Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks #48 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $219.99 and is still sold new; the Ultimate Ears Roll 2 ranks #161 (rated 2.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Ultimate Ears Roll 2’s replacement, the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, is still sold new.
The JBL Pulse 5 is the better-sounding choice. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
The Ultimate Ears Roll 2 is the lighter choice. Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. At 0.7 lbs (330 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Pulse 5 at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Pulse 5 lacks. The catch: Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Ultimate Ears Roll 2 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Ultimate Ears Roll 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.99 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #48 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #161 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.0 |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 10W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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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
Ultimate Ears Roll 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, rated 3.9/5, released Sep 2024. It adds built-in mic and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input, app control and adjustable EQ. Battery life goes from 9 to 12 hours. See every Ultimate Ears Roll generation.
Pros: Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. Built-in bungee cord for hanging from a hook, nail, or door handle. Life-resistant waterproof/dustproof shell.
Cons: Not stereo. Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Roll 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
| App | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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