Short answer: the JBL Charge 3 for better sound quality, the JBL Charge Essential for the lower price. The JBL Charge 3 ranks #67 of 136 medium speakers at $80. The JBL Charge Essential ranks #68 at $73.99, $6.01 cheaper.
What the JBL Charge 3 gets right: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. The catch: Less clarity than the Flip 4.
On the JBL Charge Essential side: Doubles as a power bank. Set against that: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
Buy the JBL Charge 3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge Essential if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 3 | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 Discontinued | $73.99 |
| Ranked | #67 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #68 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 100dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 800 g | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.5" (213 x 88 x 88 mm) | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 20W RMS | 20W RMS |
| App | Yes (JBL Connect) | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Flip Essential
- JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Flip Essential
- Klipsch Nashville vs JBL Flip Essential
- JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Charge Essential
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge 3: $80 Discontinued
Pros: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life. IPX7 rated; built-in noise/echo-cancelling speakerphone.
Cons: Less clarity than the Flip 4. Battery failures are common. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 3 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.5" (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 800 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Charge 5 vs JBL Charge 4 and Charge 3 - best JBL charge 5 review 2021?
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Flip 6 vs JBL Charge 4 and JBL Charge 3 - small one or a large one? 🤷♂️
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3?
- EnforcerMan: JBL CHARGE 3 VS TREBLAB HD77 - FULL REVIEW
- Reddit Search for JBL Charge 3 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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