Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Bose Soundlink Flex ranks #38 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $79.99; the JBL Go 5 ranks #29 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $54.95.
Different sizes. The Flex is a medium 1.3 lbs (589 g) speaker. The Go 5 is a small 0.5 lbs (230 g) speaker. Each is rated within its own class.
The Flex survives drops, floats, and claims 12 hours. It is warm with overly boosted bass that drowns out midrange detail, and it has no EQ.
The Go 5 lacks bass and clarity and gets harsher at maximum volume. It has IP68, a 7-band app EQ, Auracast and a USB-C wired audio input, with 8 to 10 hours of battery.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex at $79.99 for a medium speaker, or the JBL Go 5 at $54.95 for a small speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex | JBL Go 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $54.95 |
| Ranked | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (589 g) | 0.5 lbs (230 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 6.0 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 45mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Amplifier Power | - | 4.8W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Bose Soundlink Flex: