Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5 on measured sound quality, the Klipsch Nashville on price. The JBL Pulse 5 ranks #48 of 175 medium speakers, rated 3.7/5, at $219.99. The Klipsch Nashville ranks #85, rated 3.3/5, at $84.80, $135.19 cheaper.
The JBL Pulse 5 is the better-sounding pick. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Watch for: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
The Klipsch Nashville is the longer-running, lighter choice. Sturdy rubber-coated build. ~24 hour battery life with fast 18W USB-C charging; can reverse-charge your phone. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Pulse 5. At 2.1 lbs (970 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Pulse 5 at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). Watch for: Upper bass boost.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Klipsch Nashville when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Klipsch Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.99 | $84.80 |
| Ranked | #48 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #85 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | ~64Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) | 2.1 lbs (970 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 7” x 3.1” x 3.2” (178 x 78 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 2x 57mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 20W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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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
Klipsch Nashville: $84.80 Amazon $84.80 eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Austin (smaller model, rated 3.7/5) and the Klipsch Detroit (larger model, rated 3.1/5).
Pros: Sturdy rubber-coated build. ~24 hour battery life with fast 18W USB-C charging; can reverse-charge your phone. IP67 rated. Measured bass extension of ~64Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Upper bass boost. Bass not as deep as the top ranked speakers. Boosted lower treble, sounds a little harsh like most Klipsch speakers.
Full Klipsch Nashville review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~64Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7” x 3.1” x 3.2” (178 x 78 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 57mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (970 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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