Short answer: the JBL Flip 5 for better sound quality, the Tribit Xsound Go for the lower price. The JBL Flip 5 ranks #62 of 136 medium speakers at $89.95. The Tribit Xsound Go ranks #78 at $29.97, $59.98 cheaper.
On the JBL Flip 5 side: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Watch for: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass.
What the Tribit Xsound Go gets right: Well balanced sound. The tradeoff: Lacking quite a bit of bass compared to bigger speakers.
One note: the JBL Flip 5 is discontinued, but it still ranks #62 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Flip 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Xsound Go if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit Xsound Go is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Flip 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 5 | Tribit Xsound Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.95 Discontinued | $29.97 |
| Ranked | #62 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #78 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz | 83Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms | - |
| Max Volume | 92dB | 98dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g | 0.8 lbs / 380 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) | 6.9" x 2.3" x 2.2" (175 x 59 x 56 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 20W RMS | 16W |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| App | - | Yes |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs JBL Flip 4
- Xiaomi Mi Portable vs JBL Flip 4
- Tribit Xsound Surf vs LG Xboom Grab
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- JBL Flip 5 vs Tribit Xsound Surf
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Flip 5: $89.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated.
Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 5 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beoplay A1 Denon 250bt JBL Flip 5 Anker Flare 2 More from alanrossreviews →
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3? More from DLXWillington →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs JBL Flip 5 v Tribit Maxsound Plus
- Techder Audios: #JBL Flip 5 VS #JBL Flip Essential “IMPRESSIVE COMPARISON!?” More from techderaudios →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Emberton vs JBL Flip 5 & Soundcore Boost - true stereophonic 🤓
- Reddit Search for JBL Flip 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Tribit Xsound Go: $29.97 Amazon
Pros: Well balanced sound. Very light (13.4 oz) and inexpensive. IPX7 rated; up to 24 hours of battery at moderate volume.
Cons: Lacking quite a bit of bass compared to bigger speakers
Full Tribit Xsound Go review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 83Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9" x 2.3" x 2.2" (175 x 59 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 98dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 380 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 Xsound Go vs Tribit Xsound Surf
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Sony ULT Field 1
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Tribit Stormbox 2
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Soundcore 2
- Tribit Xsound Go vs JBL Grip
- Tribit Xsound Go vs LG Xboom Grab
- Tribit Xsound Go vs KEF Muo gen2
- Tribit Xsound Go vs Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
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