Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Charge 4 is the better pick: it ranks #59 of 182 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #70 (rated 3.4/5) for the Bose Soundlink Mini. If you want one new, the JBL Charge 6 replaces the JBL Charge 4 and is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95.
The JBL Charge 4 is the longer-running, tougher pick. A rugged waterproof speaker that floats, charges your phone, lasts a long time per charge and links with other JBL speakers. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 7 for the Bose Soundlink Mini. It is rated IPX7, while the Bose Soundlink Mini has no water resistance. Watch for: 1 Oval driver.
The Bose Soundlink Mini is the lighter choice. A compact speaker with a sturdy, dense aluminum build and an included charging cradle. At 1.5 lbs (680 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 4 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 4. Watch for: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
Buy the JBL Charge 4 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 4.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 4 | Bose Soundlink Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 Discontinued | $125.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #70 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 330ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Drivers | 1x 51x89mm fullrange | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.7” x 3.7” (220 x 95 x 93 mm) | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 30W RMS | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Proprietary connector |
| Strap | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Charge 4: reviews by Alan Ross, Flossy Carter and DankPods.
- Bose Soundlink Mini: reviews by Patricio Benadon.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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