Short answer: the Creative iRoar Go. It ranks #67 of 150 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $83. The JBL Flip 5 ranks #70, rated 3.3/5, at $64.97, $18.03 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Creative iRoar Go: Creative iRoar Go uses 1x 63mm subwoofer, 2x 38mm tweeters. The catch: Bass is limited by its 64Hz specification.
Why pick the JBL Flip 5: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Watch for: Not stereo.
Worth knowing: the Creative iRoar Go is discontinued, though it still ranks #67 of 150 medium speakers by sound quality, so a used unit beats most of what is still sold new.
Buy the Creative iRoar Go. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $18.03 with the JBL Flip 5 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Creative iRoar Go | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $83 Discontinued | $64.97 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #67 of 150 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #70 of 150 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 200ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W RMS |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | Yes (lanyard) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Creative iRoar Go:
- JBL Charge 6 vs Creative iRoar Go
- JBL Flip 7 vs Creative iRoar Go
- JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Flip Essential 2
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- Soundcore Glow vs JBL Flip 5
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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
Creative iRoar Go: $83 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Creative iRoar Go uses 1x 63mm subwoofer, 2x 38mm tweeters. Its 816 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection and single-box playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 64Hz specification. 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 | Yes |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 1x 63mm subwoofer, 2x 38mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (via Sound Blaster Connect app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs (816 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Flip 5: $64.97 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-10dB).
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (540 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Techder Audios: #JBL Flip 5 VS #JBL Flip Essential "IMPRESSIVE COMPARISON!?" More from techderaudios →
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons