Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #39 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $74.91; the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $129.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the longer-running option. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Micro 2. The catch: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 is the lighter choice. A waterproof mini speaker with a fabric strap for bags and bikes and USB-C charging. At 0.7 lbs (329 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). It links with other speakers (Bose Party mode), which the JBL Charge Essential 2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Lack of clarity.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 at $74.91 for a medium speaker, or the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at $129 for a small speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.91 | $129.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 0.7 lbs (329 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
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