JBL Charge 2 Review | 130 Data compared

The TechRadar review of the JBL Charge 2 highlights the Bluetooth speaker as a highly recommended, portable option, lauded for delivering balanced audio with impressive, deep bass via dual drivers and passive radiators. Key benefits include a 12-hour battery life that doubles as a power bank for devices, along with built-in speakerphone functionality, though it is notably bulkier and heavier than competitors like the Jawbone Jambox.

The JBL Charge 2 ($149.95) is a portable Bluetooth speaker delivering a dynamic sound profile with robust bass and clear highs, featuring a built-in speakerphone and a "Social Mode" for connecting up to three devices. While offering a compelling, portable design, the speaker suffers from significant distortion on deep sub-bass tracks at moderate volumes and exhibits a flaw where it cuts off the beginning of tracks.

The CNET review of the JBL Charge 2 highlights a highly capable portable Bluetooth speaker featuring a 6,000mAh battery for 12 hours of playtime and phone charging, a useful speakerphone, and social sharing mode. It offers a significant audio upgrade over its predecessor, producing fuller sound with enhanced bass through passive radiators, though initial units suffered from high-volume distortion. Key limitations include a lack of water resistance, the absence of a protective case, and a tendency to roll due to its design.

The JBL Charge 2, evaluated by PCMag Australia, is a $149.95 portable Bluetooth speaker featuring a cylindrical design with dual passive radiators, offering robust bass, crisp highs, and a "Social Mode" for multiple device pairing. While functional, the speaker suffers from severe distortion on deep bass tracks, inconsistent track navigation, and a tendency to clip the beginning of songs.

Sound & Vision's review of the JBL Charge 2 highlights significantly improved audio fidelity, featuring a clean midrange, impressive lower-octave performance, and effective limiting that preserves sound quality at high volumes. While the speaker offers reliable Bluetooth performance, it is noted for a darker, pulled-back high end and increased harmonic distortion at maximum volume.

The JBL Charge 2 is a cylindrical, portable speaker offering impressive sound with prominent bass and a 6,000 mAh battery that doubles as a power bank, featuring a practical "Social Mode" for multi-device pairing. While ideal for travel, the speaker's design can lead to it rolling away, and it lacks a dedicated app, with some users reporting DSP artifacts at low volumes.