Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5 for the light show, the Tribit Xsound Plus 2 for a cleaner sound once EQ’d. The Pulse 5 has a cool light show, though it is no longer synced to the music like the Pulse 2’s was, its bass is not quite as deep as others and its plastic scratches easily. The Plus 2 has a 320Hz peak and a 500Hz dip out of the box, needs the recommended EQ, and its bass turns slappy in xbass mode.
Buy the Tribit Xsound Plus 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Pulse 5 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit Xsound Plus 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Pulse 5.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Xsound Plus 2 | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.99 | $224.99 |
| Ranked | #36 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Latency | 16ms | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | SBC 233ms, AAC 240ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs (798 g) | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.8” x 2.6” (198 x 71 x 66 mm) | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Amplifier Power | 30W | 40W |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | ~58Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm neodymium full-range drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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