Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 5 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 at $69.95, $29.05 cheaper.
The case for the Bose Soundlink Micro 2: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. The tradeoff: Lack of clarity.
What the JBL Clip 5 gets right: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. The catch: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $69.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 7W |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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- Sony SRS-XB13 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $99.00 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes - replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes - worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs B&O Beoplay P2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Klipsch Austin
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Marshall Willen
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Anker Soundcore Mini
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- See all 18 comparisons
JBL Clip 5: $69.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. IP67 rated. Auracast support for pairing multiple JBL speakers.
Cons: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features. Basically about the same as the Clip 4
Full JBL Clip 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons