Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks #42 of 134 medium speakers at $199.99; the Turtlebox Ranger ranks #53 and costs $250, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Pulse 5 gets right: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. The tradeoff: Not quite as deep bass as others.
On the Turtlebox Ranger side: Much better frequency response than the other Turtlebox speakers. The tradeoff: Bass sounds kind of thuddy and isn’t as deep as higher ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Turtlebox Ranger if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Turtlebox Ranger | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $250.00 |
| Ranked | #42 of 134 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 134 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12+ hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g | 2.4 lbs / 1089 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 9.5" x 3.15" x 3.15" (241 x 80 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 2" (51mm) woofers |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Output Power | 40W | - |
| Power Bank | - | Yes |
| TWS | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Pulse 5: $199.99 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.
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Turtlebox Ranger: $250.00 Amazon
Pros: Much better frequency response than the other Turtlebox speakers. Has magnets for attaching it to things. Appears to be quite tough
Cons: Bass sounds kind of thuddy and isn’t as deep as higher ranked speakers. Overpriced. Heavy for the size, likely due to the toughness
| Battery Life | 12+ hours (Manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 9.5" x 3.15" x 3.15" (241 x 80 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 2" (51mm) woofers |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1089 g |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.