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 JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker #2 in Portable Bluetooth Speakers
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JBL Go 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Red) JBL Go 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Red) #47 in Portable Bluetooth Speakers
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Price
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Rating
★★★★★
★★★★★
Category rank
#2
#47
Sound
Balanced, punchy, minor bass bloom
Punchy, bass-forward; good for pop & voice
Loudness
Good for size, distortion at max peak
~83 dB max; loud for size, some bloom
Battery
12 hours
7 hours per charge
Waterproofing
IPX7 submersible
IP67 submersible
Portability
Highly pocketable, 7.2 oz, rubber strap
Pocketable, 192g with carabiner loop
Durability
Proven rugged design, solid seals
Proven JBL Go line; rubber casing & sealed ports
Value
Excellent value at ~$90
$37.95 for rugged waterproof speaker
Verdict
The go-to portable Bluetooth speaker
Best value ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker

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