Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for the app EQ, the Esquire Mini 2 for the speakerphone and power bank. The Esquire Mini 2 doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank with a metal grille and kickstand, but it has a huge lack of bass and sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. The Clip 5 adds a JBL Portable app with custom EQ and a wider carabiner, though the sound is more of the same from the Clip series.
Buy the JBL Clip 5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is no longer sold new.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the JBL Clip 5 at IP67 (brief submersion) against the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2, which has no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.95 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 54 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 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) |
| Amplifier 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 |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~120Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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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The Two Speakers In Full
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) and the JBL Clip (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5).
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 →
| 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
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 →
| 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
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