Short answer: the JBL Clip 5, because the Hopestar H54 sounds harsh. The H54 packs IPX7 protection, MicroSD support, TWS pairing and an aux input into a 1.1 lbs (500 g) body, but its treble is bright, there is not much bass and its mids are harsh. 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 than the Hopestar H54 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Hopestar H54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.95 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #45 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 5.5” x 4.7” x 2.8” (140 x 120 x 70 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 7W | 5W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 52mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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 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
Hopestar H54: $59.99 Hopestar eBay
Pros: IPX7 waterproof, 5W output, 5-hour battery life, MicroSD card support, TWS pairing, AUX input, Bluetooth 5.0, built-in microphone, compact 500g design
Cons: Bright treble, not much bass, harsh mids
Full Hopestar H54 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 4.7” x 2.8” (140 x 120 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons