JBL Clip 5 Review: Compact Speaker with Impressive Sound Quality

Experience powerful audio in a tiny package with the JBL Clip 5, offering robust sound and portability in a waterproof design.

From the moment I unboxed the JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker, I was blown away by what this little Bluetooth speaker packs into its compact frame. Priced reasonably at about $79.95, it’s a noticeable step up from the more budget-friendly JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker, which retails around $49.95. If you’re juggling budget and sound quality, adding a few extra bucks for the Clip 5 definitely pays off with richer sound and louder volume.

Design That Fits Your Active Lifestyle

The JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker is a clever cocktail of durability, practicality, and sound pleasure. Both the front and back are covered in a fabric mesh that feels sturdy yet classy, while the middle band is made from soft-touch silicone, offering a comfortable grip.

One of my favorite features is the large plastic carabiner perched on top, which snaps open and hooks easily to just about anything — from bathroom mirrors to door handles and bag straps. It quickly became my go-to speaker for on-the-move listening, easily adjustable for the best sound projection.

Flip it around, and you'll see silicone strips for grip when it’s resting face-up, plus a silicone JBL logo on the front that blends seamlessly with the tactile buttons just above it. The playback controls are intuitively marked — a triangle for play/pause, plus and minus for volume — and they have a satisfying click to them. Along the left side, you’ll find power, Bluetooth, and Auracast buttons nestled in the silicone band.

Measuring just 86 x 134.5 x 46 mm and weighing 285 grams, the Clip 5 feels slightly hefty for its size but still very pocket-friendly. However, its pebble-like shape means it’s a bit unstable when placed flat on a surface, which made me wish it had a more stable base for resting.

The speaker boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, which means I could take it anywhere without fretting. It quickly became my bathroom playlist partner, undaunted by steam or splashes. Plus, it passed a dunk test in a TechRadar water tank like a champ — whether you're beachside or shower karaoke-ing, this speaker is ready to roll. On top of that, JBL embraced eco-consciousness by using recycled materials in the Clip 5’s build — a thoughtful touch for sustainability fans.

Smart Features for Music Lovers

If you’re already a fan of JBL’s app ecosystem, the Portable app will feel like home. Its clean and easy interface lets you monitor battery life and access neat features like Stereo Group mode to pair two speakers or PartyTogether, which syncs multiple JBL speakers to boost your sound party.

The app also includes PlaytimeBoost, which promises louder music without draining your battery faster, and an equalizer with four presets — JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal — plus a customizable option that lets you fine-tune your sound.

I got to test Auracast on the Clip 5 by linking it with JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth Speaker and JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker. The connection via PartyTogether mode was seamless, creating a surprisingly immersive 3D audio experience. Honestly, my audio-savvy friend Harry Padoan and I couldn’t resist dancing along as the music filled the test room.

Battery life claims hover around 12 hours, and in my real-world test playing a playlist at 50% volume, the Clip 5 nearly hit 11.5 hours — impressive given its punchy volume.

Sound Quality That Surprises

For such a tiny device, the JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker delivers sound that’s surprisingly full-bodied and detailed. Thanks to a 45-mm driver, the bass runs deeper than I expected without overshadowing mids or highs.

Laying the speaker flat, I literally felt the bass pulse through the surface — tracks like Black Eye by Allie X had the perfect punch and dynamic lows. Massive Attack’s Angel translated the low end beautifully, too.

That said, turning the volume up to about 75% revealed a slight strain in the vocals — they sounded a bit tense and harsh. Dialing back to around 50% balanced things out nicely: bass stayed lively, and vocals became clearer. Trying the Energetic EQ preset bumped up the instrumental energy as promised, but the vocals stayed a little edgy. The Vocal preset, amusingly enough, made everything sound underwater — not the best choice.

Listening to Hit the Road Jack by 2WEI and Bri Bryant, the Clip 5 painted an atmospheric soundscape with layered instruments and dramatic bass, which held up well despite its price tag. However, the highs occasionally adopted a tinny edge at louder volumes.

Even orchestral pieces like Adagio Per Archi E Organo In Sol Minore by the London Philharmonic Orchestra sounded clear and well-separated, though with a mild metallic tint on the organ — something only audiophiles might notice. But hey, perfection isn’t the goal here; for a speaker in this price range, it’s impressively close.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness was a joy to play, with crisp guitar riffs and vocals blending flawlessly. It’s clear JBL made sure no instrument hogged the spotlight.

Compared to the JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker, the Clip 5 is a clear winner in sound quality, especially if you crave deeper bass and louder volume without hauling around a bulky speaker. Of course, there’s a tradeoff at max volume where the tweeters get a little sharp, but at moderate levels, the Clip 5 shines.

If you’re still on the fence about the Clip 5, I’ll share some alternative Bluetooth speakers for various budgets and preferences later.

Tech Specs at a Glance

• Drivers: 45-mm dynamic speaker
• Dimensions: 86 x 134.5 x 46 mm
• Weight: 285 grams
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C charging
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours (manufacturer claim)
• Water Resistance: IP67 certified
• App Support: Yes, JBL Portable app

Where to Find the JBL Clip 5

The Clip 5 is widely available through major electronics retailers and popular marketplaces, with prices hovering around $79.95 depending on the region. It comes in multiple colors, including classic black and white, so you can pick the one that suits your style.

Using the Clip 5: A Seamless Experience

The speaker works perfectly with the JBL Portable app, which supports local languages and firmware updates. The app’s equalizer and Auracast management are intuitive, and you won’t run into any issues with voice assistant compatibility since this model doesn’t include voice assistant integration.

Authorized service centers provide warranty support when you purchase from official sellers, ensuring peace of mind.

Ratings Table

Other Speakers to Consider

Tribit XSound Plus 2

If you crave more sound customization without fiddling constantly, the Tribit XSound Plus 2 Bluetooth Speaker offers six preset EQ profiles—ranging from XBass to Audiobook—and a nine-band equalizer for bespoke tweaks. Plus, it boasts an impressive 24-hour battery life, perfect for daylong adventures.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 Bluetooth Speaker shines as a social speaker with its “Outdoors Mode” EQ, tailoring sound for outside listening. Its 360-degree audio ensures everyone hears great sound no matter where they stand, making it ideal for group hangouts.

How I Tested the JBL Clip 5

• Used it over several months across different environments
• Listened to a wide variety of music genres and podcasts
• Played a continuous playlist at 50% volume to check battery longevity

I ran a custom TechRadar playlist featuring layered instrumentals, deep bass, and nuanced vocals to truly push the Clip 5’s sound capabilities. Streaming via Tidal on an iPhone 12 Pro and OnePlus Pad Go gave a solid testbed for real-world use.

The JBL Clip 5 is a clever cocktail of durability, practicality, and sound pleasure.

Whether clipped onto your backpack on a hike or belting tunes in the shower, the JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth Speaker proves that good things truly do come in small packages. While it’s not a party powerhouse at max volume, its dynamic bass and crisp mids make it a fantastic companion for daily listening.

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the JBL Clip 5?
  It delivers up to 12 hours of playback on a full charge, with real-world use around 11.5 hours at moderate volume.
• Is the JBL Clip 5 waterproof?
  Yes, it has an IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof, suitable for poolside or rainy days.
• Can I connect multiple JBL Clip 5 speakers together?
  Absolutely! Using the JBL Portable app’s PartyTogether mode, you can link multiple speakers for stereo or group sound.
• Does the JBL Clip 5 support voice assistants?
  No, this model does not include voice assistant integration.
• How does the JBL Clip 5 compare to the JBL Go 4?
  The Clip 5 offers deeper bass, louder volume, and better build quality, but comes at a higher price point.

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