Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential. It ranks #78 of 150 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $73.99. The Limitless Innovations TikiTunes ranks #150, rated 2.0/5, at $40, $33.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the JBL Charge Essential: Doubles as a power bank. The catch: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The case for the Limitless Innovations TikiTunes: Distinctive flickering-flame LED design: the most-praised feature in owner reviews. Watch for: Pretty much no bass at all, weird tuning.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $33.99 you would save on the Limitless Innovations TikiTunes does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | Limitless Innovations TikiTunes | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 | $40 |
| Ranked | #78 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #150 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 0.7 lbs (0.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 2” (51mm) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 4” x 4” x 6.5” (102 x 102 x 165 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 5W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP65 |
| 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 | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 185Hz |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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
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Limitless Innovations TikiTunes: $40 Amazon eBay
Pros: Distinctive flickering-flame LED design: the most-praised feature in owner reviews. IP65 rated. ~16.5 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of 185Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Pretty much no bass at all, weird tuning. Sounds very very bad
Full Limitless Innovations TikiTunes review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 185Hz |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4” x 4” x 6.5” (102 x 102 x 165 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” (51mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (0.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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