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 #161 (rated 2.2/5) for the Ultimate Ears Roll 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 option. Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. The tradeoff: Bass compression at higher volumes.
The Ultimate Ears Roll 2 is the lighter, tougher choice. Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. At 0.7 lbs (330 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 2 at 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the JBL Charge 2. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 2 lacks. Watch for: Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis.
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.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 2 | Ultimate Ears Roll 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #93 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #161 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.4” x 3” (216 x 86 x 76 mm) | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS | 10W |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| App | No | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| 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 |
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
Ultimate Ears Roll 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, rated 3.9/5, released Sep 2024. It adds built-in mic and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input, app control and adjustable EQ. Battery life goes from 9 to 12 hours. See every Ultimate Ears Roll generation.
Pros: Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. Built-in bungee cord for hanging from a hook, nail, or door handle. Life-resistant waterproof/dustproof shell.
Cons: Not stereo. Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Roll 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
| App | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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