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JBL
JBL Clip 5
Value for Money & durability / build quality
8/ 10
8
0.010.0
A 8 puts its value for money in the top third of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 55 of the 166 we've cataloged.
9/ 10
9
0.010.0
A 9 puts its durability / build quality in the top half of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 52 of the 166 we've cataloged.
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
12 hBelow average12 h
5 h42 h
below average for bluetooth speakers — based on 137 of 166 we've cataloged.
IP Rating
IP67Most commonIP6738%IPX732%IPX410%IP686%
IP67 is the most common — on 38% of the 131 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 166).
Bluetooth Version
5.3Most common5.334%5.020%5.410%4.29%
5.3 is the most common — on 34% of the 134 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 166).
Is Portable
YesMost commonTrue92%False8%
True is the most common — on 92% of the 159 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 166).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 12 h
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Fast Charging
- No
Build
- IP Rating
- IP67
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.3
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC
- Multi Speaker Chain
- Yes
- Stereo Pairing
- Yes
Design
- Is Portable
- Yes
- Color Options
- Black, blue, camouflage, purple, red, white
- Dimensions Depth
- 46 mm
- Dimensions Height
- 134 mm
- Dimensions Width
- 86 mm
- Carry Strap
- Yes
- Power Source
- Rechargeable battery
- Weight
- 285 g
Features
- Speakerphone
- No
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
Sound
- Amplification
- Active (powered)
- Channels
- 1.0 (mono)
- Driver Count
- 1
- Total Power Output
- 7 W
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Connectivity5.0
Design7.5
Portability9.0
Features9.0
Value8.0
The verdict
The JBL Clip 5 features some welcome upgrades. Now offering support from the JBL Portable app, which includes both preset and a customizable EQ, not to mention a boost in wattage and better battery life, the JBL Clip series remains a solid choice for an on-the-go outdoor Bluetooth speaker.
✓What we like
✓IP67
✓Multipoint connection
✓Companion app w/ EQ options
✓Auracast with other compatible JBL speakers
✕What could be better
✕No custom EQ while using Auracast
✕"Playtime Boost" drastically decreases sound quality
Related comparisons
Browse all versus ›See how the JBL Clip 5 stacks up against the competition.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
I went hands-on with JBL’s new Cove speakers, and one really stands outMore JBL speakers? Here’s the lowdown on the new Cove lineup.
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.
Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/Writer
Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterThe JBL Xtreme 4 does one thing the newer Xtreme 5 can’tThere’s still one very good reason I’d buy the older Xtreme 4, and it’s not the lower price.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterI built my own Dolby Atmos speaker system, but I still prefer headphones for musicInvesting in Dolby Atmos wasn't a waste, but listening through headphones is more than a gimmick.Brady SnyderContributorWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorDon't buy the JBL Charge 6. Buy these three speakers insteadThe JBL Charge 6 is a solid speaker, but these three alternatives may be worth buying instead.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterBest Bluetooth speakers to buy instead of JBLJBL speakers are popular, but they’re not your only option.Dave CarrVideo Producer/WriterMore Bluetooth speakers
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