Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for better sound quality, the JBL Clip for the lower price. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 of 47 small speakers at $69.95. The JBL Clip ranks #35 at $50, $19.95 cheaper.
What the JBL Clip 5 gets right: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. The catch: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
What the JBL Clip offers: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Watch for: Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Clip 5 is rated for 12 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Clip.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Clip 5 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | JBL Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $50 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Output Power | 7W | 7W RMS |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~95Hz |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Clip 5: $69.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
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 | No |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
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- Links
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately.
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 7W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons