Short answer: the JBL Clip 5. It ranks #21 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $69.95; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #42 and costs $100, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Clip 5 offers: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
The case for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. The catch: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume.
Buy the JBL Clip 5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Clip 5 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | 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 | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.6 lbs / 250 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 5.5" x 3" x 1" (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Output Power | 7W | 8W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~120Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 21, 2026 at 5:30 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 5: $69.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the 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 Clip 4
Full JBL Clip 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- 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.
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 8W |
| 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 Sony SRS-XB12
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- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Noxgear 39g
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
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- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip
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