Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge Essential 2

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranks higher than it (#5 vs #39 of 175 medium speakers, 4.4/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Charge Essential 2 is still sold new at $74.91.

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge Essential 2

The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better-sounding, lighter option. A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge Essential 2. 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 Essential 2 is the longer-running pick. 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 “upgraded” 2021. 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, since the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Check JBL Charge Essential 2 price at Sam’s Club ($74.91) →

Specifications Side By Side

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 JBL Charge Essential 2
Price$60 Discontinued$74.91
Ranked#5 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#39 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesNo
Aux InputNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz~55Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified)
Built-in MicrophoneYes-
EQYes (9 band)No
IP RatingIPX7IPX7
Bluetooth Latency150ms-
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)-
Party ModeNoNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)Yes (USB-A)
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StereoYesNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesNo
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)2.1 lbs (930 g)
Bluetooth Version5.05.1
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)40W
Digital Aux InputNoNo
Frequency Response-60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Strap-No
Check JBL Charge Essential 2 price at Sam’s Club ($74.91) →

How Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 compares with other leading options:

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 “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 Essential 2: $74.91 Sam’s Club $74.91 eBay

JBL Charge Essential 2 ranking card

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 →

ReleasedAug 2022 (4 years ago)
Amplifier Power40W
AppNo
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)~55Hz
Battery Life20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified)
Bluetooth Version5.1
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm)
Drivers53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter
EQNo
Frequency Response60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIPX7
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankYes (USB-A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapNo
TWSNo
Weight2.1 lbs (930 g)
Check current price at Sam’s Club ($74.91) →Search eBay for JBL Charge Essential 2 →