Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #35 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $130; the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ ranks #46 and costs $230, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Bose Soundlink Revolve+: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. The catch: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding.
On the JBL Charge Essential 2 side: Doubles as a power bank. Watch for: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
One note: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is discontinued, but it still ranks #46 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $130 |
| Ranked | #46 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | ~55Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 40W |
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- Bose Soundlink Flex vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Revolve+: $230 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Built-in carry handle, useful even with wet hands; can hang from a hook via carabiner. ~12 hour battery at medium-high volume.
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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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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