Short answer: the JBL Grip for better sound quality, the Soundcore 2 for the lower price. The JBL Grip ranks #75 of 136 medium speakers at $99.95. The Soundcore 2 ranks #81 at $29.99, $69.96 cheaper.
What the JBL Grip offers: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Set against that: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The case for the Soundcore 2: 24+ hour battery life from a 5200mAh cell. Very light (0.8 lb) and compact. The tradeoff: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others.
Buy the JBL Grip if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 14 hours for the JBL Grip.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Soundcore 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $29.99 |
| Ranked | #75 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #81 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 385 g | 0.7 lbs / 318 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 6.6" x 1.9" x 2.2" (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 16W | 12W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5" x 6" x 2.6" (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore 2: $29.99 Amazon
Pros: 24+ hour battery life from a 5200mAh cell. Very light (0.8 lb) and compact. IPX7 rated with a soft, grippy silicone coating.
Cons: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others
Full Soundcore 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 12W |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 318 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore 2 vs Tribit Stormbox 2
- Soundcore 2 vs LG Xboom Grab
- Soundcore 2 vs Tribit Xsound Surf
- Soundcore 2 vs Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
- Soundcore 2 vs Tribit Xsound Go
- Soundcore 2 vs Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
- Soundcore 2 vs Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
- Soundcore 2 vs Sony ULT Field 1
- See all 12 comparisons