Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential. It ranks #89 of 164 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5) at $73.99 and is still sold new; the EFM Toledo ranks #152 (rated 2.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Charge Essential is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. Doubles as a power bank. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the EFM Toledo. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The EFM Toledo is the lighter pick. A compact 1.1 lbs (500 g) speaker with dual drivers, IPX6 protection, speakerphone capability, TWS pairing and a claimed 15-hour battery life. At 1.1 lbs (500 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential at 1.7 lbs (770 g). The tradeoff: With only 10W output, bass is very limited and treble rolls off early, so music lacks the weight, detail and headroom of stronger portable speakers.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the EFM Toledo is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | EFM Toledo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 | $99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #89 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #152 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x drivers |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 3.9” x 3.9” x 9.1” (100 x 100 x 230 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 10W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX6 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
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EFM Toledo: $99 Discontinued eBay
Pros: A compact 500g speaker with dual drivers, IPX6 protection, speakerphone capability, TWS pairing and a claimed 15-hour battery life. Its simple, rugged format makes it easy to carry for podcasts, background music and casual use around water.
Cons: With only 10W output, bass is very limited and treble rolls off early, so music lacks the weight, detail and headroom of stronger portable speakers. It has no aux input, app or EQ, and this discontinued model is best considered only if its compact weather-resistant design is the priority.
Full EFM Toledo review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.9” x 9.1” (100 x 100 x 230 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg) |
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