Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Tribit Stormbox Lava ranks #3 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $139.99; the JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #39 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $74.91.
The Tribit Stormbox Lava is the deeper-bass choice. A loud, waterproof large speaker with strong bass, a long battery and an aux input, for far less than its rivals. Its bass reaches about 44Hz before falling 10dB, against 55Hz for the JBL Charge Essential 2. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. Watch for: XBass can make the low end muddy and obscure vocals, while the deepest notes lose authority and clarity falls at maximum volume.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the lighter choice. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. At 2.1 lbs (930 g) it weighs much less than the Tribit Stormbox Lava at 5.2 lbs (2.37 kg). Watch for: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
Buy the Tribit Stormbox Lava at $139.99 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 at $74.91 if you want a medium speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Stormbox Lava | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 | $74.91 |
| Ranked | #3 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Latency | 20ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 128ms AAC, 144ms SBC | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (10 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 5.2 lbs (2.37 kg) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 12.2” x 5.8” x 6” (310 x 147 x 152 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 30mm tweeters | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
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