Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II for 360 sound, the JBL Charge Essential 2 if you need a power bank. The Charge Essential 2 charges other devices and costs $139 less, but it is not stereo and has slightly less bass than a Charge 5. The Revolve+ II stays consistent from any angle, though its bass is overly boosted and warm.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $130 |
| Ranked | #52 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.91 kg) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| App | Bose Connect | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer + 2x passive radiators (driver size undisclosed by Bose) | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 40W |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II: $269.00 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ (ranked lower, rated 3.6/5).
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers.
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Only IP55.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II review and specifications →
| App | Bose Connect |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer + 2x passive radiators (driver size undisclosed by Bose) |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.91 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JBL Charge Essential 2: $130 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5.
Pros: A tough, compact 930g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, USB-C charging, a USB-A power-bank output and a claimed 20-hour battery life. It delivers much of the Charge 5’s familiar punch and volume in a simpler package, with bass that reaches roughly 55Hz for this size. Measured bass extension of ~55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option. It plays mono, has a little less bass authority than the Charge 5, and its IPX7 rating does not promise dust protection. Choose it for a good sale price, not for extra features.
Full JBL Charge Essential 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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