JBL
JBL Charge 6
A speaker that can also top up your phone. You get IP68 protection, a carry handle and up to 28 hours with Playtime Boost, in a 2.18 lb package.
Bettr Score
83/100
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Portable Speakers
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JBL Charge 6 vs Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker
The short answer
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker wins this comparison. Choose it if sound quality comes first. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.3/10.
Bose
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker
Stereo sound, a rope carry handle and phone charging make this a practical backyard speaker. It offers up to 20 hours of playtime, with 4.7 lb to carry.
Bettr Score
91.6/100
Side-by-side specifications
| JBL Charge 6 | Specification | Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker |
|---|---|---|
$199.95 ✓ Winner | Reference price | $399 |
28 hours ✓ Winner | Advertised battery life | 20 hours |
2.18 lb ✓ Winner | Weight | 4.7 lb |
IP68 | Ingress protectionPersonal preference | IP67 |
5 ✓ Winner | Durability tier | 4 |
5.4 | Bluetooth versionPersonal preference | 5.3 |
Yes | Can charge another deviceTie | Yes |
Yes ✓ Winner | USB audio input | No |
Yes ✓ Winner | Auracast or compatible broadcast pairing | No |
No | Floats in waterTie | No |
No | SpeakerphoneTie | No |
The buying advice
Which speaker fits you?
Who should choose JBL Charge 6?
Choose JBL Charge 6 if tested durability is your priority. JBL Charge 6 has the higher durability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 9/10 versus 7.5/10.
Who should choose Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker?
Choose Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker if sound quality comes first. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.3/10.
The main tradeoff
JBL Charge 6 has the higher durability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 9/10 versus 7.5/10. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.3/10. The recorded reference-price difference is $199.05.
Sources and score details
- Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker gains 5.8 score points on sound quality (60% weight).
- Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker gains 2.6 score points on battery endurance (10% weight).
- JBL Charge 6 gains 1.1 score points on durability (10% weight).
Durability
JBL Charge 6 has the higher durability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 9/10 versus 7.5/10.
Sound quality
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher sound-quality rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 8.4/10 versus 7.3/10.
Battery endurance
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker has the higher battery-endurance rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 7.5/10 versus 5/10.
Ease of carrying
JBL Charge 6 has the higher portability rating in GearLab’s matched tests: 6.3/10 versus 5.5/10.
People's Pick
Which one would you choose?
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Where to buy JBL Charge 6
eBay — New
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In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$125.75
Item + shipping · before tax
$120.00 + $5.75 shipping
eBay — New (Harman Audio)
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In stock · checked Oct 13, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$149.95
Item price · shipping unknown
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Where to buy Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker
eBay — New
Affiliate link
In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$315.00
Item price · shipping unknown
We may earn a commission when you buy through links marked “Affiliate link.” This does not change your price or our scores. How we earn