As portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved, they've become essential companions for music lovers on the go. Today we're comparing two popular options from JBL's 2023 lineup - the ultra-portable JBL Clip 5 ($59.99) and the more powerful JBL Charge 5 ($139.99). While they share some DNA, these speakers target different users and use cases.
Portable Bluetooth speakers need to balance several key factors: sound quality, durability, battery life, and convenience. The technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with improvements in Bluetooth connectivity (now up to version 5.3), water resistance, and battery efficiency. Both speakers here represent JBL's latest innovations in these areas.
The Clip 5 lives up to its name with an ultra-compact design that weighs just 285 grams (about as much as a large smartphone). Its integrated carabiner clip - recently redesigned with more durable materials - lets you attach it to practically anything. The speaker is actually slightly larger than its predecessor, the Clip 4, but this enables better sound without sacrificing portability.
In contrast, the Charge 5 weighs in at 960 grams and takes up about three times the space. While still portable, it's meant more for deliberate placement than constant carrying. The extra size houses significantly larger drivers and a battery that doubles as a power bank for your other devices - a genuinely useful feature when away from power outlets.
Here's where things get interesting. The Clip 5's single 1.75-inch driver pumps out 7 watts of power, which is impressive for its size. JBL has made notable improvements to the mid-range and bass response compared to previous models. The speaker uses a passive radiator (a non-powered speaker component that moves in response to the main driver) to enhance bass response despite its small size.
The Charge 5 operates in a different league entirely, with 40 watts of total power split between a dedicated woofer (30W) and tweeter (10W). This bi-amplified design, combined with dual passive radiators, delivers significantly fuller sound with better separation between frequencies. While both speakers sound clean at moderate volumes, the Charge 5 maintains its composure much better when pushed to higher volumes.
Both speakers showcase JBL's latest technical innovations. The Clip 5 features Bluetooth 5.3 with support for Auracast (a new technology that enables broadcasting audio to multiple compatible devices simultaneously). It also supports multi-point connection, letting you pair two devices at once - handy for sharing DJ duties with friends.
The Charge 5, while using slightly older Bluetooth 5.1, includes PartyBoost technology for connecting multiple JBL speakers together. This creates either stereo pairs or synchronized playback across many speakers. In home theater applications, while neither speaker is ideal as a primary sound source, the Charge 5 could serve as a decent temporary solution for small spaces due to its fuller range and higher output capability.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements in recent years, reflected in both speakers' capabilities. The Clip 5 offers 12 hours of standard playback, with an interesting "PlaytimeBoost" feature that can extend this to 15 hours by slightly reducing audio quality - a worthwhile trade-off when you need extended playback more than premium sound.
The Charge 5 pushes playtime to 20 hours and includes USB-A power output for charging other devices. This power bank feature can be a lifesaver during outdoor activities or travel, though using it will reduce speaker playback time. Both speakers charge via USB-C, with the Clip 5 requiring 3 hours and the Charge 5 needing 4 hours for a full charge.
Both speakers carry IP67 ratings, meaning they're fully dustproof and can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This is a significant improvement over earlier generations that only offered splash resistance. The rating also means both speakers are perfectly safe for beach or pool use, though salt water should be rinsed off afterward.
The Clip 5 represents excellent value at $59.99 for anyone prioritizing portability and personal listening. It's ideal for:
The Charge 5 justifies its $139.99 price tag if you need:
In practical use, the Clip 5's sound is remarkably good for its size but becomes strained at maximum volume. The Charge 5 maintains clarity at higher volumes and produces more satisfying bass, making it better suited for outdoor gatherings or larger indoor spaces.
The Clip 5's advantage lies in its grab-and-go nature - it's the speaker you're more likely to always have with you. The Charge 5's larger size means it's more likely to stay home unless specifically packed for an outing.
Consider these key questions when choosing between the two:
For most users, the deciding factor should be size versus power. If you prioritize having music everywhere you go, the Clip 5's portability is unbeatable. If you're more concerned with sound quality and volume, the Charge 5's additional capabilities justify its higher price.
Either way, both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors and stand as excellent choices in their respective categories. The Clip 5 pushes the boundaries of what's possible in an ultra-portable format, while the Charge 5 delivers impressive sound quality and features at a still-portable size.
| JBL Clip 5 | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Determines portability and convenience | |
| 8.6 x 13.5 x 4.6 cm, 285g - Ultra portable | 223 x 96.5 x 94 mm, 960g - Medium sized |
| Audio Power - Impacts maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 7W single driver - Good for personal listening | 40W (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) - Suitable for groups |
| Battery Life - Affects how often you need to recharge | |
| 12-15 hours (with PlaytimeBoost) | 20 hours standard playback |
| Charging Time - Important for quick turnaround | |
| 3 hours via USB-C | 4 hours via USB-C |
| Water/Dust Protection - Critical for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated - Fully waterproof | IP67 rated - Fully waterproof |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.3 with Auracast support - Latest tech | 5.1 with PartyBoost - Slightly older |
| Special Features - Additional functionality | |
| Integrated carabiner, Multi-point connection | Power bank function, PartyBoost, Dual passive radiators |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $59.99 - Excellent value for portable use | $139.99 - Premium features justify cost |
| Frequency Response - Determines sound range | |
| 95Hz - 20kHz - Good for most music | 60Hz - 20kHz - Better bass response |
| Primary Use Case - Who it's best for | |
| Personal listening, travel, outdoor activities | Small gatherings, room speaker, outdoor events |
The JBL Charge 5 ($139.99) is better suited for home theater use due to its fuller sound range and higher power output (40W vs 7W). While neither is ideal as a primary home theater speaker, the Charge 5's dedicated woofer and tweeter provide better audio quality for temporary or secondary room setups compared to the JBL Clip 5 ($59.99).
The JBL Charge 5 offers 20 hours of playback compared to the Clip 5's 12-15 hours. The Charge 5 also includes a power bank feature to charge other devices, though this reduces playback time.
Both speakers can connect to TVs via Bluetooth if your TV supports it. The Charge 5 will provide better audio quality and volume for TV viewing, though neither speaker is designed primarily for this purpose.
Both the JBL Clip 5 and Charge 5 have identical IP67 waterproof ratings, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
The JBL Clip 5 offers excellent value at $59.99 if portability is your priority. It's ideal for personal listening and travel, though not recommended as a primary audio source for home theater.
The JBL Charge 5 delivers superior sound quality with its 40W bi-amplified system and dual passive radiators, offering fuller bass and clearer highs compared to the Clip 5's single 7W driver.
Neither speaker is designed for surround sound systems. While the Charge 5 can pair with another Charge 5 for stereo sound, traditional home theater speakers are recommended for surround setups.
The JBL Clip 5 features newer technology with Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast support, compared to the Charge 5's Bluetooth 5.1, though this difference isn't significant for most users.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: howtogeek.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - gymcaddy.net - jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - soundguys.com - th.jbl.com - hu.harmanaudio.com - techradar.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - howtogeek.com - jbl.com - abt.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - homedepot.com - bhphotovideo.com - dxomark.com
