Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Motion 100 is the better pick: it ranks #45 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5), against #92 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Charge Essential. If you want one new, the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE replaces the JBL Charge Essential and is rated 3.7/5 at $199.95.
The Soundcore Motion 100 is the better-sounding, lighter option. At 1.3 lbs (575 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge Essential at 1.7 lbs (770 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge Essential. Watch for: Not very deep bass, slight distortion.
The JBL Charge Essential is the longer-running choice. Doubles as a power bank. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Motion 100. The catch: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
Buy the Soundcore Motion 100 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 Essential 3 SE, which replaces the JBL Charge Essential.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Motion 100 | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $47 Discontinued | $73.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #45 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #92 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, LDAC, SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 3.1” x 2.4” (190 x 80 x 60 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (575 g) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 20W RMS |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Strap | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Motion 100 compares with other leading options:
- EarFun Uboom L vs Soundcore Motion 100
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore Motion 100
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore Motion 100
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion 100
- Minirig 4 vs Soundcore Motion 100
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 Motion 100: $47 Discontinued eBay
Same family: the Soundcore Motion 300 (larger model, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Soundcore Motion X500 (larger model, rated 4.1/5) and the Soundcore Motion X600 (larger model, rated 4.3/5). See every Soundcore Motion generation.
Pros: Use Oluv’s EQ for the flattest response. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not very deep bass, slight distortion. Real-world battery falls well short of the 12-hour claim at higher volumes (closer to 4 hours at max). Charging takes about 5 hours; no charge-out for other devices. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Soundcore Motion 100 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, LDAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 3.1” x 2.4” (190 x 80 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (575 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Motion 100 vs Tribit Stormbox Pro
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- Soundcore Motion 100 vs JBL Charge Essential 3 SE
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JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Discontinued Amazon $73.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Charge Essential generation.
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded JBL Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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