Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #35 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $130; the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II ranks #45 and costs $269, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II gets right: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. The tradeoff: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding.
What the JBL Charge Essential 2 offers: Doubles as a power bank. Set against that: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.00 | $130 |
| Ranked | #45 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| 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 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 | - |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 40W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II: $269.00 Amazon
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 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 |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II vs Bose Soundlink Revolve
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JBL Charge Essential 2: $130
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IP67 rated. Close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price.
Cons: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
Full JBL Charge Essential 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Soundcore Motion 100
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