Short answer: the Tribit Xsound Plus 2. It ranks #32 of 135 medium speakers by sound quality at $60; the JBL Pulse 5 ranks #42 and costs $199.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Tribit Xsound Plus 2: Using this EQ gets the best sound quality out of it. The catch: the factory EQs boost both treble and bass, there’s a peak at 320hz and a dip at 500hz, and the bass turns slappy and distorted in xbass mode.
What the JBL Pulse 5 gets right: It has a cool light show, though it’s no longer synced to the music like the Pulse 2’s was. Set against that: the bass isn’t quite as deep as others and the plastic scratches easily.
Buy the Tribit Xsound Plus 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Pulse 5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit Xsound Plus 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Pulse 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Xsound Plus 2 | JBL Pulse 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #32 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Aux Latency | 16ms | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | SBC 233ms, AAC 240ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| TWS | 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 |
| Output 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 |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit Xsound Plus 2: $60 Amazon
Pros: Use this EQ for the best sound quality
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 16ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Output Power | 30W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 798 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Xsound Plus 2: Upgrade Your Sound With Maxsound Eq Preset! New firmware tested
- 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
- Reddit Search for Tribit Xsound Plus 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Pulse 5: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2.
Cons: Not quite as deep bass as others. Plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons