Short answer: the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks #27 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $20.99; the JBL Clip ranks #35 and costs $50, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Tribit PocketGo: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. The tradeoff: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class.
What the JBL Clip offers: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Watch for: Quite a lack of bass.
Buy the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Clip and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit PocketGo is rated for 20 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Clip.
If water resistance matters to you, the Tribit PocketGo at IP68 (extended submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | JBL Clip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20.99 | $50 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | 7W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| 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 | AC Wall Wart |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Discontinued | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~95Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Dayton Audio Boost Mini vs JBL Clip 3
- JBL Go 3 vs Ortizan X10
- Soundcore Select 4 Go vs JBL Clip 3
- Tribit PocketGo vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
- Tribit PocketGo vs JBL Clip 3
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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JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately.
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 7W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons