Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Klipsch Detroit ranks #81 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $235.11; the JBL Charge 6 ranks #12 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $149.95.
Why pick the Klipsch Detroit: A rugged, fully waterproof stereo boombox with a long battery, fast USB-C charging, and power bank output. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge 6 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 6. Watch for: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
The JBL Charge 6 is the lighter pick. A waterproof medium speaker with a long battery and a power bank output, with more balanced sound than older Charge models. At 2.2 lbs (990 g) it weighs much less than the Klipsch Detroit at 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Klipsch Detroit lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Klipsch Detroit lacks. The catch: Still some boosted bass by default.
Buy the Klipsch Detroit at $235.11 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Charge 6 at $149.95 if you want a medium speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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
| Klipsch Detroit | JBL Charge 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $235.11 | $149.95 |
| Ranked | #81 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) | 2.2 lbs (990 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 13.1” x 4.2” x 4.7” (334 x 107 x 119 mm) | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W RMS | 45W |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
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