Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for better sound quality, the Monster Atomic Atom for the lower price. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 of 47 small speakers at $69.95. The Monster Atomic Atom ranks #29 at $40, $29.95 cheaper.
What the JBL Clip 5 offers: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. The tradeoff: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
What the Monster Atomic Atom gets right: Very small, one of the smallest in the small class and good performance based on the size and weight. The catch: For the small class, lacking quite a bit of bass compared to the top ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Monster Atomic Atom if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Monster Atomic Atom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $40 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Broadcast Mode, up to 100 speakers) |
| 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 | 0.4 lbs / 159 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 2.6" x 1.9" x 1.3" (65 x 47.8 x 32 mm) |
| Output Power | 7W | 3W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 33mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 90Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Charging Time | - | 2 hours |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Clip
- Ultimate Ears Miniroll vs JBL Clip 4
- JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Clip 3
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs JBL Clip 5
- JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Go 4
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
Monster Atomic Atom: $40 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: Very small, one of the smallest in the small class and good performance based on the size and weight. Nice magnetic clip with hole for hanging
Cons: For the small class, lacking quite a bit of bass compared to the top ranked speakers. Discontinued.
Full Monster Atomic Atom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 90Hz |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.6" x 1.9" x 1.3" (65 x 47.8 x 32 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 33mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 3W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 159 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons