Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Charge Essential is the better pick: it ranks #92 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5), against #119 (rated 2.8/5) for the Tribit Stormbox. If you want one new, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE replaces the JBL Charge Essential and is rated 3.7/5 at $199.95.
The JBL Charge Essential is the better-sounding option. Doubles as a power bank. It links with other speakers (Connect+ up to 100 speakers), which the Tribit Stormbox cannot. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The Tribit Stormbox is the lighter choice. IPX7 water resistant, dual pairing for stereo setup, excellent battery life (20 hours), instant on/off buttons, 97dB max volume. At 1.2 lbs (535 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 charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Muffled sounding, treble dips from 5kHz-12kHz.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, which replaces the JBL Charge Essential.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | Tribit Stormbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $68 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #92 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #119 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 1.2 lbs (535 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 45mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 7.1” x 2.7” x 2.7” (180 x 68 x 68 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 20W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Stereo | No | No (360° mono; true stereo requires two paired StormBox units) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 52Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 166ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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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
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Tribit Stormbox: $68 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Tribit Stormbox 2, ranked higher, rated 3/5, released May 2024. It adds app control, adjustable EQ and AAC. Battery life goes from 20 to 24 hours. See every Tribit Stormbox and Stormbox 2 generation.
Pros: IPX7 water resistant, dual pairing for stereo setup, excellent battery life (20 hours), instant on/off buttons, 97dB max volume. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Muffled sounding, treble dips from 5kHz-12kHz. Listening from the front is the worst frequency response, lay it down facing up with xbass off for the smoothest response. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Discontinued; Tribit has retired it, superseded by the Tribit Stormbox 2.
Full Tribit Stormbox review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 166ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2.7” x 2.7” (180 x 68 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No (360° mono; true stereo requires two paired StormBox units) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (535 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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