Short answer: the Klipsch Austin. It ranks #15 of 62 small speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $54.95; the Hopestar H54 ranks #52, rated 2.6/5, and costs $59.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Klipsch Austin is the better-sounding, longer-running option. A rugged waterproof mini speaker with dual passive radiators, a metal grille, and stereo pairing with a second unit. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 5 for the Hopestar H54. At 0.9 lbs (397 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Hopestar H54 at 1.1 lbs (500 g). It links with other speakers (Broadcast Mode), which the Hopestar H54 cannot. The catch: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers.
What the Hopestar H54 does well: A compact waterproof speaker with microSD playback, an aux input, and stereo pairing with a second unit. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Klipsch Austin lacks. The tradeoff: Bright treble, not much bass, harsh mids.
Buy the Klipsch Austin. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Hopestar H54 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Austin | Hopestar H54 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators | 52mm |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) | 5.5” x 4.7” x 2.8” (140 x 120 x 70 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS | 5W |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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