These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen ranks #37 of 172 medium speakers by sound quality at $159; the JBL Clip 5 ranks #22 of 61 small speakers by sound quality at $49.95.
What the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen does well: A very portable 1.3 lbs (586 g), IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Clip 5 lacks. Watch for: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
The JBL Clip 5 is the lighter pick. A 0.6 lbs (285 g) IP67 waterproof clip-on speaker with a built-in carabiner, 12-hour battery and app EQ. At 0.6 lbs (285 g) it weighs much less than the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen at 1.3 lbs (586 g). Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen at $159 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the JBL Clip 5 at $49.95 if you want a small speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A very portable 586g, IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible.
Amazon $159.00 eBay
A 285 g IP67 waterproof clip-on speaker with a built-in carabiner, 12-hour battery and app EQ.
Amazon $59.95 B&H Photo Video $59.95 Woot $49.95 Lowest eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $49.95 |
| Ranked | #37 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 61 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 7W |
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