Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE for better sound quality, the Soundcore 2 for the lower price. The JBL Flip Essential ranks higher than the Soundcore 2 (#90 vs #106 of 175 medium speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.6/5 at $113.82; the Soundcore 2 is rated 3.0/5 at $29.99, $83.83 cheaper.
What the JBL Flip Essential does well: A genuinely portable 1 lbs (471 g) speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. Watch for: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
The Soundcore 2 is the longer-running, lighter pick. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. At 0.7 lbs (318 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Flip Essential at 1 lbs (471 g). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip Essential.
Buy the Soundcore 2 if price matters most. For better sound quality, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Flip Essential, is rated higher but costs $113.82.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Soundcore 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $29.99 |
| Ranked | #90 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #106 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 0.7 lbs (318 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 12W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Strap | - | No |
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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 Flip Essential: $130 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Flip Essential generation.
Pros: A genuinely portable 471g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. It is a simple, no-app option for wired sources, travel and casual listening where its cylindrical shape and modest size are a genuine advantage.
Cons: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight. Battery life is only a claimed 10 hours, there is no speakerphone, EQ or party mode, and its older Bluetooth 4.1 platform and discontinued status make it a basic used-market choice.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2019 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Soundcore 2: $29.99 Amazon $29.99 eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jan 2021. It adds app control and adjustable EQ, but drops the aux input. See every Soundcore 2 and 3 generation.
Pros: Soundcore 2 uses 2x 38mm fullrange. Its 318 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Its 70Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full Soundcore 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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