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 #133 (rated 2.6/5) for the Sony SRS-XB30. 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 option. Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. The catch: Bass compression at higher volumes.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the longer-running choice. A compact 2.2 lbs (1 kg) portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Charge 2. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Charge 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 2 lacks. The catch: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy.
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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 2 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 Discontinued | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #93 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.4” x 3” (216 x 86 x 76 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS | 20W |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| App | No | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Charge 2 compares with other leading options:
- 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 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
Sony SRS-XB30: $199 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Apr 2025. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It reaches a useful 95dB maximum level and has a claimed 24-hour battery life at moderate volume, making it a convenient older outdoor option. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy. Its micro-USB charging and older Bluetooth 4.2 platform now feel dated, so it is best considered for features and used-market value rather than sound quality. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB30 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Soundcore Flare 2
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Teufel Rockster Go
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- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton II
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton III
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs B&O Beosound Explore
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- See all 90 comparisons