Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2. It ranks #39 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $74.91 and is still sold new; the Xdobo X8 ranks #158 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
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 65Hz for the Xdobo X8. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the Xdobo X8. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Xdobo X8. The catch: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
Why pick the Xdobo X8: A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback. 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: The single full-range driver is the limitation.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Xdobo X8 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale.
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 | Xdobo X8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.91 | $35 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #39 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #158 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | ~65Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 1.9 lbs (860 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) | 8.7” x 3.7” x 2.8” (220 x 95 x 72 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 66mm full-range driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 60W |
| 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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