Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 5 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro ranks #19 of 47 small speakers at $90. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 at $69.95, $20.05 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Micro offers: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Watch for: Lack of clarity.
On the JBL Clip 5 side: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Set against that: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Clip 5 is rated for 12 hours versus 6 hours for the Bose Soundlink Micro.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90.00 | $69.95 |
| Ranked | #19 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms | - |
| Max Volume | 90dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Output Power | 5W | 7W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Sony SRS-XB13 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Marshall Willen II vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Sony SRS-XB13
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro: $90.00 Amazon
Pros: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Very compact and pocketable at 0.68 lb.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 90dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 4
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs B&O Beoplay P2
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- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Marshall Willen
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Go 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Go 4
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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