Short answer: the Tribit Xsound Go for a well balanced small speaker, the JBL Flip Essential for an aux input. Both are light on bass: the Flip Essential has less bass than a Flip 5, and the Xsound Go lacks quite a bit of bass compared to bigger speakers, though the notes do call its sound well balanced.
Buy the Tribit Xsound Go if you want one new; the JBL Flip Essential is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Tribit Xsound Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $34.99 |
| Ranked | #87 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #99 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 0.8 lbs (380 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 6.9” x 2.3” x 2.2” (175 x 59 x 56 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 16W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 83Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in strap) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM 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 Flip Essential: $130 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip Essential 2, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5.
Pros: A genuinely portable 471g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. It is a simple, no-app option for wired sources, travel and casual listening where its cylindrical shape and modest size are a genuine advantage.
Cons: Bass is lighter than the Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight. Battery life is only a claimed 10 hours, there is no speakerphone, EQ or party mode, and its older Bluetooth 4.1 platform and discontinued status make it a basic used-market choice.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
- Links
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Tribit Xsound Go: $34.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Well balanced sound. Very light (13.4 oz) and inexpensive. IPX7 rated; up to 24 hours of battery at moderate volume. Measured bass extension of 83Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking quite a bit of bass compared to bigger speakers
Full Tribit Xsound Go review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 83Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (380 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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