Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5 on measured sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ on price. The JBL Pulse 5 ranks #48 of 175 medium speakers, rated 3.7/5, at $219.99. The Tribit Stormbox Mini+ ranks #142, rated 2.5/5, at $31.99, $188 cheaper.
The JBL Pulse 5 is the better-sounding option. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. The catch: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
The Tribit Stormbox Mini+ is the lighter choice. IPX7 waterproof, app support with EQ presets and AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging, built-in mic for calls, AUX input, microSD card playback. At 1.2 lbs (544 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Pulse 5 at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Pulse 5 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Pulse 5 lacks. Watch for: Not a great sounding speaker, really weak bass.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Tribit Stormbox Mini+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.99 | $31.99 |
| Ranked | #48 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) | 1.2 lbs (544 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 3.6” x 3.6” x 4.7” (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 12W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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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
Tribit Stormbox Mini+: $31.99 Amazon $31.99 eBay
Older model: the Tribit Stormbox Mini (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every Tribit Stormbox Mini generation.
Pros: IPX7 waterproof, app support with EQ presets and AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging, built-in mic for calls, AUX input, microSD card playback.
Cons: Not a great sounding speaker, really weak bass.
Full Tribit Stormbox Mini+ review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.6” x 3.6” x 4.7” (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (544 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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