These are two different classes wearing similar prices: Charge Essential 2 is a genuinely waterproof portable speaker, while Onn Large Party gen 2 is a much bigger party speaker with karaoke inputs. They rank 19 of 51 and 37 of 142.
Onn Large Party gen 2 adds karaoke mic and guitar inputs, FM radio and wheels for moving it around, though Consumer Reports found boomy bass, hazy mids and smeared treble with no app or EQ to correct it.
Charge Essential 2 is IPX7 rated and weighs just 930g with a claimed 20-hour battery, delivering much of the Charge 5’s punch in a simpler mono package with no app, EQ or party mode.
Buy the Onn Large Party gen 2 for real party volume, wheels and karaoke features. Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 if you want a genuinely waterproof, portable speaker instead of a stationary party unit.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Charge Essential 2 is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Onn Large Party gen 2.
Water resistance is not close: the JBL Charge Essential 2 is rated at IPX7 (brief submersion), well ahead of the Onn Large Party gen 2 at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Onn Large Party gen 2 | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $130 |
| Ranked | #19 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #37 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Sync Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | No | - |
| USB Playback | No | - |
| Drivers | Dual 8" (203mm) woofers + dual tweeters | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | - | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 40W |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 9, 2026 at 6:54 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
Onn Large Party gen 2: $129 Walmart eBay
Pros: A remarkably full-featured, manageable 9.5kg party speaker: wheels and handle, FM radio, aux, USB-A charging, mic and guitar inputs with karaoke echo, and Party Sync. Independent testing confirms bass with real impact and enough output for a large room; it is a clear improvement over the Gen 1 for low-end weight.
Cons: The low price shows in the refinement. Consumer Reports found boomy bass, hazy/grainy mids, a prominent smeared treble and a narrow, two-dimensional soundfield; it also notes distortion or other audio issues. There is no app or EQ to tame the tuning, and IPX4 only covers splashes rather than rain or immersion.
Full Onn Large Party gen 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | Dual 8" (203mm) woofers + dual tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Williston Audio Labs: This Walmart Bluetooth Speaker is INCREDIBLE More from Williston Audio Labs →
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JBL Charge Essential 2: $130 eBay
Pros: A tough, compact 930g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, USB-C charging, a USB-A power-bank output and a claimed 20-hour battery life. It delivers much of the Charge 5’s familiar punch and volume in a simpler package, with bass that reaches roughly 55Hz for this size.
Cons: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option. It plays mono, has a little less bass authority than the Charge 5, and its IPX7 rating does not promise dust protection. Choose it for a good sale price, not for extra features.
Full JBL Charge Essential 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
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