JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Soundcore Glow

Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #39 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $74.91 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Glow ranks #50 (rated 3.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.

The case for the JBL Charge Essential 2: A tough, compact 2.1 lbs (930 g) speaker with IPX7 water resistance, USB-C charging, a USB-A power-bank output and a claimed 20-hour battery life. The tradeoff: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.

The case for the Soundcore Glow: Nice light show. It links with other speakers (PartyCast up to 100 speakers), which the JBL Charge Essential 2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. The catch: Bass falls off quickly at louder volumes, leaving mostly treble; distortion on bass-heavy tracks at full volume.

Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Soundcore Glow is discontinued, so it is only available used.

Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

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How JBL Charge Essential 2 compares with other leading options:

• JBL Charge Essential 2 vs EarFun Uboom L
• Soundcore Motion 300 vs JBL Charge Essential 2
• Soundcore Motion+ vs JBL Charge Essential 2
• Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge Essential 2
• JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Minirig 4

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 Essential 2: $74.91 Sam’s Club $74.91 eBay

Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5, released Apr 2026. It adds app control, adjustable EQ, stereo pairing and party mode.

Older model: the JBL Charge Essential (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Charge Essential generation.

Pros: A tough, compact 930g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, USB-C charging, a USB-A power-bank output and a claimed 20-hour battery life. It delivers much of the JBL Charge 5’s familiar punch and volume in a simpler package, with bass that reaches roughly 55Hz for this size. Measured bass extension of ~55Hz (-10dB).

Cons: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option. It plays mono, has a little less bass authority than the JBL Charge 5, and its IPX7 rating does not promise dust protection. Choose it for a good sale price, not for extra features.

Full JBL Charge Essential 2 review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2022 (4 years ago)
Amplifier Power	40W
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	~55Hz
Battery Life	20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified)
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
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A)
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	No
Strap	No
TWS	No
Weight	2.1 lbs (930 g)

• Links
  • Official JBL Charge Essential 2 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • The Tech Files: JBL CHARGE 5 Vs. CHARGE ESSENTIAL 2 #shorts
  • The Tech Files: JBL CHARGE ESSENTIAL VS CHARGE ESSENTIAL 2 COMPARATIVO AMBIENTE EXTERNO
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Soundcore Glow: $80 Discontinued eBay

Pros: Nice light show. Treble boosted 7db. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Bass falls off quickly at louder volumes, leaving mostly treble; distortion on bass-heavy tracks at full volume. Light effects and bass-boost noticeably shorten battery life. USB-C port doesn’t support power-bank charging. Discontinued and no longer sold new.

Full Soundcore Glow review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2023 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	30W
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	54Hz
Battery Life	18 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	11.4” x 4.7” x 4.3” (290 x 120 x 110 mm)
Drivers	63.5mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators
EQ	Yes
IP Rating	IP67
Lights	Yes
Maximum SPL	100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	Yes
Party Mode	Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers)
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	No
TWS	Yes
Weight	1.8 lbs (800 g)

• Links
  • Official Soundcore Glow Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Glow: best budget 360 degree speaker or get the Bose Revolve+? 1 hour of fun! More from alanrossreviews →
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