Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5 for its light show, the Bose Soundlink Mini for a sturdier aluminum build. The Pulse 5 has a cool light show, although it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2, and its bass is not quite as deep as others. The Mini has a compact aluminum build that feels sturdy and dense, but it has boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Bose Soundlink Mini is discontinued, so it is only available used.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Pulse 5 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Bose Soundlink Mini at no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 Discontinued | $218.99 |
| Ranked | #73 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #48 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | USB-C |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 40W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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 Mini: $125.00 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Pulse 5: $218.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Pulse 6, ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5.
Pros: JBL Pulse 5 uses 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter. Its 1500 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its ~58Hz specification. Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Techder Audios: JBL PULSE 5 VS JBL CHARGE 5 "LIGHTS VS BASS?!" More from techderaudios →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Bass Check 💣 Treblab HD-360, Ultimate Ears EpicBoom, Marshall Middleton & JBL Pulse 5. Boom or Bust? More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026 More from M1MTechChannel →
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