Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5 for better sound quality, the Soundcore Glow for the lower price. The JBL Pulse 5 ranks #42 of 136 medium speakers at $227.77. The Soundcore Glow ranks #43 at $80, $147.77 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Pulse 5: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. The tradeoff: Not quite as deep bass as others.
What the Soundcore Glow offers: Nice light show. Watch for: Bass falls off quickly at louder volumes, leaving mostly treble; distortion on bass-heavy tracks at full volume.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Glow if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore Glow is rated for 18 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Pulse 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Soundcore Glow | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $227.77 | $80 |
| Ranked | #42 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #43 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g | 1.8 lbs / 800 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 11.4" x 4.7" x 4.3" (290 x 120 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 63.5mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Output Power | 40W | 30W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 100dB |
| Aux Input | - | No |
| TWS | - | Yes |
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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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Soundcore Glow: $80 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Nice light show. Treble boosted 7db. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Cons: Bass falls off quickly at louder volumes, leaving mostly treble; distortion on bass-heavy tracks at full volume. Light effects and bass-boost noticeably shorten battery life. USB-C port doesn’t support power-bank charging.
Full Soundcore Glow review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 4.7" x 4.3" (290 x 120 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 63.5mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 30W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 800 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons