JBL Charge 6 vs Soundcore Boom 2: Is brand loyalty worth the price?

Brand name versus value is what it comes down to here. The JBL Charge series has been a fan favorite for years, and the latest version, the Charge 6, brings some solid upgrades like improved durability and more customizable sound. But companies like Soundcore are offering a lot more for less. With its built-in light show, 2.1 driver setup, and much lower price point, the Boom 2 makes a strong case as the best alternative to the Charge 6.

So, is it worth sticking with JBL’s trusted reputation, or should you go for the extra features and savings with Soundcore? Let’s dive into this versus article to help you decide which is right for you.

What’s it like to use the JBL Charge 6 compared to the Soundcore Boom 2?

The Charge 6 is lighter and smaller, weighing around 988g, and won’t take up much space in a backpack. Its football-shaped enclosure is wrapped in durable, weatherproof fabric, and beefy rubber end caps protect the passive radiators. JBL claims the Charge 6 is certified drop-proof from heights of up to 1 meter—even onto concrete. With an IP68 protection rating, making it both dustproof and waterproof, it’s safe to say the Charge 6 is truly outdoor-ready.

The Boom 2 weighs in at 1.66kg and features a much larger enclosure, but for good reason. It offers a 2.1 driver setup that delivers proper stereo performance, while the Charge 6 only offers mono playback with a single woofer and tweeter. In terms of protection, the Boom 2 carries an IPX7 rating, which means it’s waterproof but not dustproof, and it’s not rated as drop-proof either. That said, the entire unit is encased in a robust plastic housing for durability, though after extended use, I did notice it tends to pick up some scratches over time. Oh, and did I mention it floats on water?

Now, as well-built as either of these speakers is, when it comes to party features, the Boom 2 wins. Its passive radiators have a built-in, customizable, beat-synced light show that ups the vibes at any gathering, especially once the sun goes down.

How do you control the JBL Charge 6 and Soundcore Boom 2?

The JBL Charge 6 and Soundcore Boom 2 operate via physical controls, which you’ll find on top of the speaker’s enclosure. Below is a breakdown of how these two speakers operate:

JBL Charge 6 controls:

Soundcore Boom 2 controls:

Should you use the apps of either JBL Charge 6 or Soundcore Boom 2?

You should definitely download the JBL Portable app if you’re using the Charge 6 or the Soundcore app for your Boom 2. The JBL app lets you pair a second unit for stereo sound, manage your Auracast-linked speakers, and access the “PlayTime Boost” feature when your battery runs low. Most importantly, it gives you some solid EQ options, including a 7-band customizable EQ, so you can really dial in your sound.

The Soundcore app is just as handy. You can pair a second Boom 2 for true stereo playback and adjust the sound with a 9-band customizable EQ. Plus, you get complete control over the built-in light show. There are plenty of patterns and colors to choose from, so you can set the vibe for any party or just keep things mellow.

How do the JBL Charge 6 and Soundcore Boom 2 connect?

The Charge 6 pulls ahead slightly when it comes to connectivity. It uses Bluetooth 5.4, while the Boom 2 sticks with Bluetooth 5.3. Honestly, that’s not a huge deal—Bluetooth 5.4 might offer a bit more stability on paper, but you probably won’t notice much difference in day-to-day use. Both speakers only support the SBC codec, so you don’t get any higher bitrate Bluetooth codec options like AAC or LDAC.

That said, JBL does have a trick up its sleeve for higher-quality audio. The Charge 6 supports audio over USB-C, including lossless playback. So, if you care about squeezing the best possible sound quality from your portable speaker, the Charge 6 easily takes the win here.

Both speakers can also charge your phone on the go, but the Charge 6 does it with a USB-C port, while the Boom 2 still uses a slower USB-A “courtesy” outlet.

Is battery life better on the JBL Charge 6 or the Soundcore Boom 2?

This one’s pretty much a wash—the Charge 6 and Boom 2 claim up to 24 hours of battery life. JBL says you can stretch the Charge 6 to 28 hours if you use the “PlayTime Boost” feature, but in my experience, that’s just an EQ setting that cuts out most of the bass. It’s not ideal if sound quality is your priority.

Meanwhile, the Boom 2’s light show definitely affects its battery life. If you want to maximize playtime, your best bet is to turn the lights off completely. Still, both speakers should easily last for a few days of casual listening or a long weekend camping trip.

Does the JBL Charge 6 sound better than the Soundcore Boom 2?

The JBL Charge 6 and Soundcore Boom 2 are both great-sounding portable speakers, but they take very different approaches to sound, thanks to differences in size, driver setup, and overall power. The Charge 6 is a mono speaker with a single tweeter and woofer, rated for 45 W of output. In comparison, the Boom 2 is rated for 80 W and ups the ante with a 2.1 stereo configuration, featuring two tweeters and a dedicated subwoofer for the lows.

With its larger build, higher wattage, and extra drivers, the Boom 2 naturally delivers a bigger, more powerful sound, with plenty of bass to go around. In my testing, it also gets much louder than the Charge 6 without distorting, and its stereo playback gives you noticeably better width and left-right separation, which just isn’t possible with the Charge 6’s mono setup. That said, the Charge 6 is all about portability, and with the new 7-band EQ, you can still dial in a surprisingly solid low end for its size.

Because the Boom 2 can push higher volumes and fill larger spaces, the Charge 6 is really best suited for small to medium-sized rooms. But if you want a speaker that’s made for outdoor parties or bigger groups, or if you love bass-heavy genres like EDM or hard rock, the Boom 2 is definitely the way to go.

Should you get the JBL Charge 6 or Soundcore Boom 2?

Ultimately, the JBL Charge 6 and Soundcore Boom 2 are both capable, durable speakers, but they shine in different situations, and the price gap between them is hard to ignore.

The Charge 6 is compact and easily fits in a bag, making it a great choice for smaller rooms or casual park hangs with a few friends. However, you are paying a premium for that JBL name and arguably better build quality. If you host larger gatherings or want more power, true stereo sound, a built-in light show, and the bonus of saving some cash, the Boom 2 stands out for its value and party features.

Both speakers have strengths: the Boom 2 is tough to beat if value and party vibes are your priorities, while the Charge 6 still delivers on durability and portability.

Here are a few other factors to consider to help you narrow down your decision:

What should you get instead of the JBL Charge 6 and Soundcore Boom 2?

Be sure to check out our list of the Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $200 for even more great-sounding options. But if the Charge 6 or Boom 2 don’t quite fit what you’re looking for, here are two of my personal favorites worth considering:

If the JBL Charge 6 or Soundcore Boom 2 are a little too big for your needs and you want something a little more portable, check out the JBL Flip 7. This water bottle-shaped speaker is easily packable and shares the same durability specs as the Charge 6. Check out my video above to learn more about the Flip 7, which sells for $149 at Amazon.

Alternatively, if you need something a little larger with even more output than the Charge 6 or Boom 2, consider the affordable EarFun UBoom X. This boombox-style speaker is outdoor-ready with an IP67 rating and robust plastic build. Not to mention, it still brings the party vibes thanks to its built-in RGB lights behind the grill. Snag a UBOOM X for $159.99 at Amazon.