Short answer: the JBL Clip 5 for better sound quality, the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini for the lower price. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 of 47 small speakers at $69.95. The Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini ranks #37 at $21.99, $47.96 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Clip 5: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
On the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini side: IP67 waterproof, TWS stereo pairing, 10-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.0, compact 185g design, bass boost equalizer, dual drivers with passive radiator, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, affordable price. The tradeoff: Not much bass, treble rolled off.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $21.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #37 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 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 | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g | 0.4 lbs / 185 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 200Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 3.4" x 3.4" x 1.8" (86 x 86 x 45 mm) |
| Output Power | 7W | Not published |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 2x drivers (rare-earth magnet, long-fibre diaphragm) + passive radiator |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Capacity | - | 2000mAh |
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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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini: $21.99
Pros: IP67 waterproof, TWS stereo pairing, 10-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.0, compact 185g design, bass boost equalizer, dual drivers with passive radiator, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, affordable price
Cons: Not much bass, treble rolled off
Full Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Capacity | 2000mAh |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 3.4" x 1.8" (86 x 86 x 45 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers (rare-earth magnet, long-fibre diaphragm) + passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 200Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | Not published |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 185 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini vs JBL Clip
- Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini vs Sony SRS-XB12
- Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini vs Boat Stone 190/193
- Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
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