Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Creative iRoar Go is the better pick: it ranks #74 of 182 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5), against #79 (rated 3.3/5) for the JBL Flip 5. If you want one new, the JBL Flip 7 replaces the JBL Flip 5 and is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95.
Why pick the Creative iRoar Go: A waterproof stereo speaker with a dedicated woofer, an aux input, a speakerphone mic and app EQ. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip 5 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Flip 5 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip 5.
The JBL Flip 5 is the lighter pick. A compact, light waterproof speaker with a carry strap and USB-C charging. At 1.2 lbs (540 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Creative iRoar Go at 1.8 lbs (816 g). Watch for: Boosted upper bass.
Buy the Creative iRoar Go only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Flip 7, which replaces the JBL Flip 5.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Creative iRoar Go | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $83 Discontinued | $64.97 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #74 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 182 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) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Creative iRoar Go: reviews by techkiste.net.
- JBL Flip 5: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Techder Audios.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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