Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks #42 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $227.77; the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ ranks #46 and costs $230, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Pulse 5 offers: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Watch for: Not quite as deep bass as others.
What the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ gets right: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. The catch: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Bose Soundlink Revolve+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $227.77 | $230 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #42 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP55 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 91mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Output Power | 40W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II vs Turtlebox Ranger
- Teufel Rockster XS vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Bose Soundlink Revolve
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Pulse 5: $227.77 Amazon
Pros: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2.
Cons: Not quite as deep bass as others. Plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
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Bose Soundlink Revolve+: $230 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Built-in carry handle, useful even with wet hands; can hang from a hook via carabiner. ~12 hour battery at medium-high volume.
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons