Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential. Both are rated 3.2/5 for sound quality (#78 and #80 of 150 medium speakers), and the JBL Charge Essential costs $73.99 against $129.99 for the Teufel Rockster Go 2, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
What the JBL Charge Essential does well: Doubles as a power bank. Watch for: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The case for the Teufel Rockster Go 2: At 0.74 kg, the IP67 Rockster Go 2 is genuinely easy to carry, and its claimed 28-hour battery life, USB-C fast charging, stereo pairing, and tripod mount suit outdoor use. Watch for: There is no companion app or 3.5 mm input.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $56 less than the Teufel Rockster Go 2.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | Teufel Rockster Go 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #78 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #80 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (Teufel Go) |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours, 28 with Eco Mode (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.6 lbs (735 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 50mm wide-band drivers + 1x 64mm passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 8.3” x 4.3” x 2.4” (211 x 109 x 61 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 8W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C sound card) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
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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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Teufel Rockster Go 2: $129.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Teufel Rockster Go (ranked lower, rated 2.6/5).
Pros: At 0.74 kg, the IP67 Rockster Go 2 is genuinely easy to carry, and its claimed 28-hour battery life, USB-C fast charging, stereo pairing, and tripod mount suit outdoor use. Independent listening found a balanced, clear midrange and tuneful bass at sensible levels.
Cons: There is no companion app or 3.5 mm input. Reviewers found it loses some definition at maximum volume, and the claimed battery figure is optimistic for loud outdoor playback.
Full Teufel Rockster Go 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Teufel Go) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours, 28 with Eco Mode (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C sound card) |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 4.3” x 2.4” (211 x 109 x 61 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm wide-band drivers + 1x 64mm passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (735 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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