Short answer: the JBL Go 5 for the higher ranking, the Monster Bluetooth Speaker for the lower price. The JBL Go 5 ranks #24 of 46 small speakers at $44.95. The Monster Bluetooth Speaker ranks #30 at $29.99, $14.96 cheaper.
What the JBL Go 5 gets right: IP68 rating, up from the Go 4’s IP67. AirTouch tap-to-pair stereo linking. Set against that: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the Go 4 besides the lights.
On the Monster Bluetooth Speaker side: Quite light for the performance. The catch: Not much bass, mids slightly boosted, highs a little rolled off.
Buy the JBL Go 5 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Monster Bluetooth Speaker if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 5 | Monster Bluetooth Speaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $44.95 | $29.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 46 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 46 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes (AirTouch tap-to-pair) | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 230 g | 0.4 lbs / 185 g |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| USB Audio | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.98" x 3.03" x 1.69" (101 x 77 x 43 mm) | Specifications vary by model |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 45mm | 1.4" (36mm) full-range driver |
| Output Power | 4.8W | 5W |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 95Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Go 5: $44.95 Amazon
Pros: IP68 rating, up from the Go 4’s IP67. AirTouch tap-to-pair stereo linking. 7-band custom app EQ, up from the Go 4’s 5-band. USB-C wired audio input.
Cons: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the Go 4 besides the lights. Still lacking bass and not very clear overall.
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | 3.98" x 3.03" x 1.69" (101 x 77 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 45mm |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Output Power | 4.8W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes (AirTouch tap-to-pair) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Audio | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 230 g |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Links
Monster Bluetooth Speaker: $29.99 Amazon
Pros: Quite light for the performance
Cons: Not much bass, mids slightly boosted, highs a little rolled off. Same hardware as the Boat Stone 190/193 and Dayton Audio Boost Mini
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 95Hz |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Dimensions | Specifications vary by model |
| Drivers | 1.4" (36mm) full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 185 g |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.