Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2 for better sound quality, the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 for the lower price. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #35 of 136 medium speakers at $130. The Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 ranks #54 at $49.99, $80.01 cheaper.
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.
What the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 offers: Good battery life - 20+ hours on a charge. IPX7 rated. PartyCast mode links multiple speakers; app EQ presets. Watch for: A little less bass than similar size speakers.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $49.99 |
| Ranked | #35 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #54 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g | 0.8 lbs / 372 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 6.9" x 2.2" x 2.3" (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 38mm (1.5") titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Output Power | 40W | 16W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 180ms |
| Max Volume | - | 99dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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 Essential 2: $130 eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2: $49.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Good battery life - 20+ hours on a charge. IPX7 rated. PartyCast mode links multiple speakers; app EQ presets.
Cons: A little less bass than similar size speakers.
Full Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9" x 2.2" x 2.3" (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5") titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 372 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Anker Soundcore 3 vs Tribit Maxsound Plus - Best £50 speaker More from alanrossreviews →
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