Short answer: the Charge Essential 2, and the original’s own review argues against it. It ranks #35 of 135 medium speakers at $130; the original Charge Essential ranks #68 at $73.99, $56 less, with cons that call it an overpriced rebranded Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound.
The original’s stereo pairing is its one real differentiator, supporting true wireless stereo with a second Charge Essential, something the Essential 2 doesn’t offer. Our notes still describe less clarity than the JBL Flip 4 and rolled-off highs.
The Essential 2’s pros describe it plainly: close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price, with cons limited to not being stereo and carrying slightly less bass than the Charge 5.
Buy the Charge Essential 2. It ranks dramatically higher for a modest premium over the original.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 | $130 |
| Ranked | #68 of 134 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 134 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 770 g | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.39" x 3.50" x 3.43" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 20W RMS | 40W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Stereo | - | No |
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.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.39" x 3.50" x 3.43" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Links
JBL Charge Essential 2: $130
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IP67 rated. Close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price.
Cons: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.