Design and Build:

The build quality of JBL Charge 5 is the best.Two bass radiators flank the speaker, adding to the speaker's sturdy construction. JBL has revised the design of Charge 5 by adding the JBL logo in bigger font. JBL Charge 5 is available in array of colors. 

Sony SRS-XB43 comes in few colors but one thing that adds to its design is the RGB light. XB43s robust build is highlighted by the substantial netting that covers the majority of the speaker. The input port is protected by a rubber flap located at the back.

Portability:

JBL Charge 5 is smaller in size than Sony SRS-XB43 Bluetooth speaker. Sony SRS-XB43 is on the bulkier end. 

Performance:

The Charge 5's sound quality is excellent for a speaker of its size, with clear vocals and powerful bass that fills the room. However, the mid notes and high notes are also shaped and turned up, giving the vocals, acoustic guitar, and higher-register percussive impacts more clarity. After the new tweeter's brilliance fades away it leaves behind only the purest, most distinct treble notes.

The Sony SRS-XB43 has a decently precise frequency response. Its balanced mid-range notes ensures voices and leading instruments seem present and clear in the mix. And even with the EXTRA BASS setting engaged, it still lacks low-bass, making it impossible to experience the full thud and rumble of bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music. To aid the deep bass frequencies, two passive radiators are placed behind a ring sheild on the sides. However, they restrict you from operating the Sony SRS-XB43 vertically.

Connectivity:

Both the Bluetooth speakers don’t support any connection with Wi-Fi. Although Bluetooth connection is available for both of them. 

For this purpose, both the Sony SRS-XB43 and the JBL Charge 5 speakers include Bluetooth 5.0 and 5.1, respectively. When it comes to zeroing in on a signal, though, version 5.1 is just a hair more precise. As an added bonus, a 5.1 Bluetooth version is more resilient to temporary disruptions than a 5.0 one.

Battery Life:

Both Sony and JBL have powered battery. Sony SRS-XB43’s battery capacity is 4900 mAh whereas JBL Charge 5’s battery capacity is 7500 mAh. But the battery life of Sony is better than JBL. The difference between the battery life of the two speakers is not huge rather it stands on merely 30-40 mins margine. 

Additional Features:

With Sony SRS-XB43 you will get additional voice controls, RGB lights, and EQ presets. Both the Bluetooth speakers has their own apps. Sony Music Center app runs for SRS-XB43 and JBL Portable runs for JBL Charge 5. 

Conclusion:

JBL manufactures speakers that shakes up the market with their performances. JBL Charge 5 is also featured in many articles as one of the best portable speakers. Sony SRS-XB43 and JBL Charge 5 has a very close competition because both the speakers have same kind of features. 

JBL and Sony Bluetooth speakers are both expensive, but JBL Charge 5 is little less heavy on your pocket than Sony SRS-XB43. JBL Charge 5 is also released as an upgraded version of its predecessor so overall it gets preference in the comparison. 

FAQ:

Is Sony SRS-XB43 and JBL Charge 5 waterproof?

Sony SRS-XB43 and JBL Charge 5 are rated IPX7, i.e. they are waterproof. Additionally, both speakers are also rated IPX6 being dustproof as well. Sony also claims that SRs-XB43 is salt water proof as well. 

Is Sony SRS-XB43 and JBL Charge 5 chargeable?

Both the speakers are chargeable via USB-C port.