These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Go 5 ranks #29 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $54.95; the Soundcore 2 ranks #105 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $29.99.
The JBL Go 5 is the lighter option. A pocket sized fully waterproof speaker with tap to pair stereo linking, app EQ, and USB-C audio input. At 0.5 lbs (230 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore 2 at 0.7 lbs (318 g). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Soundcore 2 lacks. The catch: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the JBL Go 4 besides the lights.
The Soundcore 2 is the longer-running option. A cheap, light waterproof stereo speaker with a long rated battery, an aux input and pairing with a second unit. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Go 5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Go 5 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Go 5. Watch for: Bass is specified only down to 70Hz, so the low end is limited.
Buy the JBL Go 5 ($54.95) for a small speaker; the Soundcore 2 ($29.99) suits a medium speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 5 | Soundcore 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $29.99 |
| Ranked | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #105 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (230 g) | 0.7 lbs (318 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 | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 45mm | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 4.8W | 12W |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | No |
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