Cheap vs expensive: which speaker is worth the pennies?
19.9.2023
Translation: Elicia Payne
Video: Manuel Wenk
They’re a similar size, have the same functions and yet they’re worlds apart, not just in price. We tested and compared the cheap Blow BT 460 Bluetooth speaker and the more expensive (by 100 francs) JBL Charge 5.
It’s a completely uneven duel. And yet I’m really curious to find out if an expensive speaker really is that much better than a cheap no-name model. In the video above you can see a quick comparison of the most important features: volume/sound, bass and stability. For English subtitles, click the gear icon, «Subtitles/CC» and «Auto-translate».
In all three areas there’s a clear winner. But how does it look after the in-depth test? First, let’s take a look at our two test models. The Blow BT460 is in the 20 centimetre size category and one of the most affordable speakers in our range. It costs just under 30 francs. The JBL Charge 5 is around 100 francs more expensive and costs 130 to 150 francs depending on the colour (reference date 12 September 2023).
Cheap is on a par with expensive in these areas
Installation: Both speakers are easily put to use without additional apps. Just switch it on, activate Bluetooth pairing and connect via your smartphone.
Stable connection: Although the Blow only connects via Bluetooth 3.0 and the JBL supports 5.1, the difference isn’t noticeable at first. Both speakers establish the connection reliably and quickly after the first pairing. They also stay connected to the smartphone with no trouble.
Source: Manuel Wenk
Cheap beats expensive – at least in two disciplines
Connections: The Charge 5 is all about Bluetooth connectivity. Although it has a USB-A port, you can’t relay music from it. Rather, you can use the speaker as a power bank and charge your phone. The inexpensive Blow BT460 surprisingly has a much larger selection of ports: a card slot, 3.5-millimeter plug for audio devices, and also USB-A – for a stick with music, for example. However, it’s disappointing that you have to charge the cheap speaker via the outdated micro-USB.
Radio: In fact, the inexpensive speaker’s even equipped with a radio. It isn’t that easy to operate via the few buttons available, but it works surprisingly well. At least as long as the analogue FM radio frequencies are still in operation, i.e. probably until the end of 2024.
Source: Manuel Wenk
Expensive beats cheap in these areas
Sound quality: In this category the Blow BT460 has issues. It barely sounds better than a mediocre mobile phone speaker. As soon as you turn up the volume, it starts to rattle and the sound cracks. It’s nowhere near the JBL Charge 5 and its impressive, powerful sound. It’s amazing how loud such a small speaker can sound and fill a room.
Volume: Although the cheap speaker can also go really loud, it sounds rather unpleasant and almost unbearable if you turn up the volume. The JBL doesn’t even rumble at full volume. The bass doesn’t get lost and the trebles aren’t drowned out.
Bass: JBL is known for bass-heavy speakers – as is the case for the Charge 5. The lows are very punchy, which doesn’t suit everyone’s taste. But, the bass doesn’t seem over-the-top. Despite the similar size the Blow sounds insanely thin.
Source: Manuel Wenk
Battery life: We barely managed to empty the JBL in the test. 20 hour battery life in one charge, the manufacturer claims. We managed around 18 hours at medium volume. Once again, the Blow is totally inadequate in comparison: it barely reaches the stated 4 hours battery life. Even that is a sad amount, in this day and age.
Stability: The inexpensive speaker looks robust and even weatherproof at first glance. However, the rubber port covers are just for show. The Blow isn’t waterproof and definitely won’t survive a rain shower. Even worse: we dropped the speaker a few times for the comparison video and parts broke off immediately. The JBL not only survived the drop test without any complaints, but the immersion in water was also a success.
Source: Manuel Wenk
Verdict: expensive beats cheap by far
30 or 130 francs – a huge difference in quality, as our test reveals. The Blow BT460 clearly loses out in all the important categories for a Bluetooth speaker. The only advantages are the price and the many ports.
Fortunately, while the JBL Charge 5 costs considerably more, it isn’t really expensive compared to the renowned competition, for example from Sony or UE. The speaker delivers great sound quality in a compact design – so the surcharge is definitely worth it. The bargain speaker, on the other hand, really isn’t worth much more than the price you pay for it.
Header image: Manuel Wenk
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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