Short answer: the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. It ranks #1 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $34.19; the JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 and costs $69.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the JBL Clip 5 side: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
What the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 gets right: Best in class sound. The tradeoff: Finicky phone charging, which doesn’t usually work.
Buy the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Clip 5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $34.19 |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #1 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (9 Band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (but it doesn’t usually work; USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.7 lbs / 317 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | 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) | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.7" (99.1 x 99.1 x 42.7 mm) |
| Output Power | 7W | 10W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 48mm NdFeB driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 265ms |
| Max Volume | - | 94dB |
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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 | 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Tribit Stormbox Micro 2: $34.19 Aliexpress Amazon
Pros: Best in class sound. Much deeper bass than most other speakers in the size. Built in strap is super useful for attaching it to things. Very neutral. To have it aimed directly at you unclip the strap and the speaker will sit upright with a slight lean back.
Cons: Finicky phone charging, which doesn’t usually work.
Setup: Use in Music EQ mode, when you switch to custom it’s not able to boost the bass properly as it is missing an EQ band that Music EQ mode uses
Full Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 265ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.7" (99.1 x 99.1 x 42.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 48mm NdFeB driver |
| EQ | Yes (9 Band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 94dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 10W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (but it doesn't usually work; USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 317 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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