Due out this fall, the fully waterproof JBL Charge 4 offers improved sound, battery life and USB-C connectivity.
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
The $150 Charge 4 will arrive this fall in 10 color options.
Coming to stores this fall, JBL's $150 Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker features improved sound, better battery life (20 hours) and some other small upgrades.
JBL's Charge speakers are a little bigger than the company's Flip series speakers and are named "Charge" because of their ability to charge devices thanks to a built-in USB-out port.
JBL says that its engineers "developed an all new JBL transducer for Charge 4 that features increased cone area and excursion." That new transducer combined with updated 3D metallic passive radiators should mean better bass response and perhaps less distortion at higher volumes. I'll let you know how the speaker really sounds as soon as I get my hands on a review sample.
JBL didn't mention in its press materials that it has USB-C charging, but our photographer at the IFA trade show in Berlin spotted it when he lifted the gasket on the back of the speaker. We'll still confirming the charging situation with JBL, but USB-C connectivity could mean quicker charge times.
This is the first JBL Bluetooth speaker to feature USB-C connectivity.
Here's a look at the JBL Charge 4's key specs, according to JBL.
Buttons on the top of the speaker.