Short answer: the EarFun Uboom L. It ranks #2 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $49.79 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 EarFun Uboom L cannot. Watch for: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The EarFun Uboom L is the better-sounding option. A great value medium speaker with clear, natural sound, waterproofing, and a Video Mode that keeps audio in sync with video. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge Essential. Watch for: It cannot produce real low-bass rumble or fill a large, noisy space, and the top end loses some detail.
Buy the EarFun Uboom L. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL Charge Essential is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo.
A great value medium speaker with clear, natural sound, waterproofing, and a Video Mode that keeps audio in sync with video.
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 | EarFun Uboom L | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $49.79 after coupon UBOOMLWC |
| Ranked | #91 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (firmware >= 1.2.6) |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (10 band, firmware >= 1.2.6) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.4 lbs (650 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 55mm drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 3.1” x 8.3” x 2.8” (78 x 210 x 72 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 28W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | AAC, SBC |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 216ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 56Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 400ms normal / 66ms low latency mode |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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