Short answer: the JBL Charge 5. It ranks #30 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $114.95. The Cleer Audio Scene ranks #33, rated 3.9/5, at $74.99, $39.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Charge 5 is the deeper-bass, longer-running choice. A rugged, fully waterproof speaker with punchy, warm sound and long battery life that also charges your phone. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 10dB, against 62Hz for the Cleer Audio Scene. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Cleer Audio Scene. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Cleer Audio Scene lacks. Watch for: Shouty upper mids.
The Cleer Audio Scene is the lighter choice. A stereo portable speaker with quite neutral, natural sound that keeps voices and instruments clear and true. At 1.6 lbs (742 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 5 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge 5 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 5. Watch for: Less bass extension than a JBL Flip 6.
Buy the JBL Charge 5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $39.96 with the Cleer Audio Scene does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 5 | Cleer Audio Scene | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.95 | $74.99 |
| Ranked | #30 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #33 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | ~62Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 1.6 lbs (742 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 8.5” x 3” x 3.5” (217 x 76 x 89 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 48mm neodymium dome drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 20W |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
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