Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Marshall Middleton ranks #33 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $257.52; the JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #39 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $129.99.
The Marshall Middleton is the deeper-bass option. A waterproof stereo speaker with very deep bass for its size, a long battery, a power bank and a detachable strap. Its bass reaches about 39Hz before falling 10dB, against 55Hz for the JBL Charge Essential 2. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. It links with other speakers (Marshall Stack), which the JBL Charge Essential 2 cannot. The catch: 5db dip at 1.7kHz and 6.3kHz.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the lighter choice. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. At 2.1 lbs (930 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Middleton at 4 lbs (1.8 kg). The tradeoff: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
Buy the Marshall Middleton at $257.52 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 at $129.99 if you want a medium speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM 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
| Marshall Middleton | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $257.52 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #33 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.7” x 4.3” (230 x 95 x 109 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625” tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | No |
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