speaker comparisons
Is the Update Worth it? The Bose Soundlink Revolve and Revolve+ vs. Revolve II and Revolve+ II (Series 2 Versions)
Bose’s rather costly but very stylish and sweet-sounding Soundlink Revolve portable speaker line has been updated: The Bose Soundlink Revolve has been replaced by the Bose Soundlink Revolve II.The somewhat larger and louder version with a carry handle, the Bose Soundlink Revolve+, has been replaced by the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II. You’ll also see these …
The Full Comparison: Bose Soundlink Revolve vs. Revolve Plus
Update: Bose released new models of these speakers in 2021. You’ll probably want to instead check out our full comparison review of the new Bose Soundlink Revolve and Revolve+ vs. the new Bose Soundlink Revolve II and Revolve+ II. But, if you’re just torn between these outdated models or like our old stuff for the …
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 1 vs Wonderboom 2: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
We’re generally fans of small, outdoors-ready speakers and so were excited to see and hear the upgrade to the short, squat nearly pocket-sized speaker, which was the best-sounding speaker for its tiny size, price, and super-indestructibility. And the new is absolutely an improvement over the original; as we’ll discuss below, it goes a bit louder …
JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5: Is the New Version Worth It?
The JBL Flip 5 was released August 1, 2019 as an update to the JBL Flip 4 — already one of the better affordable portable Bluetooth speakers out there. While the Flip 4 was not our very top-choice small Bluetooth speaker for travel, it was near the top of the list, and its lower price …
JBL Charge 3 vs Charge 4: Is the Upgrade Really Better?
Newer is not always better; we’ve seen this sometimes even with JBL’s speaker designs. So we were curious to unravel the differences between the JBL Charge 3 and the newer JBL Charge 4. First of all, let’s be honest. If you already have the JBL Charge 3, you do not need to upgrade to the …
JBL Boombox vs JBL Boombox 2: Is the Slight Upgrade Worth the Cost?
The JBL Boombox 2 was released in spring 2020 as as an update to the original portable outdoor party companion, the JBL Boombox. Both of these are at the larger, and more outdoorsy end of the biggest, loudest portable speakers we’ve reviewed. And they’re expensive. In this article we go through what all reliable critics—not …
The Small, Useful Steps Up From the JBL Charge 4 to the JBL Charge 5
JBL has had some ups and downs in its Charge speaker line, and we haven’t always recommended the newest version when JBL makes an “upgrade”. But the JBL Charge 5 is a suitable, minor improvement over the Charge 4, and depending on your specific feature needs and the pricing at the time you read this, …
The Xtreme 3 vs JBL Boombox 2: Choose the Right Size for Your Outdoor Party
Do you want the finest bass and loudest-but-still-smooth sound from a portable speaker for tailgating, yard parties, and beach dances? The two best speakers out right now for these purposes are both from JBL: The JBL Xtreme 3 and Boombox 2. Which should you get? Depends on things like whether you need extreme battery life …
JBL Charge 4 vs Xtreme 2: Comparing These Mid-Sized Road Party Speakers
UPDATE: JBL has released better versions of both of these speakers; check out our new comparison of the JBL Charge 5 and Xtreme 3. They are both a small but solid step up in sound performance and features. (You can also check out the differences between the JBL Charge 4 and 5 and the JBL …
The Practical, Portable JBL Charge 5 vs. Splurging on the Ultimate Outdoor Party Speaker: The JBL Xtreme 3
JBL’s very loud, bossy, bass-forward portable speakers are great for picnics, tailgating, and—with their complete waterproofing—the pool or beach. The JBL Charge 5 fulfills this role in a speaker about the size and shape of a wine bottle placed on its side—and weighs just a bit lighter than that boozy bottle of pinot magic in …