Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #35 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $130; the JBL Pulse 5 ranks #42 and costs $199.12, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Charge Essential 2 offers: Doubles as a power bank. IP67 rated. Close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price. Watch for: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
On the JBL Pulse 5 side: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. The catch: Not quite as deep bass as others. Plastic scratches easily.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Pulse 5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Charge Essential 2 is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Pulse 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $199.12 |
| Ranked | #35 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Output Power | 40W | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
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- JBL Charge 6 vs JBL Charge Essential 2
- JBL Charge 5 vs JBL Pulse 5
The Two Speakers In Full
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.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Pulse 5: $199.12 Amazon
Pros: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2.
Cons: Not quite as deep bass as others. Plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Soundcore Glow
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Xiaomi Sound Outdoor
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Tribit Stormbox Pro
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Soundcore Motion 100
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve
- JBL Pulse 5 vs Tribit Stormbox Flow
- See all 12 comparisons