These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The Soundcore Boom Go 3i ranks #2 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $59.98; the JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #39 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $74.91.
The Soundcore Boom Go 3i is the lighter choice. A tough, floating mini speaker with full waterproofing, a long battery and a detachable strap, built for travel and the outdoors. At 0.8 lbs (380 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the JBL Charge Essential 2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. The tradeoff: This is still a 15W mono speaker: bass impact and stereo width are limited, and critical listeners may find the upper treble piercing or metallic.
The case for the JBL Charge Essential 2: A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. Watch for: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
Buy the Soundcore Boom Go 3i at $59.98 for a small speaker, or the JBL Charge Essential 2 at $74.91 for 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
| Soundcore Boom Go 3i | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.98 | $74.91 |
| Ranked | #2 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.1 |
| Amplifier Power | 15W | 40W |
| Dimensions | 4” x 4.2” x 1.8” (102.1 x 105.9 x 45.5 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 42mm woofer + passive radiators | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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