Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Charge 2 is the better pick: it ranks #93 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5), against #155 (rated 2.3/5) for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. If you want one new, the JBL Charge 6 replaces the JBL Charge 2 and is rated 4.2/5 at $119.95.
The JBL Charge 2 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. The catch: Bass compression at higher volumes.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter choice. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 2 at 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg). Watch for: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the JBL Charge 2 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 6, which replaces the JBL Charge 2.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 2 | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 Discontinued | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #93 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.4” x 3” (216 x 86 x 76 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS | 16W |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| App | No | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
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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
JBL Charge 2: $149 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge 6, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025. See every JBL Charge generation.
Pros: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. Social Mode pairs up to 3 phones; works as a speakerphone.
Cons: Bass compression at higher volumes. Warm sound. slightly rolled off treble. Not as loud as other speakers. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2014 (12 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.4” x 3” (216 x 86 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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