The Trend Verdict
Spec-by-spec

Head to head

Contenders from Portable Bluetooth Speakers, every metric lined up. The winning value in each row is outlined.

JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black #3 in Portable Bluetooth Speakers
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JBL Go 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Sand) JBL Go 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (Sand) #46 in Portable Bluetooth Speakers
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Price
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Rating
★★★★★
★★★★★
Category rank
#3
#46
Sound
Balanced, controlled bass; punchy mids
Punchy but bass-forward; adequate clarity
Loudness
~85dB—adequate for rooms, limits outdoor scale
~84 dB SPL; clean at max
Battery
12 hours
7 hours
Waterproofing
IP67—fully submersible
IP67 (submersible)
Portability
Pocketable at 285g with carrying loop
Pocketable, 213g with clip
Durability
Rugged rubberized chassis, proven durability
Rugged rubberized housing; proven IP67 seal
Value
—
Excellent value at $49.95
Verdict
The category benchmark for portable Bluetooth speakers
Best ultra-portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker under $50

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