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The JBL Charge 6 is currently available for $169.95 at Walmart, down from its original $199.95. That small drop might not look dramatic on paper, but considering this model only came out recently, it’s one of the better deals you’ll find on a premium portable outdoor speaker .
The Charge 6 keeps the same rugged, travel-friendly design JBL’s known for while improving on what made the Charge 5 such a crowd favorite. It’s built for the outdoors—durable enough to survive a few bumps and rated IP68 , meaning it’s both dustproof and waterproof. You can drop it in a pool or take it to the beach without worrying about damage. JBL also added a looped handle, which makes it easier to carry from one spot to another.
Sound-wise, it’s a noticeable step up from the previous generation. Inside are a 2.1-by-3.7-inch woofer and a 0.8-inch tweeter that combine for 45 watts of power, backed by passive radiators on each end for extra low-end punch. The audio has weight and clarity, and while you won’t get chest-rattling bass, it’s more than enough for a backyard gathering or a long afternoon by the pool, notes this PCMag review .
If you want more control, JBL’s seven-band EQ in the companion app gives you plenty of room to tweak the sound to your liking. As for its battery life, the Charge 6 is said to last up to 24 hours on a full charge (depending on usage) and can even double as a power bank for your phone through the USB-C port, which also supports lossless audio when plugged in.
Connectivity and features are strong for this size and price. The Charge 6 runs on Bluetooth 5.4 for stable connections and now supports Auracast , a newer broadcast feature that lets you tune into compatible audio streams or sync multiple speakers for group listening. Codec support is limited to AAC and SBC, which may disappoint anyone wanting higher-end audio over Bluetooth, but the wired option partly makes up for that. JBL skipped including a charging brick or cable, which is a letdown for something in this price range. Still, if you’re after a speaker that’s loud, portable, and can handle real-world abuse while sounding great, the Charge 6 fits the bill, and this price makes it even more appealing.
