Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5, if you are buying new. The Tribit Maxsound Plus ranks higher than it (#22 vs #46 of 157 medium speakers, 4.1/5 vs 3.7/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Pulse 5 is still sold new at $189.99.
The Tribit Maxsound Plus is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. Use XBass mode for flattest frequency response and balanced audio reproduction. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Pulse 5. At 1.3 lbs (595 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 tradeoff: Slightly less deep bass than modern class leaders.
Why pick the JBL Pulse 5: A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Tribit Maxsound Plus lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5, since the Tribit Maxsound Plus is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Maxsound Plus | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 Discontinued | $189.99 |
| Ranked | #22 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (595 g) | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 24W | 40W |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Dimensions | 2.6” x 7.8” x 2.7” (65 x 198 x 68 mm) | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Strap | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Tribit Maxsound Plus: $79.99 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Tribit Xsound Plus 2, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5.
Pros: Use XBass mode for flattest frequency response and balanced audio reproduction. 24W output with dual 44mm drivers and dual passive radiators. Up to 20 hours battery life and IPX7 waterproof casing. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Slightly less deep bass than modern class leaders. No true wireless stereo pairing between two units (introduced on the V2). Discontinued; superseded by Maxsound Plus V2 and XSound Plus 2.
Full Tribit Maxsound Plus review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 24W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.6” x 7.8” x 2.7” (65 x 198 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (595 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: All Tribit Speakers Compared - Maxsound Plus, Stormbox, Xsound Go, Maxboom More from alanrossreviews →
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- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Maxsound Plus v1 vs V2 - upgraded Maxsound Plus tested! 🏅
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JBL Pulse 5: $189.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Pulse 6. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we can’t confirm that yet.
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 →
| 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
- 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 →
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026 More from M1MTechChannel →
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