Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5 for better sound quality, the Walla Sound for the lower price. The JBL Pulse 5 ranks #47 of 177 medium speakers, rated 3.7/5, at $224.99. The Walla Sound ranks #163, rated 2.2/5, at $49.99, $175 cheaper.
The JBL Pulse 5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A waterproof party speaker with a built in light show, app EQ and linking with up to 100 other JBL speakers. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 90Hz for the Walla Sound. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Walla Sound. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Walla Sound. Watch for: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
The Walla Sound is the lighter option. A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone. At 0.7 lbs (300 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: No bass, gets distorted when turned up.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Walla Sound if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A waterproof party speaker with a built in light show, app EQ and linking with up to 100 other JBL speakers.
A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Walla Sound | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $224.99 | $49.99 |
| Ranked | #47 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #163 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | ~90Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 30mm metal diaphragm driver |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 10W (2 x 5W) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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