Short answer: the JBL Go 5. It ranks #24 of 46 small speakers at $44.95; the Noxgear 39g ranks #45 and costs $59.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JBL Go 5: 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.
What the Noxgear 39g gets right: Magnetic clip attaches through a shirt/jacket without pins. The catch: It sounds worse than a clock radio with the worst bass of any speaker.
Buy the JBL Go 5 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Noxgear 39g if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 5 | Noxgear 39g | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $44.95 | $59.95 |
| Ranked | #24 of 46 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #45 of 46 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) | 15 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 | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 230 g | 0.1 lbs / 39 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| 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) | Dimensions not specified in search |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 45mm | N52 neodymium |
| Output Power | 4.8W | Specs not published |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~300Hz |
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Go 5 vs JBL Go 4
- JBL Go 5 vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- JBL Go 5 vs Tozo PE1
- JBL Go 5 vs JBL Go 3
- JBL Go 5 vs Boat Stone 190/193
- JBL Go 5 vs Muzen Wild Go
- JBL Go 5 vs Soundcore Mini 3
- JBL Go 5 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro
- JBL Go 5 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- JBL Go 5 vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- JBL Go 5 vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- JBL Go 5 vs Xiaomi Sound Pocket
- JBL Go 5 vs Anker Soundcore Mini
- JBL Go 5 vs Dewalt Wearable Bluetooth Speaker
- JBL Go 5 vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- JBL Go 5 vs Soundcore Mini 3 Pro
- JBL Go 5 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- JBL Go 5 vs Hopestar H54
- JBL Go 5 vs JBL Clip 4
- JBL Go 5 vs JBL Clip 5
- JBL Go 5 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Links
Noxgear 39g: $59.95 Amazon
Pros: Magnetic clip attaches through a shirt/jacket without pins. Blue safety light for visibility when running in low light. It’s only 39g of weight. ~15 hour battery life.
Cons: It sounds worse than a clock radio with the worst bass of any speaker. It’s a huge compromise in sound for the small weight.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~300Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | Dimensions not specified in search |
| Drivers | N52 neodymium |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Output Power | Specs not published |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs / 39 g |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.