Let it roar outdoors

If outdoor adventure is a part of your life, you need a portable Bluetooth speaker that can keep up. The rugged JBL Charge 3 isn't just weather-resistant — it's full-on waterproof. So sand, surf, or snow won't affect it — or its ability to crank out your tunes with rich, full sound. The speaker's built-in rechargeable battery can deliver up to 20 hours of continuous operation. And the Charge 3 can also keep your smartphone recharged so the music can keep playing.

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Not just water-resistant: the Charge 3 is waterproof.

Let it roar outdoors

Big sound from a compact speaker

The Charge 3 uses two full-range drivers to give you clean, clear sound, with two passive radiators to reinforce the bass. Thanks to JBL's advanced digital signal processing, the Charge 3 can project rich, full sound despite its compact design. And if you want more volume, you can pair multiple Charge 3 speakers together and play them simultaneously.

Conversation piece

When you receive a call on your paired phone, the Charge 3 turns into a speakerphone. Its built-in microphone uses SoundClear® technology to minimize echo and filter out ambient noise. Both you and your caller will enjoy a conversation with clear, natural sound.

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Product highlights:

built-in Bluetooth
range: 30 feet
simultaneously pair multiple Charge 3 speakers devices to play simultaneously
built-in microphone with SoundClear echo and noise cancellation
call answer button for hands-free wireless speakerphone operation
two full-range drivers with two passive bass radiators to reinforce low frequencies
stereo minijack input for portable devices
IPX7 rated waterproof
USB charging port (AC adapter and USB cable included)
6000mAh built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery lasts up to 20 hours
8-3/8"W x 3-7/16"H x 3-1/2"D
weight: 28.21 oz.
warranty: 1 year
MFR # JBLCHARGE3TEALAM

What's in the box:

JBL Charge 3 owner's manual

Bluetooth portable speaker
USB-to-AC power adapter
40" microUSB-to-USB charging cable
Quick Start Guide
Important Safety Instructions
Warranty Card

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs

Physical Design
Width	8.375
Height	3.5
Depth	3.625
Weight	1.76
Weather Resistance	---
Color	Teal
Power and Battery Info
Built-in Battery	---
Charges External Device Via USB	Yes
Runs On AC Power	---
Connections
USB	Charge only
Aux Inputs	1
Headphone Jack	0
Bluetooth Version And Supported Audio Formats
Bluetooth Version	3.1
aptX	No
aptX-HD	No
AAC	No
LDAC	No
SBC	Yes
Other Wireless Features
Hands-free Calling	Yes
Wi-Fi	---
Apple AirPlay	No
Stereo Pairing	---
Unison Pairing (Party Mode)	No
Driver Details
Tweeter Size	0
Tweeter Type	N/A
Midrange Size	2
Midrange Type	Cone
Woofer Size	0
Woofer Type	N/A
Audio Specs
Frequency Response	65-20k
Amplification (Watts RMS)	20
Warranty
Parts Warranty	1 Year
Labor Warranty	1 Year

Product Research

Features

Bluetooth 4.1: The JBL Charge 3 is a self-powered Bluetooth (version 4.1) speaker which supports wireless audio streaming (A2DP 1.3/AVRCP 1.6) and hands-free communication (HFP 1.6/HSP 1.2), along with digital voice assistant integration for iPhone (Siri) and Android (Google Now). Up to two devices can be connected with the Charge 3 at once, so you and your friends can take turns streaming music. Once paired, the JBL Charge 3 will automatically re-connect with paired devices when in wireless range (up to 33').

Wireless Audio Streaming: The JBL Charge 3 portable speaker streams stereo music wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled devices such as your smartphone, tablet, computer, laptop, or other device. You'll be able to control Play, Pause, & Skip functions from the speaker. You will need to continue to use your Bluetooth-enabled device for advanced music navigation and to view song/artist information.
Hands-Free Communication: The JBL Charge 3 has a built-in microphone with echo and noise cancellation technologies, so you can use it as a hands-free speakerphone for your smartphone (including iPhone or Android). Use the Charge 3 to answer phone calls, talk on Skype, or with Facetime. You will continue to use your Bluetooth-enabled device to view video calls, manually enter phone number, and control advanced phone functions.
Voice Assistant Integration: The JBL Charge 3's built-in mic can even act as an extension of the microphone on your Apple iPhone 4S and newer or compatible Android smartphone, so you can access Siri & Android's digital voice assistant (like Google Now). Simply press the Play/Pause button to activate your device's digital voice assistant. You will need to set this feature up through the JBL Connect App on your Apple iOS or Android mobile device.

Note: When the digital voice assistant is enabled through the app, the Play/Pause control function for wireless music streaming is disabled.

Full-Range JBL Sound: The JBL Charge 3 employs digital signal processing to generate room-filling audio from a compact speaker. Using dual 2" full-range drivers powered by a 20-watt amplifier and twin 2" side-firing passive radiators, the JBL Charge 3 delivers full JBL sound with punchy bass.

JBL Connect App with JBL Connect+: Use the JBL Connect App (for Apple iOS 8.0+ or Android OS 5.0+) to wirelessly link multiple JBL Connect+ enabled speakers, like the JBL Charge 3, together for amplified sound. You are able to link two speakers together so each speaker acts as a left or right channel for stereo sound. You can also link up to 100 speakers together so each speaker plays back both left and right channels for playback of the same Bluetooth source from multiple speakers. Software updates for the speaker can also be done using the JBL Connect app.

Note: The JBL Charge 3 requires a firmware update to utilize the JBL Connect+ feature.

IPX7 Waterproof: The JBL Charge 3 features a rugged, rubber housing and is covered with durable waterproof fabric. The JBL Charge 3 carries an IPX7 waterproof rating and can even be submerged in water (up to 1m for up to 30 minutes).

Note: To ensure that the JBL Charge 3 is waterproof, please remove all cable connections and tightly close the cap; exposing the JBL Charge 3 to liquids without doing so may result in permanent damage to the speaker. And do not expose the JBL Charge 3 to water while charging, as doing so may result in permanent damage to the speaker or power source.

Versatile Placement: The JBL Charge 3 stereo speaker plays from either a vertical or horizontal position, so you can place it in a variety of locations.

Aux Input: In addition to built-in Bluetooth, the JBL Charge 3 is fitted with a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connection of almost any portable audio player with a headphone output.

LED Indicator: A clearly visible LED lets you know when the built-in battery needs to be recharged, as well as when the JBL Charge 3 is in Bluetooth listening or pairing mode.

USB Charging (5V/2A): The JBL Charge 3 is capable of recharging the battery of your Bluetooth-enabled device from the speaker's built-in USB-A (5V/2.0A) port. Now you don't need to carry an extra charger to keep your devices powered up. This USB port does not support audio playback.

Rechargeable Battery: The JBL Charge 3 stereo speaker has a built-in, 3.7V/6000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery that provides more than 20 hours of playback time on a single charge. The battery is easily recharged from the speaker's built-in USB port, using the included AC power adapter or a free USB port on your computer. A full battery charge takes approximately 4.5 hours. The AC power adapter can also be used to power the speaker.

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13 questions already asked

can you install this product on a motorcycle?

ronnie Sep 20, 2018

1 answer

I'm sure you could attach it with a bungee or something but I don't know how it would stand up to the constant jarring it would endure, or if it would even be loud enough depending on what type of bike you have.

kevin Sep 20, 2018

I like to crank my music pretty loud outside. Can this unit handle volume without distorting ?

john Jul 01, 2018

4 answers

Yes crank it h up two would really kick ass ive used minr alot with no problems

noel Jul 02, 2018

I have not played it THAT loud, but I've always gotten a really clear sound from my device. The other thing is that...unless your source is commercial or professional, you'll want to make sure any open source audio files are of high quality, as that will impact the overall sound as well.

fredrick Jul 02, 2018

Hi John, A brief caveat prior to an answer... There is no cut-and-dry simple answer to your question. The higher the volume is set, the more likely it is that distortion audible to the human ear will occur. So, it is not so much a question of if there will be distortion than at what volume level there will be distortion (and how much distortion). This is not a high fidelity speaker and the level of distortion will also be impacted by the quality of the electronics in the connected device. That said, I listened to multiple outdoor speakers, and I liked the combined sound-quality and features on this unit the best. The high-end sound range is clear at high volume levels, and sound in the mid-range is full as well. The lows do surprisingly well for a unit of this size. Since you mentioned you like to play the volume at high levels, there may be another reason that this unit may work for you. Two JBL Charges can be paired to create a Left and Right speaker combination; utilizing this feature (which I have found works well) allows for playing at even higher volume levels with further reduced distortion.

christy Jul 02, 2018

It will not let itself Reach a Volume that would cause it to Distort. It has like a Built Limiter. However, It Cranks Up Pretty good. If you are in doubt maybe ask crutchfield, Go bigger. You no what they say, Go Big Or Go Home. I like tho. It Sings Pretty Good.

ken Jul 02, 2018

If you pair two speakers to play simultaneously, what is the range that they can be placed apart, and do they have to be in sight of one another?

nataliemurphy Nov 22, 2017

3 answers

Havnt baught my second speaker yet

noel Jul 02, 2018

Whatever's the Bluetooth range is and on these I believe it's 30'. Or, look on there website.

ken Nov 22, 2017

The range the speakers can be placed apart is dependent on 'environmental conditions' (surface slope, structures in the area, material of walls/posts/support structures, ground cover, etc.). The speakers do not need to be "in sight" of one another, but the farther apart they are the more likely the Bluetooth stream will be broken. Line-of-sight on a level surface with few barriers would be the most ideal; beyond the ideal situation it depends on the environmental conditions. I've had the speakers 30-40 feet apart in a line of sight situation and this worked fine. I've had the speakers the same distance apart at differing elevations with barriers (walls or partial walls) inbetween the speakers and this situation did not allow the speakers to function as a pair. The pairing is accomplished via Bluetooth, so the limits of the pairing are defined by the limits of Bluetooth.

christy Nov 22, 2017

will this speaker play music on a usb? I have hours of music on usb ports

ernie Apr 25, 2017

2 answers

Dont know I always use bluetooth

noel Jul 02, 2018

Yes cant be play

reinaldo Apr 25, 2017

What color do women prefer? I want to buy one for my wife.

joseph Jan 15, 2017

9 answers

Seafoam

noel Jul 02, 2018

Im a man I would black or blue

noel Jan 23, 2017

I have had a blue one and now have red! But honestly, I'd love any color :) I am 50 and love music :)

alan Jan 19, 2017

red or black, nothing else

gustavo Jan 17, 2017

color teal is a nice and colorful colr

jose m Jan 17, 2017

That really is subjective. Does she have a favorite color? Is there a color that would match the colors in your house best? Not every woman is going to pick the same color, but I am a woman and I picked teal and I love it :)

leslie Jan 17, 2017

My wife says red (which is what I bought) or teal.

peter Jan 16, 2017

Hi Joe I personally bought 2 red ones. I will say that 2 are way better than one. If you can afford 2 get 2. Btw these are really weather proof. I can tell they work great for what I do with them. Hope this helped. Gary

gary m Jan 16, 2017

Between all these above, if the wife doesn't have a favorite color, Blue would be the choice.

ken Jan 16, 2017

Can I access wi-fi connected music via the Charge 3?

joseph Jan 08, 2017

7 answers

As long as whatever receiver your listening from thru wifi (phone, tablet, computer.) Has Bluetooth capabilities.

edward Jan 09, 2017

Yes, the Charge 3 is Bluetooth compatible. I enjoy Pandora and Spotify all day long at work in my office. Pairing is very simple and takes less than a minute.

david Jan 09, 2017

Yes

susan Jan 09, 2017

Long as your device have Bluetooth like your phone are other devices that you have, it's a Bluetooth speaker.

robert Jan 09, 2017

As long as the wi-fi 'platform' or player can convert/output the audio stream via a Bluetooth, then yes.

christy Jan 09, 2017

No, Its only a Bluetooth speaker. The device that you connect to it with is responsible for that

eric Jan 09, 2017

Yes perfect

reinaldo Jan 09, 2017

If I purchased two of the charge 3 speakers, could I stream music from my iPhone to both of them simultaneously in order to get an even louder experience?

jmorgan51511 Aug 02, 2016

11 answers

The speakers can connect to each other for louder or surround sound listening.

mary Aug 08, 2016

I only have 1 but it is my understanding that with the jbl app you can do exactly that

brett Aug 06, 2016

Yes

christy Aug 04, 2016

Yes

anthony d Aug 03, 2016

Great question! I only have one speaker, so I can't really say for sure, but because the JBL speakers have the option to add other JBL speakers, it would add more sound to a single room. Hopefully the added speaker won't decrease the power from the music source needed to project the sound. Hope this helps!

fredrick Aug 03, 2016

yes, you just hit the bluetooth button and it will 'Pair' the two, even plays stereo

craig Aug 03, 2016

Yes you can.

tim Aug 03, 2016

You may wirelessly link multiple Charge 3 speakers. I would not say that it makes the music louder out of the speaker, but it will allow you place speakers throughout your space. The Charge 3 is an excellent value and for its size quite capable.

r matthew Aug 03, 2016

Yes, you just have to press a button to "link" them together.

paul Aug 03, 2016

Yes

eric Aug 03, 2016

Yes

thomas n. Aug 03, 2016

how many portable charge3 speakers can be linked together?

dallas Oct 28, 2017

2 answers

You can link 2 JBL speakers to 1 device.

michael Oct 28, 2017

Just 2 and it nice if you use the JBL connect app to get the most from them both. Such as party mode or just left and right placement.

jeffrey Oct 28, 2017

Can you change songs from this speaker?

donald l. Jul 18, 2016

1 answer

I ended up purchasing the jbl charge 3 regardless to try out. You can skip FWD by tapping the play/pause button twice.

donald l. Jul 21, 2016

How does it compare to the sony sts-xb41?

john Jun 18, 2018

3 answers

Not sure about the sony, but not as clear or loud as the oontz I had. bought it to take on my kayak and it works great for that.

conrad Jun 18, 2018

Not familiar with the Sony however it has a great sound! Everyone is impressed when they hear the music coming from it.

omar m. Jun 18, 2018

Mine blew in less than a month! The bigger version is good though

matthew Jun 18, 2018

Can I connect an iPod with USB cable?

danny Feb 25, 2017

2 answers

Yes the JBL has a USB connector on the back. This will charge the iPod, for playing music your options are Bluetooth and aux

john Feb 27, 2017

I wouldn't know because I don't have an iPod. I use my S7 Edge on Bluetooth to play music over these speakers

bob Feb 26, 2017

When pairing with my iPhone, can I hear the music from both my phone and the speaker?

elizabeth Dec 23, 2017

4 answers

No. It can be selected to play through only one or the other. However, if you have multiple jbl products, they can all be linked to play simultaneously.

justin Dec 23, 2017

This was given as a gift. Not sure but I would say very unlikely.

david Dec 23, 2017

I don't believe so.

michael j Dec 23, 2017

I don't think so. I use a tablet and it just plays through the speakers. Buy 2 speakers if you can you won't be disappointed. Great discount.

gary m Dec 23, 2017

Can two of these be paired together?

nick Jul 19, 2016

6 answers

Yes, these JBL speakers can be paired. They can either mirror or serve as right and left channel. Great speaker!

justin Aug 11, 2016

They can be paired together, I can not wait to buy 1 more because the jbl charge 3 sounds amazing just by itself. Having another one will really up the sound experience.

edward Jul 21, 2016

I believe they can. I just had one. Best answer would be from JBL. Com customer support

david Jul 20, 2016

Yes, the new models charge 3 and flip 3 have and looks like infinite symbol for pairing between them. charge with charge or charge with flip.

roberto Jul 20, 2016

Yes it could long as there jbl speakers (Bluetooth).

robert Jul 20, 2016

Yes.

reinaldo Jul 20, 2016

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