Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Tribit Xsound Plus 2 ranks #36 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $64.99; the JBL Go 5 ranks #29 of 62 small speakers by sound quality at $54.95.
The Tribit Xsound Plus 2 is the longer-running option. An affordable waterproof stereo speaker with long battery life and an app EQ that can tune it to sound well balanced. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Go 5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Go 5 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Go 5. The catch: Boosted treble, boosted bass in the factory EQs.
The JBL Go 5 is the lighter pick. A pocket sized fully waterproof speaker with tap to pair stereo linking, app EQ, and USB-C audio input. At 0.5 lbs (230 g) it weighs much less than the Tribit Xsound Plus 2 at 1.8 lbs (798 g). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Tribit Xsound Plus 2 cannot. Watch for: Still overpriced for what it delivers, not very different from the JBL Go 4 besides the lights.
Buy the Tribit Xsound Plus 2 at $64.99 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the JBL Go 5 at $54.95 if you want a small speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Xsound Plus 2 | JBL Go 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.99 | $54.95 |
| Ranked | #36 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Latency | 16ms | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours, 10 with Playtime Boost (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | SBC 233ms, AAC 240ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs (798 g) | 0.5 lbs (230 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.8” x 2.6” (198 x 71 x 66 mm) | 4” x 3” x 1.7” (101 x 77 x 43 mm) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP68 |
| Amplifier Power | 30W | 4.8W |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm neodymium full-range drivers | 45mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 100Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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