Bluetooth speakers
Edifier M90 Computer
8.4/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$299.99at Amazon
Buy on AmazonAll products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
JBL
JBL Go 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 56 of the 164 we've cataloged.
8.5/ 10
8.5
0.010.0
At 8.5, its durability / build quality beats 40% of bluetooth speakers we've measured.
Measured on 53 of the 164 we've cataloged.
No one has reported on this pair yet.
Be the first. We ask a few quick questions about living with it, then check the note before publishing.
Own the JBL Go 5?
Be the first owner to write in — three answers, four quick reads, shown under a pseudonym.
Key specs
Battery Life Wireless
8 hBelow average8 h
5 h42 h
below average for bluetooth speakers — based on 135 of 164 we've cataloged.
IP Rating
IP68IP6738%IPX731%IPX410%IP686%
IP68 appears on 6% of the 128 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Bluetooth Version
6.05.335%5.020%5.411%6.03%
6.0 appears on 3% of the 132 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Is Portable
YesMost commonTrue92%False8%
True is the most common — on 92% of the 157 bluetooth speakers we've cataloged (of 164).
Battery
- Battery Life Wireless
- 8 h
- Capacity
- 3850 mAh
- Charging Method
- USB-C
- Fast Charging
- No
- Powerbank Output
- No
Build
- IP Rating
- IP68
- Floating Design
- No
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 6.0
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC, AAC, LC3
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth, wired-aux-usb-c
- Multi Speaker Chain
- Yes
- Stereo Pairing
- Yes
Design
- Is Portable
- Yes
- Color Options
- Black, blue, camo, gray, pink, red, white
- Dimensions Depth
- 43 mm
- Dimensions Height
- 77 mm
- Dimensions Width
- 101 mm
- Carry Strap
- Yes
- Mounting Type
- Tabletop
- Power Source
- Rechargeable battery
- Weight
- 230 g
Features
- Speakerphone
- No
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
Sound
- Amplification
- Active (powered)
- Channels
- 1.0 (mono)
- Driver Count
- 1
- Frequency Response
- 87-20000 Hz
- Frequency Response High Hz
- 20000 Hz
- Frequency Response Low Hz
- 87 Hz
- Total Power Output
- 4.8 W
SoundGuys review
Connectivity8.0
Design8.0
Portability9.0
Features8.0
Value8.0
The verdict
The JBL Go 5 is a small update, not a major upgrade. You get a more flexible EQ, slightly longer battery life, and some added personality with the new lighting, but it’s not a night-and-day sound difference from the Go 4. That’s not a big surprise considering the limitations of a speaker this tiny. Still, the Go 5 remains a solid choice for the ultra-portable crowd.
✓Liked: IP68, Ambient lighting, 7-band EQ, Lightweight and easy to carry
✕Could be better: Limited volume and bass performance, No light color customization
Owners
How we verify ownersNobody who owns the JBL Go 5 has written in yet.
Owner notes are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not edited by us. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from notes.
Own the JBL Go 5?
Three answers, four quick reads, one sentence nobody tells you before buying. Shown under a pseudonym.
Related comparisons
Browse all versus ›See how the JBL Go 5 stacks up against the competition.
Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
I tried a $1,700 soundbar system, and it ruined TV speakers for meI fear I'm spoiled now.
Shimul SoodEditorI 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/Writer
Shimul SoodEditorI 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/WriterMore Bluetooth speakers
See our top picks ›
Bluetooth speakers
Soundcore Boom Go 3i
8.4/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$59.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Bluetooth speakers
Apple HomePod Smart
8.3/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$369.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Bluetooth speakers
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
8.1/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$179.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Bluetooth speakers
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2
8.1/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$149.98at Amazon
Buy on Amazon