These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Bose Soundlink Flex ranks #38 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $79.99; the JBL Clip 5 ranks #22 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $59.95.
What the Bose Soundlink Flex does well: A small, rugged waterproof speaker that survives drops and floats, with a warm, bass forward sound for casual outdoor use. Watch for: Not stereo.
The JBL Clip 5 is the lighter choice. A waterproof clip on speaker with a wide carabiner, a long battery, app EQ, and Auracast linking to other speakers. At 0.6 lbs (285 g) it weighs much less than the Bose Soundlink Flex at 1.3 lbs (589 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Flex lacks. Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex ($79.99) for a medium speaker; the JBL Clip 5 ($59.95) suits a small speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| 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 (589 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 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) |
| Drivers | 1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| 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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