Short answer: the JBL Charge 2 for better sound quality, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom for the lower price. The JBL Charge 2 ranks #69 of 136 medium speakers at $149. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom ranks #87 at $79, $70 cheaper.
On the JBL Charge 2 side: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. Watch for: Bass compression at higher volumes.
What the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom gets right: IP67 rated and floats. The tradeoff: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble.
One note: the JBL Charge 2 is discontinued, but it still ranks #69 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Charge 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 2 | Ultimate Ears Wonderboom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 Discontinued | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #69 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #87 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange | 2x 1.6" active drivers + 2x 1.8" x 2.6" passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.4" x 3" (216 x 86 x 76 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 15W RMS | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| App | No | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 0.9 lbs / 425 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Power Input | - | Micro USB |
| Stereo | - | No |
| 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 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| 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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Ultimate Ears Wonderboom: $79 Discontinued
Pros: IP67 rated and floats. Compact, light, and simple to use.
Cons: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble. Dip at 9khz. Low mid bass distortion. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 1.6" active drivers + 2x 1.8" x 2.6" passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 425 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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