Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential. It ranks #82 of 157 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5); the Boat Stone 350 ranks #135 (rated 2.3/5).
The JBL Charge Essential is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. Doubles as a power bank. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 6 for the Boat Stone 350. Watch for: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The Boat Stone 350 is the lighter pick. 10W cylindrical stereo speaker with dual passive radiators, IPX7 water resistance, microSD card slot, and 3.5mm aux input. At 0.9 lbs (426 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge Essential at 1.7 lbs (770 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. The catch: Midrange peaks with rolled-off treble.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Boat Stone 350.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | Boat Stone 350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 | - |
| Ranked | #82 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #135 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x 45mm drivers |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 3.5” x 7.1” (90 x 180 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 10W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 87Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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: $73.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5.
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Boat Stone 350 eBay
Pros: 10W cylindrical stereo speaker with dual passive radiators, IPX7 water resistance, microSD card slot, and 3.5mm aux input. Measured bass extension of 87Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Midrange peaks with rolled-off treble. Bass extension limited below 87Hz.
Full Boat Stone 350 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.5” x 7.1” (90 x 180 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x 45mm drivers |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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