JBL Pulse 2 vs JBL Charge 3 Portable Bluetooth Speakers
What should you look for when choosing a Bluetooth speaker of choice? Long battery life and a good quality sound that balances all frequencies is an absolute must. In addition to this, portability while providing all these features is also a feature to look out for. If you intend to use it outdoors for camps or similar excursions, then having a waterproof speaker is ideal. JBL does provide waterproof speakers.
Also Read: JBL Pulse vs Pulse 2, Features Added and Cut
These days, portable Bluetooth speakers are compatible with various voice assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant. JBL’s latest models are loaded with Partyboost that allows you to pair several compatible speakers and play music together.
Let’s begin by knowing their features individually.
JBL Pulse 2 Portable Splashproof Bluetooth Speaker
The specifications –
Brand Name: JBL
Model Number: MAIN-08215
Dimensions: 84.2 x 194.4 x 84.4 mm
Weight: 775g
Bluetooth Version: 4.1
What gets our thumbs up and down-
The JBL Pulse 2 Supports WiFi increasing the options of sources to play music from. It connects to Bluetooth via Near-Field Communication (NFC), thereby providing seamless streaming. It is compatible with a subwoofer, and this adds the baritones that one looks at in their sound. It has a 3.5mm male connector. The features that make its wireless service truly marvelous are its lightweight, and it is accessible through remote control, and also has the provision to charge wirelessly.
It, however, is prone to get dirty pretty quickly, and most importantly, cannot take any voice commands if you look for a hands-free approach.
JBL Pulse 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker – The Qualities
The Light Pattern Construct
The JBL Pulse 2 has a preset collection of patterns including waves, stars, fireflies, rain, or fire that decide how the LEDs flicker. Unlike the older models, they do not follow the music. However, the sensor picks up the colour of the surroundings deciding the light colour using the Prism Colour Sensor. These lights can be turned on or off by the down button if you choose to use them or let them rest.
The Design
The device is relatively larger as compared to some of its peers, and has rubber feet to keep it in place. The control panel is as simple as it can get with all of it in one accessible place.
Resists water
Though not being completely water-proof, it resists the minimum amounts of water that it may come across. However, the little splash will not do any harm. But users must also not risk taking it near any water body, or if you feel you are clumsy with a glass of water near it.
Connectivity
Users can connect up to 3 devices and play tracks by taking turns. The speaker also allows you to receive calls without having to disconnect the other devices. JBL Connect is present in the speaker. This allows you to sync similar or compatible speakers and play music louder, and maybe headbang some more with it as well!
The Take
JBL Pulse 2 Bluetooth speaker is one of the best out in the market if you are looking for something that delivers high sound quality with a small package. The built-in LED light display is a step ahead of the previous models. On the downside, users feel the need for a carrying case that is not provided. But it is a drawback that can be ignored when compared to the powerhouse it is. The battery life is a decent 10 hours but may reduce to 5 hours if the lights are used simultaneously. Overall the Pulse 2 is a beast of a performer.
JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The specifications –
Brand Name: JBL
Model Number: JBLCHARGE3TEALAM
Dimensions: 213 x 87 x 88.5 mm
Weight: 800g
Bluetooth version: 4.1
What gets our thumbs up and down-
The JBL Charge 3 contains stereo speakers for amazing sound quality and more audio output power for a louder sound. To add to this, it has a longer life and a passive radiator. It is built for the outdoors and is dust and water-resistant. Calls are of better quality as it has a built-in noise-canceling microphone. It also has the capacity to function on voice commands.
It however cannot be remotely accessed and the woofers are exposed and could be potentially prone to damage.
Features of JBL Charge 3 Portable Speaker
The Design
The product is encased in a coating to protect it with a range of different colors for the final look. The colour options include black, red, teal, gray, or blue. It has a rubber panel that renders it to be waterproof. The speaker boasts of resistance up to 30 minutes in deep water.
The Sound Quality
The JBL Charge 3 has 50mm drivers that come with a better frequency range. For all you bass lovers out there, it has a bass boost for those pounding beats.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The speaker gives good connectivity of up to 50-60 feet without walls and up to 30 feet with walls, but when within the connectivity range, it gives a seamless performance.
The Battery Life
This device gives a whopping 20-hour battery life. This comes with another feature to charge your phone using a USB while the phone is plugged in and playing music. Quite the necessity if you look to carry it on a trip.
Built-in Mic
Charge 3 comes with a built-in microphone which can be used as a speakerphone for a seamless conversation. Having noise-canceling in it just adds to the near-perfect calling experience, and it does not give the speaker phone’s muddled voice.
The Take
This speaker is loaded to the brim with features and amazing sound quality. It has just a couple of drawbacks. The first is its size. The speaker is a little bulky and is not suitable for a haul along with you for a trip. The woofers being exposed needs a vigilant eye to prevent them from any damage. But apart from this, the speaker is spot on when it comes to music, the noise-canceling microphone, and the outdoor facilities like water resistance and the ability to charge your phone using the speakers.
A comparison: JBL Pulse 2 And JBL Charge 3
| JBL Pulse 2 | JBL Charge 3 | |
| Cost | $200/Rs. 11,850 | $150/Rs. 8,999 |
| Weight | 775g | 800g |
| Charge Time | 5 h | 4 h |
| Battery Life | 10 h | 20 h |
| Output power | 2 x 8 W | 2x 10 W |
| Bass Frequency | 85 Hz | 65 Hz |
What do you choose? – JBL Pulse 2 OR JBL Charge 3
JBL Pulse 2 is your go-to bet for indoor celebrations with its lights and relatively lower sound output power. It does its job in setting the ambiance, and the remote control feature helps it out. JBL Charge 3 is our pick for outdoors. With its longer battery life, louder output power, and resistant features, it makes it a very useful device to have.
