Short answer: the PocketGo, unless the Clip 5’s carabiner clip is specifically what you need. These rank #27 and #21 out of 47 small portable speakers, at $22.99 and $69.95, and the two are close enough in rating that the Clip 5’s roughly 3x price premium is hard to justify on sound alone.
The Clip 5’s real selling point is its carabiner design - a wider clip and thicker back padding than the Clip 4, built for hanging off a bag or belt loop, plus Auracast pairing with other JBL speakers and app-based EQ. Its own notes describe it as more of the same from the Clip series with extra features rather than a meaningful sound upgrade over the Clip 4.
The PocketGo counters with TWS pairing the Clip 5 doesn’t have, longer battery life (20 hours against 12), and a lower price. Both share an IP68-class rating and neither has an aux input.
Buy the PocketGo for the lower price, TWS pairing, and longer battery life. Buy the Clip 5 if you specifically want the clip-on form factor and JBL’s Auracast ecosystem.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit PocketGo is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Clip 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | JBL Clip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22.99 | $69.95 |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | 7W |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 1x ~50mm (2") full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.6 lbs / 285 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8" (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| App | Yes (Tribit app) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Discontinued | No | - |
The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit PocketGo: $22.99 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) |
| 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
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Go 4
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Go 5
- Tribit PocketGo vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
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- Tribit PocketGo vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
- Tribit PocketGo vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- See all 9 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 |
| 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
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 12, 2026 at 5:33 PM UTC 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.