Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #39 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $74.91; the JBL Clip 5 ranks #22 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $59.95.
The JBL Charge Essential 2 is the longer-running choice. A simpler, tough waterproof speaker with punchy sound, long battery life and a phone charging port, great when found on sale. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Clip 5. Watch for: It is a pared-back Charge: no app EQ, no PartyBoost/party mode and no stereo-pair option.
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 Essential 2 at 2.1 lbs (930 g). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the JBL Charge Essential 2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential 2 lacks. The catch: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 ($74.91) 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 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $74.91 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #39 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (930 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 7W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Charge Essential 2: