Short answer: the Klipsch Austin for better sound quality, the JBL Clip 5 for the lower price. The Klipsch Austin ranks #15 of 47 small speakers at $80. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 at $69.95, $10.05 cheaper.
What the Klipsch Austin offers: Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Watch for: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers.
On the JBL Clip 5 side: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Set against that: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Buy the Klipsch Austin if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Clip 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Austin | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 | $69.95 |
| Ranked | #15 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 397 g | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 1.5" (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 4.3" x 1.7" (109 x 109 x 43 mm) | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Output Power | 10W RMS | 7W |
| Max Volume | 89dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 4
- Marshall Willen II vs JBL Clip 4
- Soundcore Mini 3 Pro vs Marshall Willen
- Marshall Willen II vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 5
The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch Austin: $80 Amazon
Pros: Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Clear mids and crisp trebles. Rugged rubberized build with a metal grille; IP67. Supports TWS pairing with a second Austin.
Cons: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers
Full Klipsch Austin review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 4.3" x 1.7" (109 x 109 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.5" (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 89dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 397 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch Austin vs Marshall Willen
- Klipsch Austin vs B&O Beoplay P2
- Klipsch Austin vs Anker Soundcore Mini
- Klipsch Austin vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Klipsch Austin vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Klipsch Austin vs Marshall Willen II
- Klipsch Austin vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Klipsch Austin vs Soundcore Mini 3
- See all 19 comparisons
JBL Clip 5: $69.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. IP67 rated. Auracast support for pairing multiple JBL speakers.
Cons: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features. Basically about the same as the Clip 4
Full JBL Clip 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons