When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the choices can feel overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the Soundcore BOOM 2 ($169) and the JBL Clip 5 ($79). While both are technically portable speakers, they serve distinctly different purposes and user needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past decade. What started as simple battery-powered units has grown into a diverse ecosystem of products ranging from tiny clip-on speakers to powerful party systems. The key developments we've seen include:
The Soundcore BOOM 2 and JBL Clip 5 represent two distinct philosophies in portable audio. Released in late 2022, the BOOM 2 aims to be your party companion, while the Clip 5, launched in early 2023, focuses on personal listening and ultimate portability.
The BOOM 2 weighs in at 5.51 pounds – about the same as a couple of laptops. It's designed to be carried from room to room or out to the backyard, but you wouldn't want to pack it for a hiking trip. The speaker features a robust handle and IPX7 waterproofing, meaning it can handle full submersion in water for up to 30 minutes.
In contrast, the Clip 5 weighs just 0.63 pounds and includes a built-in carabiner. It's small enough to clip onto a backpack or belt loop, making it ideal for activities where every ounce matters. It also boasts IP67 certification, adding dust resistance to the water protection.
The technical differences between these speakers are substantial:
BOOM 2:
Clip 5:
In real-world use, these specs translate to notably different experiences. The BOOM 2's lower frequency response (45Hz vs 95Hz) means it can reproduce much deeper bass notes. Its higher power output and dedicated woofer/tweeter setup allow it to fill larger spaces with sound while maintaining clarity.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements in recent years:
BOOM 2:
Clip 5:
The BOOM 2 includes several party-focused features:
The Clip 5 focuses on convenience features:
Having tested both speakers in various situations, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The BOOM 2 excels in medium to large rooms, providing enough volume to fill a 500+ square foot space with clear, balanced sound. Its 2.1 channel design creates a more immersive soundstage, though it's not a replacement for a proper home theater setup.
The Clip 5 is perfect for personal listening in smaller spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms. It provides surprisingly clear audio for its size, though bass response is naturally limited.
The BOOM 2 remains impressive outdoors, with enough power to entertain a backyard gathering. Its IPX7 rating means you don't need to worry about rain or pool splashes, and it even floats.
The Clip 5 works well for personal outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, where its compact size and secure mounting are more valuable than raw power. The IP67 rating adds confidence when using it in dusty or wet conditions.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 at $169 represents solid value for those needing a powerful portable speaker with party features. Its power bank functionality and light show add utility beyond just audio playback.
The JBL Clip 5 at $79 delivers impressive performance for its size and price point. While it can't match the raw power of the BOOM 2, it offers excellent value for personal use and travel.
Consider the BOOM 2 if:
The Clip 5 is your better choice if:
Both speakers represent the current state of their respective categories, with the Clip 5 being slightly newer. Future improvements will likely focus on battery efficiency, sound quality at lower volumes, and enhanced connectivity options.
The portable speaker market continues to evolve, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in different form factors. Whether you choose the party-ready BOOM 2 or the ultra-portable Clip 5, both represent solid choices for their intended use cases.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how and where you'll use it most often, and choose accordingly.
| Soundcore BOOM 2 | JBL Clip 5 |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 80W total (2x15W tweeters + 50W woofer) | Single driver (approximately 5W) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and use cases | |
| 5.51 lbs, party speaker size | 0.63 lbs, ultra-compact (3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches) |
| Battery Life - Affects how often you need to recharge | |
| 24 hours (at moderate volume) | 12 hours (15 with boost mode) |
| Waterproof Rating - Important for outdoor use | |
| IPX7 (submersible, floatable) | IP67 (dustproof + submersible) |
| Bass Response - Key for full-range sound reproduction | |
| 45Hz-20kHz (deep bass capable) | 95Hz-20kHz (limited bass) |
| Special Features - Adds value beyond basic audio | |
| LED light show, power bank, PartyCast 2.0 (100+ speakers) | Integrated carabiner, Auracast, multi-point connection |
| Charging Time - Convenience factor | |
| 5.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $169 (party/home speaker category) | $79 (personal audio category) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality and range | |
| 5.3 with 100m range | 5.3 with standard range |
| Additional Audio Features - Sound customization options | |
| Custom EQ, BassUp 2.0, TWS stereo pairing | Basic EQ via app, standard audio processing |
The Soundcore BOOM 2 ($169) is significantly better for movie watching due to its 2.1 channel audio system and deeper bass response. While neither speaker is ideal for a true home theater setup, the BOOM 2's larger drivers and 80W output provide a more immersive experience compared to the JBL Clip 5 ($79).
The Soundcore BOOM 2 has substantially better bass performance with its 45Hz low-end response and dedicated subwoofer. The JBL Clip 5 only reaches down to 95Hz, making it less suitable for bass-heavy content.
Neither speaker is designed for true surround sound. However, the Soundcore BOOM 2 can be paired with additional units using PartyCast 2.0, while the JBL Clip 5 supports basic Auracast connectivity.
Both speakers are waterproof, but serve different outdoor purposes. The Soundcore BOOM 2 is better for backyard parties and larger gatherings, while the JBL Clip 5 is ideal for personal activities like hiking or biking.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers 24 hours of playback at moderate volume, while the JBL Clip 5 provides 12 hours standard playback with an optional 3-hour boost mode.
The JBL Clip 5 is significantly more portable at 0.63 pounds with an integrated carabiner. The Soundcore BOOM 2 weighs 5.51 pounds and is designed more for room-to-room portability.
While both can be used for gaming, the Soundcore BOOM 2 provides a better gaming experience due to its fuller sound range and higher volume capability. The JBL Clip 5 is more suited for casual gaming on portable devices.
For pure audio performance per dollar, the Soundcore BOOM 2 offers more value at $169 with its power and features. However, the JBL Clip 5 at $79 provides excellent value if portability is your priority.
Both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, but the Soundcore BOOM 2 is better suited for TV audio due to its higher power output and better bass response.
Both speakers can work with voice assistants through your connected device, but neither has built-in voice assistant capabilities.
The JBL Clip 5 is more appropriate for small rooms, while the Soundcore BOOM 2 might be overkill in very small spaces.
While neither speaker is designed as a home theater component, the Soundcore BOOM 2 could serve as a temporary solution for small spaces. For proper home theater audio, we recommend dedicated home theater speakers or soundbars instead.
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: soundcore.com - audioholics.com - community.anker.com - trustedreviews.com - soundcore.com - manuals.plus - soundcore.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - soundandvision.com - howtogeek.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - gymcaddy.net - jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - soundguys.com - th.jbl.com - hu.harmanaudio.com
