Short answer: the Minirig 4. It ranks #7 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $229.95 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.
The JBL Charge Essential is the tougher option. A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo. It is rated IPX7 against Splash resistant for the Minirig 4. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The Minirig 4 is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A small, long lasting speaker that gets loud and can add a matching subwoofer, with a 30 hour battery. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 20 for the JBL Charge Essential. At 1.2 lbs (550 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential at 1.7 lbs (770 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. The catch: Calls itself splash resistant and has no official water rating.
Buy the Minirig 4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Charge Essential is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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 small, long lasting speaker that gets loud and can add a matching subwoofer, with a 30 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | Minirig 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $229.95 |
| Ranked | #91 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.2 lbs (550 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 70mm custom driver |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 4” x 2.9” (101.6 x 73 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 50W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | Splash resistant |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | AAC, SBC |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes (Bluetooth or cable) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 56Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 60ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 106dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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