Short answer: the JBL Charge 5. It ranks #30 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $114.95 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Flare 2 ranks #134 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Charge 5 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Flare 2. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore Flare 2 lacks. The catch: Shouty upper mids.
The Soundcore Flare 2 is the lighter choice. Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. At 1.3 lbs (600 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 5 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 5. Watch for: Rolled off treble.
Buy the JBL Charge 5. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Soundcore Flare 2 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 5 | Soundcore Flare 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.95 | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #30 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #134 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 20W |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge 5: $114.95 Amazon $139.95 Woot $114.95 Lowest eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge 6, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025. It adds USB audio input, but drops the built-in mic. Battery life goes from 20 to 24 hours. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68.
Older models: the JBL Charge 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5), the JBL Charge 3 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5) and the JBL Charge 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Charge generation.
Same family: the JBL Charge 5 Wifi (larger model, ranked higher, rated 4/5).
Pros: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. ~20 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not stereo. Warm sound. Shouty upper mids. Boosted bass. Slightly rolled off treble. Overly expensive.
Full JBL Charge 5 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) |
| 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 | Yes (3 band) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
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Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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