Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks #48 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $219.99. The JBL Grip ranks #99, rated 3.1/5, at $99.95, $120.04 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Pulse 5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 68Hz for the JBL Grip. Watch for: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
The JBL Grip is the lighter pick. Ambient light on the back with settable themes. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Pulse 5 at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $120.04 with the JBL Grip does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.99 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #48 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #99 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 16W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (strap) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Pulse 5: $219.99 Amazon $219.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Pulse 6, ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5, released 2026. It adds USB audio input, AAC and LC3. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68. See every JBL Pulse generation.
Pros: JBL Pulse 5 uses 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter. Its 1500 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its ~58Hz specification. Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026 More from M1MTechChannel →
- Techder Audios: JBL PULSE 5 VS JBL CHARGE 5 "LIGHTS VS BASS?!" More from techderaudios →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Bass Check 💣 Treblab HD-360, Ultimate Ears EpicBoom, Marshall Middleton & JBL Pulse 5. Boom or Bust? More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons