Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE for better sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ for the lower price. The JBL Charge Essential ranks higher than the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ (#92 vs #142 of 175 medium speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.7/5 at $199.95; the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ is rated 2.5/5 at $31.99, $167.96 cheaper.
The JBL Charge Essential is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. Doubles as a power bank. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Tribit Stormbox Mini+. Watch for: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The Tribit Stormbox Mini+ is the lighter choice. IPX7 waterproof, app support with EQ presets and AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging, built-in mic for calls, AUX input, microSD card playback. At 1.2 lbs (544 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. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. The tradeoff: Not a great sounding speaker, really weak bass.
Buy the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ if price matters most. For better sound quality, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Charge Essential, is rated higher but costs $199.95.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | Tribit Stormbox Mini+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $31.99 |
| Ranked | #92 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.2 lbs (544 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.4 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 3.6” x 3.6” x 4.7” (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 12W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Charge Essential compares with other leading options:
- JBL Charge Essential vs EarFun Uboom L
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs JBL Charge Essential
- Soundcore Motion+ vs JBL Charge Essential
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge Essential
- JBL Charge Essential vs Minirig 4
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Discontinued Amazon $73.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Charge Essential generation.
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded JBL Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip Essential
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- JBL Charge Essential vs Sonos Roam 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs Sonos Roam
- JBL Charge Essential vs KEF Muo gen2
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Tribit Stormbox Mini+: $31.99 Amazon $31.99 eBay
Older model: the Tribit Stormbox Mini (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every Tribit Stormbox Mini generation.
Pros: IPX7 waterproof, app support with EQ presets and AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging, built-in mic for calls, AUX input, microSD card playback.
Cons: Not a great sounding speaker, really weak bass.
Full Tribit Stormbox Mini+ review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.6” x 3.6” x 4.7” (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (544 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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