Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display vs JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display

9.0/10 Excellent

4.7★ (19,600 owners)

7-inch display, Google Assistant, sleep sensing, smart-home dashboard, no camera. The hub for Google homes.

Full Review

JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

9.3/10 Excellent

4.7★ (36,000 owners)

IP67 waterproof, 20-hour battery, powerbank built in. The portable speaker that actually travels.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display	JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	9.3/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (19,600)	4.7★ (36,000)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.0/10. IP67 waterproof, 20-hour battery, powerbank built in. The portable speaker that actually travels. That said, the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display is worth considering if 7-inch display, Google Assistant, sleep sensing, smart-home dashboard, no camera. The hub for Google homes. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display

7-inch display turns voice answers into visual ones — recipes, weather, calendars
Controls and visualises smart-home devices from one dashboard
Sleep Sensing tracks rest without a wearable (no camera, for privacy)
Excellent for Google Photos slideshows and YouTube
Strong value with 19,000+ reviews

Tied to the Google ecosystem — less useful in an Alexa household
No camera means no video calls
Speaker is good, not audiophile-grade

JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

IP67 fully waterproof AND dustproof — genuinely poolside and beach safe
20-hour battery outlasts every competing speaker at this price
Built-in powerbank charges your phone on the go
Loud enough for outdoor use — rarely needs full volume
JBL PartyBoost links multiple speakers for wider coverage

Bass is strong but can overpower mids at high volume
No built-in voice assistant
Heavier than UE Boom 3 at 960g

FAQ

Which is better, Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) or JBL Charge 5 Portable?

Is the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) worth the extra cost?

The JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) best suited to?

7-inch display, Google Assistant, sleep sensing, smart-home dashboard, no camera. The hub for Google homes.

Who is the JBL Charge 5 Portable best suited to?

IP67 waterproof, 20-hour battery, powerbank built in. The portable speaker that actually travels.

What are the main downsides of each?

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display: Tied to the Google ecosystem — less useful in an Alexa household; No camera means no video calls. JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Bass is strong but can overpower mids at high volume; No built-in voice assistant.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display sits at 4.7★ from 19,600 verified Amazon owners, and JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker at 4.7★ from 36,000.

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