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HomePod (2nd gen) — Smart/Portable · $299
Apple

HomePod (2nd gen)

Smart/Portable · $299

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
JBL Charge 5 · Black — Smart/Portable · $179
JBL

JBL Charge 5 · Black

Smart/Portable · $179

85
/ 100
From $179
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, HomePod (2nd gen) lands at 85 and JBL Charge 5 · Black at 85. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick HomePod (2nd gen) if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some

Pick JBL Charge 5 · Black if…

  • ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • ✓App EQ on modern models
  • ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Design

Tie

Compared on the design sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sound

Tie

Compared on the sound sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

JBL Charge 5 · Black

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

JBL Charge 5 · Black more score per dollar ($179 vs $299).

HomePod (2nd gen) 85
vs
85 JBL Charge 5 · Black

Score breakdown

HomePod (2nd gen)
85
sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84
JBL Charge 5 · Black
85
sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

HomePod (2nd gen) versus JBL Charge 5 · Black — full spec comparison
Spec HomePod (2nd gen) JBL Charge 5 · Black

HomePod (2nd gen)

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

JBL Charge 5 · Black

Pros
  • +Easy multi-room with ecosystem
  • +App EQ on modern models
  • +USB-C/AUX input on some
Cons
  • −Brand ecosystem lock-in
  • −Subscription features on some
  • −Bass limits at lower sizes

FAQ: HomePod (2nd gen) vs JBL Charge 5 · Black

Which is better, HomePod (2nd gen) or JBL Charge 5 · Black? +

Both score 85 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HomePod (2nd gen) worth the price? +

At $299, HomePod (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.

Is JBL Charge 5 · Black worth the price? +

At $179, JBL Charge 5 · Black delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.

Does HomePod (2nd gen) or JBL Charge 5 · Black last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, HomePod (2nd gen) or JBL Charge 5 · Black? +

JBL Charge 5 · Black — more score per dollar ($179 vs $299). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.