Short answer: the Harman Kardon Luna 2. It ranks #25 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $199.95 and is still sold new; the JBL Flip Essential ranks #89 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Flip Essential’s replacement, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.6/5 at $115.53.
The Harman Kardon Luna 2 is the better-sounding pick. A stylish waterproof speaker with clear, spacious mids, tight bass that stays clean at volume, and stereo pairing with a second unit. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Treble can sound bright and edgy, and it loses more output off-axis than some rivals.
The JBL Flip Essential is the lighter choice. A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening. At 1 lbs (471 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Harman Kardon Luna 2 at 1.6 lbs (735 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Harman Kardon Luna 2 lacks. Watch for: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
Buy the Harman Kardon Luna 2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL Flip Essential is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A stylish waterproof speaker with clear, spacious mids, tight bass that stays clean at volume, and stereo pairing with a second unit.
A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Luna 2 | JBL Flip Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.95 | $130 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (4 presets + custom) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | No | - |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (735 g) | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.3” x 3.2” (216 x 84 x 81 mm) | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 62mm x 82mm woofer with passive radiator, 20mm tweeter | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 40W (25W woofer + 15W tweeter) | 16W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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