Short answer: the JBL Charge 6. It ranks #12 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $149.95. The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 ranks #177, rated 2.0/5, at $62.99, $86.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Charge 6 is the better-sounding option. A waterproof medium speaker with a long battery and a power bank output, with more balanced sound than older Charge models. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Still some boosted bass by default.
What the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 does well: A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker that doubles as a power bank, with a clip for bikes, kayaks or backpacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge 6 lacks. The tradeoff: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally.
Buy the JBL Charge 6. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $86.96 you would save on the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 6 | Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $62.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #177 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | - |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | Yes |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 10W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (mounting clip) |
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