Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2 if sound quality matters most, the Tozo PA1 if price matters most. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #37 of 150 medium speakers, rated 3.8/5, at $130. The Tozo PA1 ranks #57, rated 3.5/5, at $39.99, $90.01 cheaper.
Why pick 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. The catch: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
The case for the Tozo PA1: Tozo PA1 uses 67mm fullrange. Watch for: Bass is limited by its 52Hz specification.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Tozo PA1 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Tozo PA1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #37 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 1.3 lbs (581 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 8.3” x 3.6” x 2.4” (210 x 91 x 61 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 67mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX6 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (lanyard) |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 220ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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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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Tozo PA1: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Tozo PA1 uses 67mm fullrange. Its 581 g, claimed 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX6 protection, up to 98dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 52Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full Tozo PA1 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 220ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 3.6” x 2.4” (210 x 91 x 61 mm) |
| Drivers | 67mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (581 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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