Short answer: the Cleer Audio Scene. It ranks #33 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $74.99; the JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #39, rated 3.8/5, at $74.91. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The Cleer Audio Scene is the lighter pick. A stereo portable speaker with quite neutral, natural sound that keeps voices and instruments clear and true. At 1.6 lbs (742 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge Essential 2. The catch: Less bass extension than a JBL Flip 6.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the deeper-bass, longer-running choice. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 10dB, against 62Hz for the Cleer Audio Scene. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Cleer Audio Scene. The catch: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
Buy the Cleer Audio Scene. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $0.08 with the JBL Charge Essential 2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Cleer Audio Scene | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.99 | $74.91 |
| Ranked | #33 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~62Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (742 g) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3” x 3.5” (217 x 76 x 89 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm neodymium dome drivers + 2x passive radiators | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 40W |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Strap | - | No |
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