In the ever-evolving world of portable audio, two standout products have captured attention in 2024: the Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($79) and the JBL Clip 5 ($79.95). Let's dive into what makes these ultra-portable speakers tick and help you decide which one best suits your needs.
The ultra-portable speaker category has come a long way from the tinny, fragile units of years past. Today's speakers pack impressive sound into remarkably compact packages while offering features like waterproofing and extended battery life. The key is finding the right balance of portability, durability, and sound quality for your specific needs.
Both the MINIROLL and Clip 5 represent the latest generation of this technology, with the Clip 5 releasing in June 2024 as an upgrade to the popular Clip 4, while the MINIROLL arrives as a fresh entry in Ultimate Ears' lineup.
The MINIROLL takes a puck-shaped approach, measuring 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm and weighing 279g. Its design prioritizes a low profile and includes a flexible strap for carrying or hanging. The smooth, rounded shape makes it easy to slip into a pocket or bag.
The Clip 5, slightly heavier at 285g, features a more traditional circular speaker design with its signature integrated carabiner (a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used for quick attachment). This built-in mounting solution has been refined over several generations and now offers a wider opening for more versatile attachment options.
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, which means they're:
The Clip 5's design includes grippy rubber strips to prevent sliding, while the MINIROLL's puck shape naturally sits stable on flat surfaces.
The Clip 5 demonstrates notable improvements over its predecessor, particularly in bass response and volume capability. It maintains clarity at higher volumes where the MINIROLL begins to show signs of distortion. The Clip 5's frequency response range of 95Hz - 20kHz indicates solid mid-bass capability for its size.
The MINIROLL achieves a maximum sound level of 86-87 dBC, which is respectable but falls short of the Clip 5's output. Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, supporting modern audio codecs like AAC and SBC, with the MINIROLL also including LC3 support.
The MINIROLL keeps things simple with basic Bluetooth connectivity and a 40-meter range. It can connect to two devices simultaneously but lacks additional audio input options.
The Clip 5 offers more sophisticated connectivity:
The Clip 5's app support provides significant advantages:
The MINIROLL intentionally omits app support, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.
Both speakers advertise 12-hour battery life, but the Clip 5 includes a unique "Playtime Boost" feature that can extend this to 15 hours at the cost of some audio quality. This could be valuable for outdoor activities where maximum duration is more important than optimal sound.
Charging happens via USB-C on both units, with typical charging times around 3 hours. Neither includes a charging cable in the box, citing environmental considerations.
In practical use, these speakers show their strengths in different scenarios:
Both speakers feel premium and durable, though the Clip 5's rubber components and metal carabiner give it a slight edge in perceived robustness.
At essentially the same price point (~$79), the value equation largely favors the Clip 5 due to its:
However, the MINIROLL's simpler approach might appeal to users who prioritize ease of use over features.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
The JBL Clip 5 emerges as the clear technical winner, offering better sound quality and more features at the same price point as the Ultimate Ears MINIROLL. However, the MINIROLL's simplified approach and puck-shaped design might better suit users who prioritize simplicity and compact form factor over advanced features.
For most users, the Clip 5's superior sound quality and versatile mounting options make it the better choice, unless the specific form factor of the MINIROLL better suits your needs.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL | JBL Clip 5 |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Determines true portability | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm, 279g | 135 x 86 x 46mm, 285g |
| Design & Mounting - Affects how you'll use it | |
| Puck shape with flexible strap | Circular design with integrated carabiner |
| Waterproof Rating - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Sound Output - Critical for overall performance | |
| 86-87 dBC max, single 45.6mm driver | Louder output, enhanced bass response |
| Battery Life - Determines usage duration | |
| 12 hours | 12-15 hours with Playtime Boost |
| Bluetooth Range - Affects connection flexibility | |
| 40 meters | 30 meters |
| App Support - Controls customization options | |
| None | Full app support with 5-band EQ |
| Multi-Speaker Support - Enables system expansion | |
| PartyUp with other MINIROLL only | Auracast with compatible JBL speakers |
| Additional Features - Enhances versatility | |
| Basic Bluetooth controls | EQ presets, speaker finding, firmware updates |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $79 MSRP | $79.95 MSRP |
| Best Use Case - Who should buy this | |
| Users wanting simplicity and flat placement | Active users needing secure mounting and better sound |
The JBL Clip 5 performs better as a home theater companion due to its superior bass response and ability to connect with multiple speakers via Auracast. While neither the Clip 5 nor the Ultimate Ears MINIROLL is designed primarily for home theater use, the Clip 5's better sound quality makes it more suitable for temporary surround effects or outdoor movie nights.
The JBL Clip 5 produces noticeably louder sound than the MINIROLL. The Clip 5 maintains better sound quality at higher volumes, while the MINIROLL begins to distort at its maximum volume of 86-87 dBC.
At nearly identical prices ($79 for MINIROLL, $79.95 for Clip 5), the JBL Clip 5 offers better value with superior sound quality, app support, and more features than the MINIROLL.
While both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, the Clip 5 is better suited due to its stronger bass response and clearer sound output. However, neither speaker is an ideal primary TV audio solution due to potential audio sync issues.
The JBL Clip 5 delivers superior sound quality with better bass response and clearer audio at higher volumes compared to the MINIROLL.
Both speakers work for outdoor movies, but the Clip 5 is better suited due to its louder volume and superior sound quality. Its carabiner design also makes it easier to position for optimal audio placement during outdoor viewing.
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: techradar.com - businesswire.com - bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - ultimateears.com - target.com - youtube.com - ultimateears.com - ultimateears.com - howtogeek.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - gymcaddy.net - jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - soundguys.com - th.jbl.com - hu.harmanaudio.com
