Short answer: the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks #27 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $20.99; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #42 and costs $100, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Tribit PocketGo gets right: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. The catch: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class.
On the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 side: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Set against that: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit PocketGo is rated for 20 hours versus 10 hours for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2.
If water resistance matters to you, the Tribit PocketGo at IP68 (extended submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20.99 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | 8W |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.6 lbs / 250 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 5.5" x 3" x 1" (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | None |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| App | Yes (Tribit app) | No |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) | No |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Discontinued | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~120Hz |
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- Klipsch Austin vs JBL Go 3
- JBL Go 3 vs Sony SRS-XB12
- Tribit PocketGo vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Tribit PocketGo
The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit PocketGo: $20.99 Amazon
Pros: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Costs about half the price of the JBL Go 5. Can stand, hang from its loop, or lay flat on its feet for flexible placement. About on par with the Soundcore Select 4 Go, and a touch louder at lower volumes. App support with signature EQ and customization.
Cons: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class. JBL Go 5 has better build quality plus lightshow, Auracast, and AirTouch. Loses more bass than the Soundcore Select 4 Go at maximum volume. Slightly nasal quality to the sound.
Full Tribit PocketGo review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Tribit app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life.
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5" x 3" x 1" (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 8W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 250 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip 3
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs JBL Clip
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