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 #91 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5), against #158 (rated 2.3/5) for the Xdobo X8. 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, longer-running choice. A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the Xdobo X8. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Xdobo X8. Watch for: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
The case for the Xdobo X8: A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: The single full-range driver is the limitation.
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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential | Xdobo X8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $73.99 Discontinued | $35 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #91 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #158 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| 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) | 1.9 lbs (860 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 66mm full-range driver |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) | 8.7” x 3.7” x 2.8” (220 x 95 x 72 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 60W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~65Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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