Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 4

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better pick: it ranks #5 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5), against #63 (rated 3.5/5) for the JBL Charge 4. If you want one new, the JBL Charge 6 replaces the JBL Charge 4 and is rated 4.2/5 at $119.95.

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 4

The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better-sounding, lighter pick. A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 4 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 4 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 4. The catch: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video.

The JBL Charge 4 is the longer-running pick. Doubles as a power bank for charging phones/tablets. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 lacks. It links with other speakers (Connect+ up to 100 speakers), which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 cannot. The tradeoff: 1 Oval driver.

Buy the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 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 Charge 6, which replaces the JBL Charge 4.

Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.

Check JBL Charge 4 price at Amazon ($94.99) →

Specifications Side By Side

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 JBL Charge 4
Price$60 Discontinued$94.99 Discontinued
Ranked#5 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#63 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputNoYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz54Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC
Built-in MicrophoneYes-
EQYes (9 band)No
IP RatingIPX7IPX7
Bluetooth Latency150ms330ms
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Party ModeNoYes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StereoYesNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesNo
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)2.1 lbs (960 g)
Bluetooth Version5.04.2
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)8.7” x 3.7” x 3.7” (220 x 95 x 93 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator1x 51x89mm fullrange
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)30W RMS
Digital Aux InputNoNo
Frequency Response-60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Strap-No
Check JBL Charge 4 price at Amazon ($94.99) →

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The Two Speakers In Full

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021: $60 Discontinued eBay

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranking card

Older model: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Soundcore Boost generation.

Pros: A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. This upgraded version has a usb-c port while the old one has micro usb. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video. Discontinued and no longer sold new.

Full Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 review and specifications →

ReleasedJul 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency150ms
Bluetooth Version5.0
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator
EQYes (9 band)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoYes
TWSYes
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)
Search eBay for Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 →

JBL Charge 4: $94.99 Discontinued Amazon $94.99 eBay

JBL Charge 4 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Charge 6, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025.

Older models: the JBL Charge 3 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5) and the JBL Charge 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Charge generation.

Pros: Doubles as a power bank for charging phones/tablets. IPX7 rated and floats. ~20 hour battery life; wirelessly links with 100+ JBL Connect+ speakers. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not stereo. 1 Oval driver. Boosted bass, top a little rolled off, warm sound. Not as loud as a JBL Charge 3. Discontinued.

Full JBL Charge 4 review and specifications →

ReleasedOct 2018 (8 years ago)
Amplifier Power30W RMS
AppYes
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)54Hz
Battery Life20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency330ms
Bluetooth Version4.2
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8.7” x 3.7” x 3.7” (220 x 95 x 93 mm)
Drivers1x 51x89mm fullrange
EQNo
Frequency Response60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapNo
TWSNo
Weight2.1 lbs (960 g)
Check current price at Amazon ($94.99) →Search eBay for JBL Charge 4 →