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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Xsound Plus 2 | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.99 | $239.99 |
| Ranked | #34 of 145 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #45 of 145 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 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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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit Xsound Plus 2: $64.99 Amazon eBay
Older models: the Tribit Maxsound Plus/Thunderbox Plus (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5) and the Tribit Maxsound Plus V2 (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: Use this EQ for the best sound quality. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted treble, boosted bass in the factory EQs. Peak at 320Hz, dip at 500Hz. Bass is slappy and distorted in xbass mode
Full Tribit Xsound Plus 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 30W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 16ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | SBC 233ms, AAC 240ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.8” x 2.6” (198 x 71 x 66 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm neodymium full-range drivers |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs (798 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Xsound Plus 2: Upgrade Your Sound With Maxsound Eq Preset! New firmware tested More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Goodbye Maxsound Plus hello Tribit Xsound Plus 2! neutral heaven or bass for the masses?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bogasing G4 spot cheap speaker - I was NOT expecting this!
- Oluv Patreon: Tribit XSound Plus 2 - first impressions More from Oluv’Sone →
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JBL Pulse 5: $239.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: JBL Pulse 5 uses 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter. Its 1500 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A cool light show, though it is not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its ~58Hz specification. Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Techder Audios: JBL PULSE 5 VS JBL CHARGE 5 "LIGHTS VS BASS?!" More from techderaudios →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Bass Check 💣 Treblab HD-360, Ultimate Ears EpicBoom, Marshall Middleton & JBL Pulse 5. Boom or Bust? More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026 More from M1MTechChannel →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons