JBL
JBL Charge 5
Smart/Portable · $179
85
/ 100
From $179
VS
KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black wins by 9
KEF
KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black
Smart/Portable · $2799
94
/ 100
From $2,799
Specdex verdict
KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, JBL Charge 5 lands at 85 and KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black at 94. That puts KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black ahead by 9 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick JBL Charge 5 if…
- ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
- ✓App EQ on modern models
- ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
Pick KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black if…
- ✓Easy multi-room with ecosystem
- ✓App EQ on modern models
- ✓USB-C/AUX input on some
JBL Charge 5 85
vs 94 KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black
Score breakdown
JBL Charge 5
85 sound 85
features 83
design 88
ecosystem 84
KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black
94 sound 94
features 92
design 88
ecosystem 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | JBL Charge 5 | KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black |
|---|
JBL Charge 5
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
KEF LS50 Wireless II · 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: JBL Charge 5 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black
Which is better, JBL Charge 5 or KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black? +
KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 9. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is JBL Charge 5 worth the price? +
At $179, JBL Charge 5 delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in design.
Is KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black worth the price? +
At $2,799, KEF LS50 Wireless II · Black delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in sound.
Does JBL Charge 5 or KEF LS50 Wireless II · 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.