JBL Charge 6 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): Which one should you buy?

If you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s outdoor-ready and delivers great sound, the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) are two of the best options out there. Both speakers are rugged, water-resistant, and designed for on-the-go listening, but they take different approaches to sound quality, battery life, and extra features. In this JBL Charge 6 vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) article, we’ll break down the differences between these two popular speakers to help you decide which is right for you. Let’s dive in!

What’s it like to use the JBL Charge 6 compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

While the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) are both portable speakers, the Charge 6 is the larger and heavier of the two, weighing 988g, whereas the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) has a more compact, rectangular design that’s easier to fit into a backpack and significantly lighter at 589g.

They also offer different attachment options. The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) includes a finger loop for easy carrying, but you’ll need to supply your own carabiner if you want to attach it to something. The JBL Charge 6 comes with a detachable handle that can be used in two different ways, as a handle or as more of a carrying loop, similar to the Bose.

When it comes to durability, both speakers are designed for outdoor use. The Charge 6 boasts an IP68 rating, while the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) has an IP67 rating. Both speakers are fully dustproof and waterproof, but the Charge 6 offers better water resistance and can be submerged deeper than the SoundLink Flex.

How do you control the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

Both the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) use physical controls on the top of their enclosures, but I have to say, I much prefer the Charge 6’s design. Its raised buttons are easy to locate by touch and give a satisfying click when pressed. In contrast, the Bose’s controls are recessed and feel a bit mushy when pressed, making them less intuitive to use. Here’s a breakdown of how each speaker’s controls function.

JBL Charge 6 controls:

Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) controls:

Should you use the apps of either JBL Charge 6 or Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

Casual listeners can skip the JBL Portable and Bose apps and still enjoy their speakers, but for those who like to tweak settings, both apps offer some valuable extras. You can link any compatible speakers or pair two identical models for stereo sound, making them more versatile for multi-speaker setups.

However, when it comes to EQ customization, JBL wins this round with its 7-band customizable EQ, which allows far more precise sound adjustments than Bose’s basic 3-band EQ. I’d love to see more thorough EQ options from Bose rather than just Bass, mids, and Treble sliders. A more advanced EQ would give users greater control over their sound, making the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) even more competitive.

The apps also unlock a few unique features. Bose lets you assign the SoundLink Flex’s shortcut button to either Spotify Tap or Voice Assistant activation. At the same time, JBL gives you access to “PlaytimeBoost” if your battery is running low, although this feature reduces a significant amount of bass frequencies.

How do the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) connect?

The JBL Charge 6 connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.4, while the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) uses Bluetooth 5.3. While this difference is minor for most users, both speakers support higher-quality audio options beyond the standard SBC codec.

The JBL Charge 6 sticks to SBC for Bluetooth streaming but offers audio playback via USB-C (including lossless), which is a nice bonus for wired listening. On the other hand, the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) supports SBC and AAC over Bluetooth, plus Snapdragon Sound for improved audio quality. If you’re using a Snapdragon Sound-certified phone, the speaker will automatically prioritize the aptX codec for better audio quality.

Both models have some important limitations when it comes to pairing with other speakers. The JBL Flip 7 now uses Auracast to connect with other Auracast-supported JBL speakers, making it incompatible with older PartyBoost-enabled models. So, you can’t link a Charge 6 with a Charge 5, but you can pair it with newer models like the Xtreme 4, Flip 7 and Clip 5. Stereo pairing still requires two of the same model.

For Bose, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) can connect to Bose Smart Soundbars, but because it now uses the Bose app instead of Bose Connect, it won’t pair with the first-gen SoundLink Flex for stereo mode. If you were hoping to link an older Flex with the new one, you’re out of luck.

Is battery life better on the JBL Charge 6 or Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

The Charge 6 easily wins this round. It boasts up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge under regular use, with an extra 4 hours when PlaytimeBoost is enabled. That’s the advantage of a larger speaker—more room for a bigger battery.

Meanwhile, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) delivers up to 12 hours of battery life, which is pretty standard for a speaker of its size. That’s still enough for a full day of listening, but if battery life is your top priority, the Charge 6 is the clear winner.

Lastly, regarding battery life, the Charge 6 offers a quick charge feature, which the SoundLink Flex does not. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 150 minutes of playback on the Charge 6.

Does the JBL Charge 6 sound better than the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

The JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) are both great-sounding mono Bluetooth speakers, but the Charge 6 is the larger and higher wattge of the two, packing 45W of power compared to the Bose’s 20W. Naturally, this means the Charge 6 gets louder and delivers deeper bass than the SoundLink Flex. If you’re a bass-head looking for serious rumble in a portable speaker, this might be the one for you.

That said, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) still holds its own. It delivers impressive low-end for its size, giving kick drums a satisfying punch while keeping details like cymbals and strings crisp and clear. However, it simply can’t match the Charge 6 in bass response or overall volume.

Of course, that extra power comes at a higher price. If you just need a speaker for casual listening at the beach or park with a few friends, the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is plenty loud. But if you’re hosting larger gatherings or want extra headroom for outdoor use, the Charge 6 has the clear advantage.

Should you get the JBL Charge 6 or Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

As mentioned, both the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) are excellent-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers. However, the Charge 6 delivers louder output with deeper bass, while the SoundLink Flex is more affordable and compact. Here are a few more points to consider:

What should you get instead of the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)?

If you’re not convinced the Charge 6 or SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is the right speaker for you, check out these alternatives. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best Bluetooth speakers for under $200.

For a Charge 6 alternative, consider the Soundcore Boom 2 ($89.99 at Amazon). This rugged speaker is outdoor-ready with an IPX7 water resistance rating, 2.1 stereo sound, and built-in LED party lights on its passive radiators. At the same time, it’s not quite as packable as the Charge 6 or SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), but it does offer a hefty bass response, which you can further modify thanks to its thorough EQ options found in the Soundcore app.

Keeping things portable and packable, the JBL Flip 7 ($149 at Amazon) is also now available with improved battery life, new carrying attachment options, and a more durable build. Check out our full review video of the Flip 7 above to learn more!

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