Short answer: the JBL Grip, if you are buying new. The JBL Charge 2 ranks higher than it (#79 vs #85 of 150 medium speakers, 3.2/5 vs 3.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Grip is still sold new at $99.95.
The case for the JBL Charge 2: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. Watch for: Bass compression at higher volumes.
The case for the JBL Grip: 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 Grip, since the JBL Charge 2 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 2 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 Discontinued | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #79 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #85 of 150 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 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) |
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS | 16W |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~68Hz |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | Yes (strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Charge 2:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs JBL Charge 2
- Soundcore Motion+ vs JBL Charge 2
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 2
- JBL Charge 6 vs JBL Charge 2
- JBL Flip 6 vs JBL Charge 2
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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.
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 →
| 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
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons