Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is the better pick: it ranks #14 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #90 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Flip Essential. If you want one new, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE replaces the JBL Flip Essential and is rated 3.6/5 at $113.82.
The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 is the better-sounding pick. 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. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip Essential. Watch for: Careful placement is still important for balanced bass.
The JBL Flip Essential is the lighter, tougher choice. A genuinely portable 1 lbs (471 g) speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. At 1 lbs (471 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 at 1.3 lbs (590 g). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. Watch for: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
Buy the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, which replaces the JBL Flip Essential.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | JBL Flip Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $130 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #90 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 1.75” x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 16W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 2.8”W x 2.7”D (203 x 71 x 69 mm) | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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 Flip Essential: $130 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Flip Essential generation.
Pros: A genuinely portable 471g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. It is a simple, no-app option for wired sources, travel and casual listening where its cylindrical shape and modest size are a genuine advantage.
Cons: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight. Battery life is only a claimed 10 hours, there is no speakerphone, EQ or party mode, and its older Bluetooth 4.1 platform and discontinued status make it a basic used-market choice.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2019 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Charge Essential
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Charge 2
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