JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 2

Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential. It ranks #68 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $73.99; the JBL Charge 2 ranks #69 and costs $149, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.

The case for the JBL Charge Essential: Doubles as a power bank. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.

What the JBL Charge 2 gets right: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. The catch: Bass compression at higher volumes.

Buy the JBL Charge Essential. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Charge 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.

If battery life is a priority, the JBL Charge Essential is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Charge 2.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Amazon

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 →

App	No
Battery Life	20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
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
Output Power	20W RMS
Party Mode	Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers)
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
Power Input	Micro USB
Weight	1.7 lbs / 770 g

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• Links
  • Official JBL Charge Essential Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Flossy Carter: JBL Charge 5 vs JBL Charge 4 vs JBL Charge Essential
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  • The Tech Files: JBL CHARGE ESSENTIAL VS CHARGE ESSENTIAL 2 COMPARATIVO AMBIENTE EXTERNO
  • Reddit Search for JBL Charge Essential Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 3
  • JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip Essential
  • JBL Charge Essential vs Klipsch Nashville
  • JBL Charge Essential vs Sonos Roam 2
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JBL Charge 2: $149 Discontinued

Pros: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. Social Mode pairs up to 3 phones; works as a speakerphone.

Cons: Bass compression at higher volumes. Warm sound. slightly rolled off treble. Not as loud as other speakers. Discontinued.

Full JBL Charge 2 review and specifications →

App	No
Aux Input	Yes
Battery Life	12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	3.0
Built in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	8.5" x 3.4" x 3" (216 x 86 x 76 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	2x 45mm fullrange
EQ	No
Frequency Response	75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP Rating	IPX5
Omnidirectional	No
Output Power	15W RMS
Party Mode	Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers)
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A)
Weight	2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Official JBL Charge 2 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Reddit Search for JBL Charge 2 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • JBL Charge 2 vs Sonos Roam 2
  • JBL Charge 2 vs JBL Charge 3
  • JBL Charge 2 vs JBL Flip Essential
  • JBL Charge 2 vs Sonos Roam
  • JBL Charge 2 vs Klipsch Nashville
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