Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #39 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $74.91. The Tribit Xsound Go ranks #102, rated 3.1/5, at $39.99, $34.92 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. 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. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 10dB, against 83Hz for the Tribit Xsound Go. Watch for: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
The Tribit Xsound Go is the lighter choice. Well balanced sound. At 0.8 lbs (380 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. Watch for: Lacking quite a bit of bass compared to bigger speakers.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $34.92 with the Tribit Xsound Go does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Tribit Xsound Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.91 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #39 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #102 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | 83Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 0.8 lbs (380 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 6.9” x 2.3” x 2.2” (175 x 59 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 16W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Bose Soundlink Flex
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Huawei Sound Joy
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Tribit Xsound Plus 2
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Teufel Rockster XS
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs JBL Charge Essential 3 SE
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs EarFun Uboom Slim
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Soundcore Motion 100
- See all 141 comparisons
Tribit Xsound Go: $39.99 Amazon $39.99 eBay
Pros: Well balanced sound. Very light (13.4 oz) and inexpensive. IPX7 rated; up to 24 hours of battery at moderate volume. Measured bass extension of 83Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking quite a bit of bass compared to bigger speakers
Full Tribit Xsound Go review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 83Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.3” x 2.2” (175 x 59 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Treblab HD77
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Tronsmart Mirtune C3
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Sony ULT Field 1
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Tribit Xsound Surf
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Tribit Stormbox 2
- Tribit Xsound Go vs JBL Grip
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Soundcore 2
- Tribit Xsound Go vs LG Xboom Grab
- See all 112 comparisons