Short answer: the JBL Go 5 for the higher ranking, the Xiaomi Sound Pocket for the lower price. The JBL Go 5 ranks #24 of 46 small speakers at $44.95. The Xiaomi Sound Pocket ranks #44 at $22.99, $21.96 cheaper.
On the JBL Go 5 side: IP68 rating, up from the Go 4’s IP67. AirTouch tap-to-pair stereo linking. The catch: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the Go 4 besides the lights.
The case for the Xiaomi Sound Pocket: 5W output, IP67 waterproof, 10-hour battery life, compact 200g ultra-portable design, Bluetooth 5.4 with TWS stereo pairing. The tradeoff: Bass light, vocals harsh above ~80% volume, vibrates/walks on hard surfaces at higher volume when upright, slow 3-hour charge.
Buy the JBL Go 5 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Xiaomi Sound Pocket if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Go 5 | Xiaomi Sound Pocket | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $44.95 | $22.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 46 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #44 of 46 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Bank | 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 / 200 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| USB Audio | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | - |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 3.98" x 3.03" x 1.69" (101 x 77 x 43 mm) | 3.57" x 2.93" x 1.68" (90.8 x 74.4 x 42.6 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 45mm | Full-range driver + passive radiator |
| Output Power | 4.8W | 5W |
| Battery Capacity | - | 1000mAh |
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 Anker Soundcore Mini
- JBL Go 5 vs Dewalt Wearable Bluetooth Speaker
- JBL Go 5 vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- JBL Go 5 vs Noxgear 39g
- 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
Xiaomi Sound Pocket: $22.99 Amazon Aliexpress
Pros: 5W output, IP67 waterproof, 10-hour battery life, compact 200g ultra-portable design, Bluetooth 5.4 with TWS stereo pairing, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, 3.6-inch form factor
Cons: Bass light, vocals harsh above ~80% volume, vibrates/walks on hard surfaces at higher volume when upright, slow 3-hour charge
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1000mAh |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.57" x 2.93" x 1.68" (90.8 x 74.4 x 42.6 mm) |
| Drivers | Full-range driver + passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 200 g |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Anker Soundcore Mini
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Dayton Audio Boost Mini
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Tozo PE1
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Boat Stone 190/193
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs JBL Go 3
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs JBL Go 4
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Onn Small Rugged Speaker
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Soundcore Mini 3 Pro
- Xiaomi Sound Pocket vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 2
- 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.