Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #39 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $74.91. The Walla Sound ranks #163, rated 2.2/5, at $49.99, $24.92 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 option. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 10dB, against 90Hz for the Walla Sound. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 8 for the Walla Sound. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Walla Sound. The tradeoff: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
The Walla Sound is the lighter choice. A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone. At 0.7 lbs (300 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. The catch: No bass, gets distorted when turned up.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $24.92 you would save on the Walla Sound does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale.
A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Walla Sound | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.91 | $49.99 |
| Ranked | #39 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #163 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | ~90Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 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) | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 30mm metal diaphragm driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 10W (2 x 5W) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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