Short answer: the Creative iRoar Go. It ranks #60 of 135 medium speakers by sound quality at $83; the JBL Flip 5 ranks #62 and costs $89.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Creative iRoar Go offers: Pretty neutral response across the mids Watch for: Rolled off treble.
What the JBL Flip 5 offers: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Watch for: Not stereo.
Buy the Creative iRoar Go. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Flip 5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Creative iRoar Go | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $83 Discontinued | $89.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #60 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 64Hz | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 816 g | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1x 63mm subwoofer, 2x 38mm tweeters | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 7.6" x 3.8" x 2.1" (192 x 97 x 54 mm) | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via Sound Blaster Connect app) | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| App | Yes (Sound Blaster Connect) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 200ms |
| Max Volume | - | 92dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 20W RMS |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Creative iRoar Go: $83 Discontinued
Pros: Pretty neutral response across the mids
Cons: Rolled off treble. Bass extension isn’t as good as today’s speakers. Discontinued.
Full Creative iRoar Go review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sound Blaster Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 64Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.6" x 3.8" x 2.1" (192 x 97 x 54 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 63mm subwoofer, 2x 38mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (via Sound Blaster Connect app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 816 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
JBL Flip 5: $89.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated.
Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 5 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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