These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Charge 5 ranks #30 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $114.95; the JBL Clip 5 ranks #22 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $59.95.
The JBL Charge 5 is the longer-running pick. A rugged, fully waterproof speaker with punchy, warm sound and long battery life that also charges your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Clip 5. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Clip 5 lacks. The tradeoff: Shouty upper mids.
The JBL Clip 5 is the lighter pick. A waterproof clip on speaker with a wide carabiner, a long battery, app EQ, and Auracast linking to other speakers. At 0.6 lbs (285 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 5 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). The tradeoff: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the JBL Charge 5 ($114.95) for a medium speaker; the JBL Clip 5 ($59.95) suits a small speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM 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
| JBL Charge 5 | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.95 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #30 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 7W |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
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