Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #98 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95; the LG Xboom Go PL5 ranks #149, rated 2.4/5, and costs $289, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs much less than the LG Xboom Go PL5 at 1.4 lbs (640 g). It is rated IP68 against IPX5 for the LG Xboom Go PL5. Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The case for the LG Xboom Go PL5: A water resistant speaker with music synced LED lights, USB-C charging and Party Link for many speakers. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Grip lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Grip lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. The catch: Barely any bass.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality than the LG Xboom Go PL5 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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 Grip | LG Xboom Go PL5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $289.00 |
| Ranked | #98 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #149 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM App) |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | 71Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.4 lbs (640 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 7.9” x 3.1” x 3.1” (201 x 79 x 79 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | - |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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