Anker SoundCore 2 vs JBL Charge 4 - Which is better?

The Anker SoundCore 2 is much cheaper than the JBL Charge 4, so the question of the differences arises. It also raises the question which of the two speakers is better. Is the Anker SoundCore 2 sufficient? Let's take a look at the two Bluetooth speakers in comparison.

Comparison table

Differences between Anker SoundCore 2 and JBL Charge 4

Size and weight

In size, the JBL Charge 4 is a good deal larger. This is also noticeable in the weight. The JBL Charge 4 has a size of 22 x 9.5 x 9.3 cm. Anker's SoundCore 2 measures 16.5 x 5.4 x 4.5 cm. This is a clear difference.

At 960 grams, the JBL Charge 4 weighs almost one kilogram and more than twice as much as the Anker SoundCore 2, which weighs only 414 grams.

Battery life

Anchor JBL beats the battery life by a narrow margin. The SoundCore 2 can play up to 24 hours of music. The Charge 4 with 20 hours is shorter. Of course, this always depends on the volume of the music. The louder the music is played, the higher the battery consumption.

Despite the longer battery life, the charging time of the Anker SoundCore 2 is less. It takes about 3 hours to fully charge the loudspeaker. It takes about 4 hours to charge the JBL Charge 4.

Waterproof

Both Bluetooth speakers are waterproof. The devices are both excellent with IPX7. Thus the anchor SoundCore 2 and JBL Charge 4 are both up to 1 meter and 30 minutes waterproof.

Technique

The JBL Charge 4 can trump with a USB-C port and is therefore technically more up-to-date. This is also due to the fact that the JBL is much newer.

However, there is a serious difference in the USB point. The JBL Charge 4 can also be used as a power bank. This is not possible with the Anker SoundCore 2. This also sets the JBL Charge apart from the JBL Flip in general.

Both devices have an AUX connection. Thus both loudspeakers can also be operated without Bluetooth. In the Bluetooth version both devices come with version 4.2.

However, there is only one microphone for the Anker loudspeaker. Charge 4 has no microphone and therefore no hands-free function. This is one of the differences between the JBL Charge 3 and 4.

Which speaker is better?

Overall, there are a few factors that make the JBL Charge 4 stand out. First there is the already mentioned USB port, which can be used as a power bank. Of course, you have to decide for yourself whether this is necessary and sensible for you.

Additionally the JBL Charge 4 has the function JBL Connect Plus. This allows several JBL speakers to be connected together. This is also a very practical and nice function. However, the question here is whether you need and use them.

All in all, the Anker SoundCore 2* is definitely a very good choice and saves a lot of money. In my opinion, the JBL Charge 4* only makes sense if you want to use the Powerbank. The price/performance ratio of the Anker SoundCore 2* is also very good in sound quality.

In the comparison between the Anker SoundCore 2 and the JBL Flip 4, the Anker loudspeaker is also at the front.