Short answer: neither is a standout, so let price and features decide. These rank #29 and #39 out of 62 small speakers, and the price gap is $34.96.
Both have real sound quality complaints. Our notes on the Go 5 describe it as still lacking bass and not very clear overall, with an uneven, upper-mid-heavy tonal balance and a mono downmixing artifact that produces an audible growling sound, the same issue noted on the JBL Charge 6. The Monster’s notes describe not much bass, slightly boosted mids, and highs that are a little rolled off, and it’s worth knowing the Monster shares its hardware with the Boat Stone 190/193 and the Dayton Audio Boost Mini.
The Go 5 packs in more features for the extra money:
- A 7-band app EQ, up from the Go 4’s 5-band, versus no app or EQ at all on the Monster.
- AirTouch tap-to-pair stereo linking and Auracast party mode, neither of which the Monster supports.
- IP68 water resistance, up from the Go 4’s IP67, versus IPX7 on the Monster.
- USB-C digital audio input, missing on the Monster.
What the Monster offers instead: a built-in microphone for calls, a 3.5mm aux input, and microSD playback, none of which the Go 5 has. It’s also the lighter of the two at 0.4 lbs (181 g) versus 0.5 lbs (227 g), though our notes call the Go 5 still overpriced for what it delivers even at its own price point.
Buy the JBL Go 5 if you want the app-based EQ, stereo pairing, and Auracast, and don’t mind paying more for a speaker with the same core limitations as the Go 4.
Buy the Monster Bluetooth Speaker if you just want the cheapest usable option and don’t need an app, EQ, or party mode.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A pocket sized fully waterproof speaker with tap to pair stereo linking, app EQ, and USB-C audio input.
A very cheap, light waterproof travel speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, and stereo pairing.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 5 | Monster Bluetooth Speaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $19.99 |
| Ranked | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 62 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 | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (230 g) | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) | Specifications vary by model |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 45mm | 1.4” (36mm) full-range driver |
| Amplifier Power | 4.8W | 5W |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (carabiner hook, suction cup) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 95Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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