a battery that is nearing the end of life.
The JBL Charge 5 Distorts or Shuts Off at Higher Volumes
When you raise the volume, particularly on music that has lots of bass, you may hear crackling or other distortion. Or, the speaker may cut out or power down when a deep bass drum thump occurs in the music. This could mean that the battery, even at full charge, can no longer provide enough current for correct speaker operation. Again, this may mean that replacing the battery is necessary.
The Battery Gauge Gives Wrong Readings
The gauge may show that the speaker has full, or nearly full charge. But yet, it goes dead within minutes of reading the indicator. This is a common symptom when useable Battery Life at Max Volume is fading.
JBL Charge 5 Battery Life at Max Volume: How to Get the Longest Life
Exercise the battery ! That is, charge it all the way, and discharge it all the way. The power management system in this speaker seems robust. It well protects the battery from over charging or complete draining.
However, we suggest that you do not leave the speaker on the charger once full. Also, when the battery does run low, do not leave it in this deadened state for long. Instead, recharge your speaker as soon as possible, as these batteries hate being dead. A long-dead battery often results in a ruined battery.
JBL Charge 5 Battery Life at Max Volume: Conclusion
Replacing the battery in the JBL Charge 5 usually fixes the above mentioned issues. However, only replace with a battery of similar type — preferably the same make and part number as the original.
Finally, you can often avoid ever having to replace the battery due to shortened Battery Life at Max Volume. How? Keep some charge in your speaker. Plus, exercise it as well. This provides the most deep charge-discharge cycles from it in our years of experience with these devices.