Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #37 of 150 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $130; the Teufel Rockster Go 2 ranks #80, rated 3.2/5, at $129.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The case for the JBL Charge Essential 2: 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. Watch for: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
Why pick the Teufel Rockster Go 2: At 0.74 kg, the IP67 Rockster Go 2 is genuinely easy to carry, and its claimed 28-hour battery life, USB-C fast charging, stereo pairing, and tripod mount suit outdoor use. Watch for: There is no companion app or 3.5 mm input.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $0.01 you would save on the Teufel Rockster Go 2 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Teufel Rockster Go 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #37 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #80 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (Teufel Go) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours, 28 with Eco Mode (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 1.6 lbs (735 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 8.3” x 4.3” x 2.4” (211 x 109 x 61 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 50mm wide-band drivers + 1x 64mm passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 8W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C sound card) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Charge Essential 2 compares with other leading options:
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- 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 September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5.
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 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 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 →
| 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
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Teufel Rockster Go 2: $129.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Teufel Rockster Go (ranked lower, rated 2.6/5).
Pros: At 0.74 kg, the IP67 Rockster Go 2 is genuinely easy to carry, and its claimed 28-hour battery life, USB-C fast charging, stereo pairing, and tripod mount suit outdoor use. Independent listening found a balanced, clear midrange and tuneful bass at sensible levels.
Cons: There is no companion app or 3.5 mm input. Reviewers found it loses some definition at maximum volume, and the claimed battery figure is optimistic for loud outdoor playback.
Full Teufel Rockster Go 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Teufel Go) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours, 28 with Eco Mode (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C sound card) |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 4.3” x 2.4” (211 x 109 x 61 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm wide-band drivers + 1x 64mm passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (735 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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