Short answer: the JBL Clip 5. It ranks #22 of 59 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $59.95 and is still sold new; the JBL Clip 2 ranks #47 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Clip 2 is the lighter choice. Clear vocals and midrange for its size, which Tom’s Guide and Expert Reviews both praised, with IPX7 waterproofing, an aux input and a built-in carabiner. At 0.4 lbs (184 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Clip 5 at 0.6 lbs (285 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Clip 5 lacks. The catch: Listeners found it thinner and quieter than the Bose Soundlink Micro, and Tom’s Guide measured it topping out around 80dB.
The JBL Clip 5 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Clip 2. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Clip 2 lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the JBL Clip 5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Clip 2 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 2 | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #47 of 59 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 59 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm full-range driver | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Amplifier Power | 3W RMS | 7W |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (184 g) | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
| Dimensions | 5.6”H x 3.7”W x 1.7”D (141 x 94 x 42 mm) | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Lights | No | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Omnidirectional | - | Pointing up |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Clip 5 compares with other leading options:
- JBL Clip 5 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- JBL Clip 5 vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- JBL Clip 5 vs Minirig Mini 2
- JBL Clip 5 vs Minirig Mini
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs JBL Clip 5
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Clip 2 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
Older model: the JBL Clip (ranked higher, rated 2.7/5). See every JBL Clip generation.
Pros: Clear vocals and midrange for its size, which Tom’s Guide and Expert Reviews both praised, with IPX7 waterproofing, an aux input and a built-in carabiner. Volume-matched against the JBL Clip 3 it sounds nearly identical, with a little more treble.
Cons: Listeners found it thinner and quieter than the Bose Soundlink Micro, and Tom’s Guide measured it topping out around 80dB. It has little low bass, charges over micro USB and is discontinued.
Full JBL Clip 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 3W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 5.6”H x 3.7”W x 1.7”D (141 x 94 x 42 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (184 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Clip 5: $59.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older models: the JBL Clip 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.4/5), the JBL Clip 3 (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5), the JBL Clip 2 (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5) and the JBL Clip (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5). See every JBL Clip generation.
Pros: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the JBL Clip 4. IP67 rated. Auracast support for pairing multiple JBL speakers.
Cons: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features. Basically about the same as the JBL Clip 4.
Full JBL Clip 5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 7W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons