Short answer: the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks #27 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $20.99; the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini ranks #37 and costs $21.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Tribit PocketGo side: 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. JBL Go 5 has better build quality plus lightshow, Auracast, and AirTouch.
What the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini gets right: IP67 waterproof, TWS stereo pairing, 10-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.0, compact 185g design, bass boost equalizer, dual drivers with passive radiator, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, affordable price. Set against that: Not much bass, treble rolled off.
Buy the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini. 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 Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20.99 | $21.99 |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #37 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | Not published |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 200Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 2x drivers (rare-earth magnet, long-fibre diaphragm) + passive radiator |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.4 lbs / 185 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 3.4" x 3.4" x 1.8" (86 x 86 x 45 mm) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Tribit app) | No |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) | No |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Discontinued | No | - |
| Battery Capacity | - | 2000mAh |
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- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- Dayton Audio Boost Mini vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
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 |
| 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
Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini: $21.99
Pros: IP67 waterproof, TWS stereo pairing, 10-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.0, compact 185g design, bass boost equalizer, dual drivers with passive radiator, built-in microphone, USB-C charging, affordable price
Cons: Not much bass, treble rolled off
Full Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Capacity | 2000mAh |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4" x 3.4" x 1.8" (86 x 86 x 45 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers (rare-earth magnet, long-fibre diaphragm) + passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 200Hz - 15kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | Not published |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs / 185 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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