Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2, if you are buying new. The Tribit Maxsound Plus ranks higher than it (#22 vs #38 of 157 medium speakers, 4.1/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Charge Essential 2 is still sold new at $130.
The Tribit Maxsound Plus is the lighter choice. Use XBass mode for flattest frequency response and balanced audio reproduction. At 1.3 lbs (595 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 plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge Essential 2. Watch for: Slightly less deep bass than modern class leaders.
The case for the JBL Charge Essential 2: 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 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 Tribit Maxsound Plus 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
| Tribit Maxsound Plus | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 Discontinued | $130 |
| Ranked | #22 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #38 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (595 g) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 24W | 40W |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Dimensions | 2.6” x 7.8” x 2.7” (65 x 198 x 68 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Tribit Maxsound Plus: $79.99 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Tribit Xsound Plus 2, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5.
Pros: Use XBass mode for flattest frequency response and balanced audio reproduction. 24W output with dual 44mm drivers and dual passive radiators. Up to 20 hours battery life and IPX7 waterproof casing. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Slightly less deep bass than modern class leaders. No true wireless stereo pairing between two units (introduced on the V2). Discontinued; superseded by Maxsound Plus V2 and XSound Plus 2.
Full Tribit Maxsound Plus review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 24W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.6” x 7.8” x 2.7” (65 x 198 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (595 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: All Tribit Speakers Compared - Maxsound Plus, Stormbox, Xsound Go, Maxboom More from alanrossreviews →
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JBL Charge Essential 2: $130 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5.
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 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 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 →
| 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
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