Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 ranks higher than it (#14 vs #39 of 175 medium speakers, 4.2/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Charge Essential 2 is still sold new at $74.91.
The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is the better-sounding, lighter option. At 1.3 lbs (590 g), Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 combines 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator with Bluetooth and aux. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the longer-running, tougher choice. A tough, compact 2.1 lbs (930 g) speaker with IPX7 water resistance, USB-C charging, a USB-A power-bank output and a claimed 20-hour battery life. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 new; the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $74.91 |
| Ranked | #14 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
- B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen vs Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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
Newer model: the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5, released Jul 2021 (also discontinued). It adds power bank charging and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input. Water resistance goes from IPX5 to IPX7. See every Soundcore Boost generation.
Pros: At 590 g, Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 combines 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 12 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. A great sounding, neutral speaker.
Cons: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass. This old version charges over micro-USB. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- 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 74 comparisons
JBL Charge Essential 2: $74.91 Sam’s Club $74.91 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5, released Apr 2026. It adds app control, adjustable EQ, stereo pairing and party mode.
Older model: the JBL Charge Essential (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Charge Essential generation.
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 JBL Charge 5’s familiar punch and volume in a simpler package, with bass that reaches roughly 55Hz for this size. Measured bass extension of ~55Hz (-10dB).
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 JBL 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 →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Bose Soundlink Flex
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