Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It ranks #19 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $399 and is still sold new; the JBL Charge Essential ranks #91 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Charge Essential’s replacement, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.7/5 at $199.95.
Why pick the JBL Charge Essential: A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last. At 1.2 lbs (558 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential at 1.7 lbs (770 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Charge Essential is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #91 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 60W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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