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 XG5 ranks #150, rated 2.4/5, and costs $99, 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 XG5 at 1.5 lbs (680 g). The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The case for the LG Xboom XG5: A waterproof speaker with a long tested battery, fast USB-C charging, app EQ, lights and an aux input. 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. Watch for: Peaky midrange, rolled off treble.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality than the LG Xboom XG5 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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 XG5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #98 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #150 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM app) |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 10 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 1x 42x80mm track-type woofer + 1x passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 8.7” x 3.3” x 3.1” (222 x 83 x 80 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) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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