Short answer: the JBL Clip 4. It ranks #23 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $34.95 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #57 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Clip 4 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. Its bass reaches about 80Hz before falling 10dB, against 120Hz for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 has no water resistance. Watch for: Quite a lack of bass.
What the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 does well: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Clip 4 lacks. The catch: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the JBL Clip 4. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 4 | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $34.95 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #23 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (239 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 135 x 46 mm) | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 8W |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm (1.57”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 79dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) | - |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Clip 4:
- JBL Clip 4 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- JBL Clip 4 vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- Minirig Mini 2 vs JBL Clip 4
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs JBL Clip 4
- JBL Clip 4 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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.
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Clip 4: $34.95 Amazon $49.95 Woot $34.95 Lowest eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Mar 2024. It adds app control, adjustable EQ and party mode. Battery life goes from 10 to 12 hours.
Older models: 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: Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. Real-world battery life often beats the 10-hour rating. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Not very loud.
Full JBL Clip 4 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 135 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm (1.57”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 79dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (239 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Danny Pops: MICRO SPEAKERS - my take on JBL Clip 4 VS Wonderboom 2 VS Bose Micro More from DannyPops →
- CEONTHEMAKING: BATTLE Of The Compact Speakers Sony SRS-XB100 VS JBL Clip 4! More from CEONTHEMAKING →
- Storytripper HD: JBL Clip 4 vs B&O A1 2nd vs Klipsch Austin More from storytripperhd →
- Gi Rides: Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4 - sound battle
- Sis & Bro: Muzen Mini Wild Portable vs JBL Clip 4 - Bluetooth Speaker Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of ~120Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Xiaomi Sound Pocket
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Sony SRS-XB12
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Noxgear 39g
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip 3
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip
- See all 29 comparisons