Short answer: the JBL Charge 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Grip for the lower price. The JBL Charge 2 ranks #69 of 135 medium speakers at $149. The JBL Grip ranks #75 at $99.95, $49.05 cheaper.
What the JBL Charge 2 offers: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. Watch for: Bass compression at higher volumes.
What the JBL Grip offers: Ambient light on the back with settable themes Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
Buy the JBL Charge 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Grip if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Grip at IP68 (extended submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Charge 2 at IPX5 (water jets).
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 2 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 Discontinued | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #69 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #75 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | 5.4 |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.4" x 3" (216 x 86 x 76 mm) | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 15W RMS | 16W |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP68 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~68Hz |
| TWS | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge 2: $149 Discontinued
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 →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Output Power | 15W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples