Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 172 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $159 and is still sold new; the JBL Charge 3 ranks #88 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Charge 3’s replacement, the JBL Charge 6, is rated 4.2/5 at $119.95.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A very portable 1.3 lbs (586 g), IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible. At 1.3 lbs (586 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 3 at 1.8 lbs (800 g). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Charge 3 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 3 lacks. Watch for: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
The JBL Charge 3 is the longer-running pick. Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Charge 3 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A very portable 586g, IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible.
Amazon $159.00 eBay
Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | JBL Charge 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #88 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL Connect) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 1.8 lbs (800 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.5” (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 63Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W RMS |
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