Short answer: the CMF Speaker S. It ranks #25 of 62 small speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $49. The JBL Go 5 ranks #29, rated 3.2/5, at $34.95, $14.05 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The CMF Speaker S is the longer-running pick. A compact, IP68 waterproof speaker with a solid feel, real physical controls, and an 18 hour battery that held up in testing at about 17 hours at half volume. It is rated for 18 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Go 5. The catch: A single 10W driver limits bass impact and volume, so it suits a desk, bedroom, or close range listening outside rather than filling a larger room.
The JBL Go 5 is the lighter pick. A pocket sized fully waterproof speaker with tap to pair stereo linking, app EQ, and USB-C audio input. At 0.5 lbs (230 g) it weighs noticeably less than the CMF Speaker S at 0.7 lbs (334 g). Watch for: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the JBL Go 4 besides the lights.
Buy the CMF Speaker S. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $14.05 saving on the JBL Go 5 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact, IP68 waterproof speaker with a solid feel, real physical controls, and an 18 hour battery that held up in testing at about 17 hours at half volume.
A pocket sized fully waterproof speaker with tap to pair stereo linking, app EQ, and USB-C audio input.
Prices on this page were last checked October 26, 2026 at 11:06 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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Specifications Side By Side
| CMF Speaker S | JBL Go 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.00 | $34.95 |
| Ranked | #25 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 (Auracast only) | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Mode) | Yes |
| App | Yes (Nothing X) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (4 presets + custom) | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C audio) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Lights | No | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS | 4.8W |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 45mm |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (334 g) | 0.5 lbs (230 g) |
| Dimensions | 5.1” x 3.3” x 1.7” (130.5 x 85 x 44 mm) | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in loop) |
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