Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #99 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5) at $99.95 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Flare 2 ranks #134 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, lighter pick. Ambient light on the back with settable themes. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Flare 2 at 1.3 lbs (600 g). The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The Soundcore Flare 2 is the deeper-bass pick. Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. Its bass reaches about 56Hz before falling 10dB, against 68Hz for the JBL Grip. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. Watch for: Rolled off treble.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Soundcore Flare 2 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Soundcore Flare 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #99 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #134 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | 56Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | - |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Grip compares with other leading options:
- JBL Grip vs EarFun Uboom L
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs JBL Grip
- Soundcore Motion+ vs JBL Grip
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Grip
- JBL Grip 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 Grip: $99.95 Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
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 →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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