ALERT
Best For
The JBL Go Essential and JBL Go 2 are compact portable Bluetooth speakers designed for casual music listening, travel, and outdoor use. Both offer IPX7 waterproof protection, similar battery life, and JBL’s signature compact design. However, the real difference comes down to convenience features and connectivity. The JBL Go Essential focuses on simplicity with slightly higher RMS output and newer Bluetooth 4.2 support, while the JBL Go 2 adds AUX input support and speakerphone functionality for more flexible everyday use. If you are choosing between these two budget JBL speakers, your decision will mostly depend on whether you prefer modern wireless simplicity or extra connectivity options.
Verdict
The JBL Go Essential is the better choice for users who mainly stream music wirelessly and want a slightly more refined Bluetooth experience with marginally stronger output. On the other hand, the JBL Go 2 is more versatile thanks to its AUX input and built-in speakerphone support, making it a better pick for users who still use wired devices or attend calls frequently. For pure value and modern usability, the JBL Go Essential has a slight edge overall.
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | 2199.00 |
2099.00 |
| Brand | JBL |
JBL |
| Model No | Go 2 |
Go Essential |
| Wired / Wireless | Bluetooth Speaker Specification |
Bluetooth Speaker Specification |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
Dynamic |
| Driver Diameter | NA |
NA |
| Impedance | NA |
NA |
| Sensitivity | NA |
NA |
| Frequency Response | 180 Hz - 20000 Hz |
180 Hz - 20000 Hz |
| Maximum Power Input | 5V / 1A |
5V / 1A |
| Maximum Power Output | 3 W ( RMS ) Transducer 1 X 40 mm |
3.1 W ( RMS ) Transducer 1 X 40 mm |
| Wireless / Bluetooth Details | ||
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth |
Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
4.2 |
| Compatible Profiles | All Bluetooth Devices |
All Bluetooth Devices |
| Supported Codecs | A2DP, AVRCP, HEP, HSP |
A2DP, AVRCP |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries |
Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
10 Meters |
| Battery Life | 5 Hours |
5 Hours |
| Charging Time | 2.5 Hours |
2.5 Hours |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | ≥80dB |
≥80dB |
| Noise Cancelling | NA |
NA |
| Aux Connectivity | Yes |
No |
| Weight | 184 Gram |
180 Gram |
| Dimensions | 71 mm X 86 mm X 32 mm |
86 mm X 71 mm X 32 mm |
| Available Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green, Grey, Yellow, Brown, Orange, Purple |
Black, Blue, Red |
| Accessories | JBL JBL Go 2 Bluetooth Speaker JBL Micro USB Charging Cable Quick-Start Guide Warranty Card Safety Sheet |
JBL Go Essential Bluetooth Speaker JBL Micro USB Charging Cable Quick-Start Guide Warranty Card Safety Sheet |
| Other Features | Wirelessly stream high-quality sound from your smartphone or tablet. Built-in, rechargeable Li-ion battery supports up to 5 hours of playtime. Enjoy crystal clear conference calls over your speaker with the noise free speakerphone. The IPX7 waterproof housing makes GO 2 perfect for worry-free listening by the beach or poolside, or even in it. Don’t worry if Bluetooth is not available, plug the audio cable into the speaker and enjoy your music all the same. |
Wirelessly stream music from your phone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. To the pool. To the park. JBL Go Essential is IPX7 waterproof, so you can bring your speaker anywhere. JBL rich Original Pro Sound delivers surprisingly big audio and rich bass from Go Essential’s ultra-compact size. Don’t sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. Go Essential gives you up to 5 hours of playtime on a single charge. |
Compare JBL Go 2 with:
Compare JBL Go Essential with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Differences
- Sound Output: 3.1W vs 3W
- Channels: 3.1 vs 3
- Bluetooth Version: 4.2 vs 4.1
- Aux Input: no Vs yes