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 #91 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Charge Essential. If you want one new, the JBL Charge 6 replaces the JBL Charge 4 and is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95.
The case for the JBL Charge 4: A rugged waterproof speaker that floats, charges your phone, lasts a long time per charge and links with other JBL speakers. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: 1 Oval driver.
Why pick the JBL Charge Essential: A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
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.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 4 | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 Discontinued | $73.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #91 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 330ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| 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) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 51x89mm fullrange | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.7” x 3.7” (220 x 95 x 93 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W RMS | 20W RMS |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| App | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Charge 4: reviews by Alan Ross, Flossy Carter and DankPods.
- JBL Charge Essential: reviews by Techder Audios, Flossy Carter and The Tech Files.
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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