Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Charge 4 for the lower price. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #35 of 136 medium speakers at $130. The JBL Charge 4 ranks #50 at $119.95, $10.05 cheaper.
What the JBL Charge 4 gets right: Doubles as a power bank for charging phones/tablets. The tradeoff: Not stereo. 1 Oval driver.
What the JBL Charge Essential 2 offers: Doubles as a power bank. Set against that: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
One note: the JBL Charge 4 is discontinued, but it still ranks #50 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 4 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 4 | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 Discontinued | $130 |
| Ranked | #50 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 330ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | - |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 960 g | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 51x89mm fullrange | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.7" x 3.7" (220 x 95 x 93 mm) | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 30W RMS | 40W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge 4: $119.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank for charging phones/tablets. IPX7 rated and floats. ~20 hour battery life; wirelessly links with 100+ JBL Connect+ speakers.
Cons: Not stereo. 1 Oval driver. Boosted bass, top a little rolled off, warm sound. Not as loud as a Charge 3. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 4 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 330ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.7" x 3.7" (220 x 95 x 93 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 51x89mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 30W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 960 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Reddit Search for JBL Charge 4 Review
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JBL Charge Essential 2: $130
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IP67 rated. Close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price.
Cons: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
Full JBL Charge Essential 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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