Short answer: the Bogasing G4. It ranks #27 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $42.49 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. It links with other speakers (Connect+ up to 100 speakers), which the Bogasing G4 cannot. The catch: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The Bogasing G4 is the better-sounding option. A light, affordable waterproof speaker with surprisingly strong bass for its size, solid loudness, long battery life and stereo pairing. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge Essential. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: The upper treble is boosted and uneven, while the mids sit slightly behind the bass and highs, so it is not a neutral choice for vocal-focused music.
Buy the Bogasing G4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Charge Essential is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo.
A light, affordable waterproof speaker with surprisingly strong bass for its size, solid loudness, long battery life and stereo pairing.
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 | Bogasing G4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $42.49 |
| Ranked | #91 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #27 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.8 lbs (0.83 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | Two drivers and passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 8.9”H x 2.5”W x 3.4”D (225 x 64 x 86 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 50W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | LE Audio with LC3 |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 16ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 56Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 90ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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