Short answer: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It ranks #13 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $60; the JBL Charge 2 ranks #69 and costs $149, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 offers: A great sounding neutral speaker. Watch for: This old version has micro-usb charging. Only IPX5.
What the JBL Charge 2 offers: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. Social Mode pairs up to 3 phones; works as a speakerphone. Watch for: Bass compression at higher volumes. Warm sound. slightly rolled off treble. Not as loud as other speakers.
Buy the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Charge 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | JBL Charge 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $149 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #69 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | - |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 3.0 |
| Drivers | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 2x 45mm fullrange |
| Output Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 15W RMS |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | - | 8.5" x 3.4" x 3" (216 x 86 x 76 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:
- JBL Flip 7 vs Earfun Uboom Slim
- JBL Flip 7 vs Ultimate Ears Wonderboom
- JBL Flip 7 vs Doss Soundbox
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 2
- Tribit Xsound Plus 2 vs JBL Charge 2
Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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
Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Pros: A great sounding neutral speaker.
Cons: This old version has micro-usb charging. Only IPX5. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 7
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Charge 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Xiaomi Sound Party
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- See all 73 comparisons
JBL Charge 2: $149 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. Social Mode pairs up to 3 phones; works as a speakerphone.
Cons: Bass compression at higher volumes. Warm sound. slightly rolled off treble. Not as loud as other speakers. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.4" x 3" (216 x 86 x 76 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 15W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons