Short answer: the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3, even though it costs more. It ranks #6 of 62 small speakers against #29 for the JBL Go 5, and the gap in real world sound is large for this size class.
The Go 5’s own review is unusually critical for a current model. Its cons list weak off axis dispersion, an uneven upper mid heavy tonal balance, and a mono downmixing bug that produces an audible growling artifact, the same issue noted on the JBL Charge 6. The review states directly that it falls well short of similarly priced rivals like the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, and that it does not get meaningfully louder at max volume, just harsher.
The Stormbox Micro 3 has a real flaw too, but it is fixable. Its cons describe thuddy, distorted bass by default that needs an EQ to correct, something Tribit may address with a future DSP update. Its 9 band app EQ gives you the tools to do that yourself, versus the Go 5’s more basic EQ.
What the Go 5 still does better: AirTouch tap-to-pair stereo linking and Auracast party mode, both absent on the Stormbox Micro 3, plus a lighter 0.5 lbs (227 g) body against 0.7 lbs (318 g).
What the Stormbox Micro 3 adds: a built in microphone, a USB-C power bank function, and 24 hours of battery life against the Go 5’s 8 hours.
Buy the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3. Its main flaw is correctable with EQ, while the Go 5’s issues are more fundamental to the hardware.
Buy the JBL Go 5 only if stereo pairing or Auracast grouping matters more to you than overall sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 5 | Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $56.76 |
| Ranked | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (9 Band) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (230 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | AAC, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) | 4.4” x 4.2” x 1.8” (112 x 107.9 x 45 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 45mm | 48mm NdFeB driver with coaxial passive radiators |
| Amplifier Power | 4.8W | 13W |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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