Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for the app EQ, the Harman Kardon Neo for calls. The Neo is IPX7 waterproof with a matte-metal design and an echo-cancelling mic, and it goes louder than its size suggests, but it has a huge lack of bass. The Clip 5 adds a JBL Portable app with custom EQ and a wider carabiner, though its sound is more of the same from the Clip series.
Buy the JBL Clip 5. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Harman Kardon Neo is discontinued.
Water resistance is not close: the JBL Clip 5 is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the Harman Kardon Neo at no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Harman Kardon Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.95 | $90 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #50 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| 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 | No |
| 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 (251 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) | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 7W | 3W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 105Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| 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 Neo: $90 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Harman Kardon Neo uses 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver. Its 251 g, claimed 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, up to 87dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. Measured bass extension of 105Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 105Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Neo review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 3W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 105Hz |
| 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 | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (251 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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