Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB100 for the lower price. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 of 47 small speakers at $69.95. The Sony SRS-XB100 ranks #33 at $63, $6.95 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Clip 5: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. The tradeoff: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
What the Sony SRS-XB100 offers: Long real-world battery life (~17 hours in testing). Watch for: Not much bass.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XB100 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Sony SRS-XB100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $63.00 |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #33 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.6 lbs / 274 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 3" x 3.7" (76 x 95 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Output Power | 7W | 2.5W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 46mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Charging Time | - | 4.5 hours |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL Clip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB13
- JBL Clip 4 vs Klipsch Austin
- Minirig Mini 2 vs Tozo PE1
- Sony SRS-XB100 vs Sony SRS-XB13
- JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Clip 5
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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XB100: $63.00 Amazon
Pros: Long real-world battery life (~17 hours in testing). IP67 rated and pocketable at 267g, with a clip for bags/gear. Can stereo-pair two units.
Cons: Not much bass. Seems pretty much the same as the XB13, maybe a teeny bit deeper bass and a little less muddy.
Full Sony SRS-XB100 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3" x 3.7" (76 x 95 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 2.5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 274 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- CEONTHEMAKING: BATTLE Of The Compact Speakers Sony SRS-XB100 VS JBL Clip 4!
- Flossy Carter: Sony SRS-XB100 - Small Speaker, Huge Sound
- Danny Pops: Agreeable Gray? - The Sony XB100 is almost the same as the XB13
- Storytripper HD: JBL GO 4 vs TRIBIT MICRO 2 vs KLIPSCH AUSTIN vs SONY SRS-XB100
- Reddit Search for Sony SRS-XB100 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons