Short answer: the JBL Clip for its built-in aux cable, the Bose Soundlink Micro for a more rugged build. The Clip is very compact and light at 5.3 oz with an integrated carabiner and its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, though it has quite a lack of bass and slightly hollow mids. The Bose is pocketable at 0.68 lbs (308 g) with a rugged IP67 coating, but it lacks clarity and its bass is overly boosted.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Clip is no longer sold new.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Bose Soundlink Micro at IP67 (brief submersion) against the JBL Clip, which has no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro | JBL Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $82.00 | $50 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 50 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #38 of 50 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (289 g) | 0.3 lbs (158 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.9” x 1.4” (98 x 98 x 35 mm) | 5.4” x 3.8” x 1.8” (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 7W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Bose Soundlink Micro:
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Minirig Mini 2
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 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.
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro: $82.00 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5.
Pros: Bose Soundlink Micro uses 40mm with dual passive radiators. Its 289 g, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 90dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A rugged rubberized coating, a strap and Bose Party mode for pairing multiple speakers. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 66Hz specification. No EQ adjustment.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (289 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Tozo PE1
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 4
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs B&O Beoplay P2
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Klipsch Austin
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Marshall Willen
- See all 50 comparisons
JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately. Measured bass extension of ~95Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 7W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4” x 3.8” x 1.8” (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Drivers | 1.57” (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (158 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons