The JBL Charge Essential line on Speaker Ranking spans 3 generations and 3 models, from the JBL Charge Essential to the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE. Ratings run from 3.2/5 to 3.8/5. Of these, 2 are still sold.
Each column below is one generation, oldest on the left. Each row follows one model into the model that replaced it; a long arrow means a model skipped a generation. Ratings are out of 5, and an estimated rating comes from measured models in the same family.
More from this brand: every JBL speaker ranked.
Generation by generation
Charge Essential to Charge Essential 2
The JBL Charge Essential 2 replaced the JBL Charge Essential. It rates higher, 3.8/5 against 3.2/5.
| Spec | Charge Essential | Charge Essential 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 40W |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) | 2.1 lbs (930 g) |
Full Charge Essential vs Charge Essential 2 comparison
Charge Essential 2 to Charge Essential 3 SE
The JBL Charge Essential 3 SE replaced the JBL Charge Essential 2. It rates lower, 3.7/5 against 3.8/5.
| Spec | Charge Essential 2 | Charge Essential 3 SE |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 40W total (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
Full Charge Essential 2 vs Charge Essential 3 SE comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
How many generations of the JBL Charge Essential are there?
Speaker Ranking covers 3 generations of the JBL Charge Essential, from the JBL Charge Essential to the JBL Charge Essential 3 SE.
What replaced the JBL Charge Essential?
The JBL Charge Essential 2 replaced the JBL Charge Essential. It is rated 3.8/5, against 3.2/5 for the JBL Charge Essential.
What replaced the JBL Charge Essential 2?
The JBL Charge Essential 3 SE replaced the JBL Charge Essential 2. It is rated 3.7/5, against 3.8/5 for the JBL Charge Essential 2.