Short answer: the JBL Charge 5, if you are buying new. The Minirig 2 ranks higher than it (#9 vs #30 of 164 medium speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Charge 5 is still sold new at $139.95.
The Minirig 2 is the longer-running, lighter pick. Modular, can easily attach a subwoofer. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 20 for the JBL Charge 5. At 1.1 lbs (488 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 5 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the JBL Charge 5 lacks. Watch for: Calls itself splash resistant and has no official water rating.
The JBL Charge 5 is the louder, tougher choice. Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 99dB at full volume, against 95dB for the Minirig 2. It is rated IP67 against Splash resistant for the Minirig 2. The catch: Shouty upper mids.
Buy the JBL Charge 5 if you want one new; the Minirig 2 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Minirig 2 | JBL Charge 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $140 Discontinued | $139.95 |
| Ranked | #9 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Latency | 0ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes (dual microphones) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | Splash resistant | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Proprietary USB cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| TWS | Yes (cable) | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (488 g) | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 150ms (1 speaker) / 500ms (2 speakers stereo) | 125ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 70mm speaker driver | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 15W | 40W |
| Dimensions | 4” x 3” (102 x 76 mm) (diameter x height) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
Minirig 2: $140 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Minirig 4, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5.
Pros: Modular, can easily attach a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not stereo. Calls itself splash resistant and has no official water rating. App is buggy. Wireless TWS pairing is buggy. A bit expensive. Has reliability issues more often than any other speaker. Discontinued; Minirig’s current lineup is the Minirig 4, Subwoofer 4 Ultra and Finite MR-79.
Full Minirig 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 15W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX |
| Bluetooth Latency | 150ms (1 speaker) / 500ms (2 speakers stereo) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4” x 3” (102 x 76 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Drivers | 70mm speaker driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splash resistant |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary USB cable |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes (cable) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (488 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Charge 5: $139.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Newer model: the JBL Charge 6, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: Doubles as a power bank (USB-A out) for charging your phone. IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. ~20 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not stereo. Warm sound. Shouty upper mids. Boosted bass. Slightly rolled off treble. Overly expensive.
Full JBL Charge 5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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