JBL Go 5 vs. Clip 5: Comparing Compact Portable Speakers
Shop the JBL Go 5 & Clip 5
The easiest factor to determine is your budget. Both speakers are well under $100, making them both fairly budget-friendly. Currently, the Go 5 retails for $54.95 full price, while the Clip 5 retails for $79.95. The Clip 5 is larger and has some design features that account for the price increase, so determine what your budget is before moving onto other considerations.
Sound Quality Comparison
JBL is known for making portable speakers that sound pretty good for their size, but the Go 5 and Clip 5 do have their differences. While neither offers booming bass, the slightly larger Clip 5 offers slightly better bass performance. Where the Go 5 does have the upper hand is sound customization; both speakers work with the JBL Portable app, but only the Go 5 has a 7-band custom EQ, compared to the Clip's 5-band EQ with presets (but not full customization). At the end of the day, they're both portable speakers, so neither can fill a room with sound. However, both the Go 5 and Clip 5 support Auracast, meaning you can wirelessly connect multiple Auracast-enabled JBL speakers to achieve big sound; you can either pair multiple Clip or Go speakers, or mix and match based on what you or your friends already own.
Durability Differences
Both of these speakers are incredibly durable, as they're designed for use on the go. The JBL Clip 5 has an IP67 rating, which means it's both waterproof and dust-proof. The Clip 5 has an IP68 rating, which means it's also waterproof and dust-proof, but can withstand submersion in deeper water than the Clip 5. Why is the Go 5 technically more durable if it's a smaller speaker? Most likely, it's because it's the newer model of the two; maybe the next generation of JBL Clip will also be IP68-rated. The Go 5 technically wins this match, but both are great options if you want to listen poolside, at the beach or while you shower.
Comparing Design Features: Size, Colors & Portability
The JBL Go 5 is incredibly compact, so it's convenient for listening on the go; bring it to a group hangout or on vacation to always have your playlist ready to go. It's currently available in seven colors: black, blue, teal, camo, purple, red and white. Go 5 is small enough to fit in your pocket or a small purse, so it's easy to truly bring anywhere; the built-in loop is designed for hanging or attaching, but you'll need something to actually attach it with.
The Clip 5, as its name suggests, is specifically designed to clip onto your bag, chair or shower head with its built-in carabiner. It's slightly larger than the Go 5, but can still easily fit in a purse or a backpack until you're ready to clip it somewhere and listen. The Clip 5 comes in 6 colors: black, blue, camo, purple, red and white. In short, both speakers come in fun colors and are travel-friendly, but the Clip 5's built-in carabiner makes it more convenient.
Which JBL Speaker Has Better Battery Life?
The JBL Go 5 boasts a respectable 10 hours of playback on a full charge; 8 hours standard, and up to 10 with Playtime Boost. The Clip 5, on the other hand, offers up to 15 hours of playback: 12 hours standard, and 15 hours with Playtime Boost. The Clip 5 is the clear winner here, and we're not surprised; a larger speaker body allows for a bigger battery. It's especially helpful if you're someone who forgets to charge their electronics.
JBL Go 5 vs. Clip 5: Which Should You Buy?
How do you decide which JBL portable speaker is best for you, then? Both speakers look great and offer a durable design, and are Auracast-enabled for more listening options. But they're not exactly the same. If you want the most portable option possible, the pocket-sized Go 5 is perfect for you. It's also ideal for those on a smaller budget. If convenience matters, the Clip 5's built-in carabiner gives it the edge. The Clip 5 also wins in terms of battery life. No matter which you choose, you can find both the Go 5 and Clip 5 online and in-store at Abt. Call 800-860-3577 if you have additional questions for our audio experts, or check out our comparison of the Charge 6 vs. Flip 7 to explore more JBL portable speaker options.
JBL Go 5 vs. Clip 5 FAQs
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It depends on what you want from your speaker. The JBL Go 5 is small enough to fit in your pocket and offers in-app EQ customization, while the Clip 5 has better battery life and a convenient built-in carabiner. Go 5 is better for customization, and Clip 5 is better for longer listening.
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Yes; the JBL Go 5 has an IP68 waterproof rating.
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Yes; the JBL Clip 5 is IP67 waterproof rated.
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Yes; you can either pair two Clip 5 speakers for stereo sound, or connect multiple JBL Auracast-enabled speakers for more room-filling sound.
