JBL
JBL Charge Essential 2
A entry-level pick in the bluetooth speakers line-up, with 20 hours up front.
50/100
20 hoursIPX7
£74.99best price at Amazon
In stock at 1 retailer
We may earn a commission on purchases via this link. It never affects our scores or rankings.
Independent score · no sponsored placement
Price checked across retailers daily
Why we rate it
- USB-C charging
- Charges other devices
- Above-average passive radiators
- Above-average battery life
- No stereo pairing
- Below-average drivers
Score profile
Scored against the bluetooth speakers classWhere the JBL Charge Essential 2 wins and loses
Full specification
Grouped · supported features marked in blueSpecifications
Audio
Drivers1
Passive radiators2
Battery
Battery life20 hours
Charge time4 hours
USB-C chargingYes
Charges other devicesYes
Design
IP ratingIPX7
Head to head
Highlighted cell = better in that rowJBL Charge Essential 2 vs Sonos Sonos Roam 2
JBL Charge Essential 2Sonos Roam 2
| JBLJBL Charge Essential 2This page | SonosSonos Roam 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 50 /100Better | 46 /100 |
| Battery hours | 20 hoursBetter | 10 hours |
| IP rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.2 |
| Weight | — | 440 g |
Who it's for
Is the JBL Charge Essential 2 right for you?
Buy it if
Buyers on a budget
Anyone who needs a dependable bluetooth speaker for the essentials without overspending.
Skip it if
Skip it if
You need stereo pairing, in which case a higher-tier bluetooth speaker is the better call.
Critical listener
Cares about detail, tuning and codec support.
okay
Everyday listener
Music, calls and commuting, wants a safe all-rounder.
good
Value seeker
Wants the most sound for the least outlay.
okay
Common questions
Before you buy
Is the JBL Charge Essential 2 worth it?
It depends on what you need. It scores 50/100 against other bluetooth speakers, a entry-level result where the class average is around 56.
What stands out on the JBL Charge Essential 2?
Its usb-c charging stands out, a genuinely useful feature if your setup calls for it.
How does it compare to the SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen)?
The SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) scores 53/100 versus this one at 50/100, so it is the step up on the spec sheet.
You might also consider
Alternatives & similar bluetooth speakers
If you want to spend less
Sonos Move - Wireless Speaker Black
The Sonos Move - Wireless Speaker Black covers the basics for less outlay.
See review →If you want the best
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen)
The SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) scores higher and adds headroom for demanding setups.
See review →
