Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II. It ranks #52 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5) at $299 and is still sold new; the JBL Charge Essential ranks #92 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Charge Essential’s replacement, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.7/5 at $199.95.
The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II is the better-sounding option. True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. The catch: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding.
The JBL Charge Essential is the tougher option. Doubles as a power bank. It is rated IPX7 against IP55 for the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II. Watch for: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Charge Essential is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $73.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #52 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #92 of 175 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 | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.91 kg) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 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) | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W RMS |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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: $299.00 Amazon $299.00 eBay
Older model: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ (ranked lower, rated 3.6/5). See every Bose SoundLink Revolve generation.
Same family: the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) (smaller model, 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 →
| Released | Jan 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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
- Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Glow: best budget 360 degree speaker or get the Bose Revolve+? 1 hour of fun! More from alanrossreviews →
- Danny Pops: BEST Bose Speaker? Bose is getting lazy. More from DannyPops →
- Kanwar Anand: Bose Revolve Plus 1 vs 2
- techkiste.net: B&O Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) vs Bose Revolve 2 vs Bose Revolve+ 2 sound-comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Discontinued Amazon $73.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Charge Essential generation.
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded JBL Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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