Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $159; the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE ranks #42, rated 3.7/5, and costs $199.95, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Heard side by side, the Bose is clearer. In a direct comparison the Flex 2nd Gen had more detail, a larger soundstage and nicer highs, and hit harder in the upper bass. The Charge Essential 3 SE was louder with deeper bass, but that bass could distort, and it sounded muddier and more strident in the upper mids. The reviewer preferred the Bose.
Size is the big practical difference. The Flex weighs 1.3 lbs (586 g) and clips to a bag. The Essential 3 SE is a Charge-size 2.1 lbs (960 g) speaker.
Battery and features: the Essential 3 SE claims 20 hours against the Flex’s 12, and adds a USB-C power bank and Auracast. The Flex adds a built-in microphone and aptX Adaptive, and its elevated treble can make hi-hats piercing. Both are IP67 with an app EQ and stereo pairing.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | JBL Charge Essential 3 SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $199.95 |
| Ranked | #37 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C (5V/3A) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes (Auracast) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 52mm x 90mm racetrack woofer, 20mm tweeter, two passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-C) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 40W total (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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