Short answer: the Sony XB23 for better sound quality, the JBL Charge Essential for the lower price. The Sony XB23 ranks #64 of 136 medium speakers at $100. The JBL Charge Essential ranks #68 at $73.99, $26.01 cheaper.
The case for the Sony XB23: Reasonably neutral. The tradeoff: Bass drops off a ton at high levels.
What the JBL Charge Essential offers: Doubles as a power bank. Watch for: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
Buy the Sony XB23 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge Essential if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Charge Essential is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Sony XB23.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Charge Essential at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Sony XB23 at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB23 | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $73.99 |
| Ranked | #64 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #68 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Output Power | 8W RMS | 20W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) | No |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | No |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | - | Micro USB |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony XB23: $100
Pros: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life.
Cons: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
Full Sony XB23 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 8W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- GYMCADDY: Sony XE200 Review And Compared to Sony XB23 - It Got The XE300 Treatment
- Reddit Search for Sony XB23 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip Essential
- JBL Charge Essential vs Klipsch Nashville
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- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip 4
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip 5
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