Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is the better pick: it ranks #53 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.6/5), against #92 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Charge Essential. If you want one new, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE replaces the JBL Charge Essential and is rated 3.7/5 at $199.95.
The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is the better-sounding choice. True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. 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 choice. Doubles as a power bank. It is rated IPX7 against IP55 for the Bose Soundlink Revolve+. Watch for: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, which replaces the JBL Charge Essential.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.99 Discontinued | $73.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #53 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #92 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| 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) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.91 kg) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 7.2” x 4.1” (105 x 184 x 105 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| App | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| 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+: $269.99 Discontinued Amazon $269.99 eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jan 2021. See every Bose SoundLink Revolve generation.
Same family: the Bose Soundlink Revolve (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.5/5).
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. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 7.2” x 4.1” (105 x 184 x 105 mm) |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.91 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Live Reviews and Q&A! Bose Soundbar, Monoprice Monitors, Bluetooth Speakers and more. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- Alan Ross Reviews: The Ultimate 360 Degree Bluetooth Speaker Showdown: Bose Soundlink Revolve Vs Tribit Stormbox Pro More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Glow: best budget 360 degree speaker or get the Bose Revolve+? 1 hour of fun!
- 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
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