Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Micro 2 makes the sturdier simple choice, while the JBL Go 5 adds a stronger ingress rating without a compelling sound upgrade. Bose is IP67 rated for a one-metre, 30-minute dunk.
Its issue is clarity, so that rugged construction does not guarantee a crisp listening experience.
JBL raises protection to IP68 from the Go 4’s IP67, but it is otherwise not much different from its predecessor beyond the lights. The available notes also question its value for the performance delivered.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Micro 2 if a proven compact IP67 build is your main requirement.
Buy the JBL Go 5 if IP68 protection specifically matters more than getting a major audio upgrade.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | JBL Go 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $39.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 49 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 49 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes (AirTouch tap-to-pair) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (329 g) | 0.5 lbs (230 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 45mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Frequency Response | - | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 4.8W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Bose Soundlink Micro 2:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Minirig Mini 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $129.00 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Bose Soundlink Micro (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5).
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 | Yes |
| 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 | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (329 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- See all 53 comparisons
JBL Go 5: $39.95 Amazon eBay
Older models: the JBL Go 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5) and the JBL Go 3 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: IP68 rating, up from the Go 4’s IP67. AirTouch tap-to-pair stereo linking. 7-band custom app EQ, up from the Go 4’s 5-band. USB-C wired audio input.
Cons: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the Go 4 besides the lights. Still lacking bass and not very clear overall. Mono downmixing produces an audible growling artifact, the same issue noted on the JBL Charge 6. Falls well short of similarly priced rivals like the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. Weak off-axis dispersion and an uneven, upper-mid-heavy tonal balance. Doesn’t get meaningfully louder at max volume, just harsher.
Full JBL Go 5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 4.8W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 45mm |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes (AirTouch tap-to-pair) |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (230 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons