Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Charge 6 ranks #12 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $149.95; the JBL Clip 5 ranks #22 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $59.95.
The JBL Charge 6 is the longer-running pick. A waterproof medium speaker with a long battery and a power bank output, with more balanced sound than older Charge models. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Clip 5. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Clip 5 lacks. Watch for: Still some boosted bass by default.
The JBL Clip 5 is the lighter choice. 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 6 at 2.2 lbs (990 g). Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the JBL Charge 6 at $149.95 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the JBL Clip 5 at $59.95 if you want a small speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 6 | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 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 | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 7W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
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