JBL Clip 5 review: an affordable portable speaker with fantastic sound

Big bass in a little case

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The JBL Clip 5 in black is pictured leaning against a sand colored rock against a pink background,
(Image: © Future)

TechRadar Verdict

Despite being pint-sized, this speaker really can blast out the tunes. The level of detail and punchy bass impressed, though the treble could sound strained at over 50% volume. Some great features include the adjustable EQ, Auracast connectivity, IP67 rating, and convenient carabiner, making it an ideal outdoor speaker.

Pros

  • +

    Great detail

  • +

    IP67 waterproof and dustproof

  • +

    Impressive volume and bass

Cons

  • -

    You can’t stand it on its base

  • -

    Only 3 EQ presets

  • -

    Treble trouble when using preset EQs

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The JBL Clip 5 is reasonably priced at $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95 and is available in the US, the UK, and Australia. Considering that the JBL Go 4 costs $49.95 / £39.99 / AU$59.95, if your budget can stretch to the JBL Clip 5 the extra investment will return big gains in sound quality and volume levels.

From minute one I was impressed with what this compact Bluetooth speaker had to offer. The Clip 5 is a satisfying mix of durability, practicality, and enjoyable sound in a small package. Is it one of the best Bluetooth speakers around? All in good time. 

The JBL Clip 5 is covered in woven fabric on the front and back, with a silicone mid-section. It has a large plastic carabiner on the top that's easy to open and clip onto things. I’ve had it hanging from door handles, the bathroom mirror, and shelving units amongst other places, and could easily change up its position to allow for the best listening experience. 

There are silicone strips on the back of the speaker body for added stability when the speaker is placed face-up on a surface, and the JBL logo on the front of the speaker is also made from silicone. Above the logo are the play/pause button and the volume up and volume down buttons. These have icons that represent the respective functions – so, a triangular 'play' icon, and plus and minus signs – and I found them satisfying to press. Within the silicone area on the left-hand side of the speaker sit the power, Bluetooth and Auracast buttons.

A close up of the carabiner on the top of the JBL Clip 5, pictured leaning against a sand coloured rock against a pink background,

(Image credit: Future)

This pint-sized speaker measures just 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches / 86 x 134.5 x 46mm, but at 10 ounces / 285g, it feels a little heavy for its size. It’s a shame that it's only possible to hang the Clip 5 or lie it on its back; there was many an occasion when it would have been more convenient to stand it on its base, but its pebble-like shape makes it unstable.

The speaker has IP67 water and dust protection, meaning I wasn’t limited to where I could listen to tunes. It quickly became my favorite bath-time companion, and the steam was no issue for it. We also did a dunk test in the TechRadar testing tank, after which the Clip 5 continued to function quite happily, so whether you want to listen to tunes on the beach or do karaoke in the shower, it looks like this speaker can handle it. JBL has adopted a sustainable approach with the Clip 5 by incorporating some post-consumer recycled materials in the design. Great stuff.

A close up of the back of the JBL Clip 5, pictured leaning against a sand coloured rock against a pink background,

(Image credit: Future)

If you’ve read my JBL Go 4 versus feature, you’ll already know I’m a fan of the JBL Portable app's user-friendly interface. It has an attractive, easy-to-use design that makes it a snap to view the battery level, use Stereo Group mode to play in stereo from two speakers, or use the PartyTogether mode to add other JBL speakers into the mix for amped-up sound.

Further features on the app include PlaytimeBoost, which is designed to boost the volume of the music without consuming more battery power, a Product Information section, and an EQ settings section. There are four equalizer profile presets: JBL Signature, Chill, Energetic, and Vocal, as well as a customizable EQ profile.

I tested out the Clip 5’s Auracast capabilities by connecting it with a JBL Xtreme 4 and Go 4 speaker. The connection process was easy thanks to PartyTogether mode, and the resulting surround sound effect was impressive. I must admit that my colleague, audio expert Harry Padoan, and I couldn’t help but bop along to the tunes in our music testing room.

A closeup of the control buttons on the side of the JBL Clip 5, pictured leaning against a sand coloured rock against a pink background,

(Image credit: Future)

The battery is said to last up to 12 hours on the JBL website. When I tested it by playing our TechRadar testing playlist non-stop at 50% volume, it lasted just under eleven-and-a-half hours, which isn’t bad considering how obnoxiously loud the Clip 5 is when playing at this volume level.

The sound quality of the JBL Clip 5 is pretty impressive considering its size and price. It’s capable of some surprisingly deep bass and delivers this without losing the detail, even when just using the default JBL Signature EQ setting.

When I laid the speaker down, I could feel the bass pounding through the surface it was on. Not only was the bass impactful and dynamic in tracks like Black Eye by Allie X, but it also delivered low-frequency bass impressively well when I listened to Angel by Massive Attack.

A close up of the USB C charging port on the JBL Clip 5, pictured leaning against a sand coloured rock against a pink background,

(Image credit: Future)

Unfortunately, there was a shortcoming that became apparent when listening to Black Eye. The vocals came across slightly strained and overpowering when listening to the track at 75% volume. They were brought more into proportion when the volume was reduced to 50%; the bass continued to bounce dynamically across the track, and I could still hear the detail in the vocals. I changed to the Energetic EQ preset to see if this made any improvements. While it did what it said on the tin and added some energy to the instrumental element of the track, the vocals continued to have a sharp edge to them. As was also the case with the JBL Go 4, changing over to the Vocal EQ preset just results in all the elements sounding distorted, as if they were recorded underwater.

When listening to Hit the Road Jack by 2WEI and Bri Bryant, the delivery was satisfyingly atmospheric and immersive considering the size of the Clip 5. The different elements layered together well. The bass was dramatic and impactful, and I could hear the finer details in the background of the track as the beat was building up.

The JBL Clip 5 in black is pictured being held by the carabiner against a pink background,

(Image credit: Future)

Cheaper speakers can struggle with the treble and intensity of some vocal sections on this track, making them sound tinny and strained. The Clip 5 handled it well, but the tinniness did appear at around 75% volume, which seemed to be a running theme when I listened to various tracks. The song Boom Boom by the same artists sounded good at 75%, with plenty of detail and drama, but the highs again began to feel a little harsh; at 50% volume, everything blended together a bit better. So this definitely wouldn’t make a replacement for a party speaker if you wanted to blast out the tunes at a get-together.

Adagio Per Archi E Organo In Sol Minore by the London Philharmonic Orchestra was a satisfying listen with this speaker; there was a clear distinction between the different notes and instruments, but a slightly tinny edge to the sounds of the organ. This will likely only be noticed by audiophiles who are scrutinizing the sound quality, however. I don’t imagine anyone expects perfection at this price point but, actually, outside of the treble troubles, the Clip 5 is certainly reaching for it.

Another enjoyable listen was I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness. The guitar and vocals sounded great, and everything was well-proportioned. I could easily hear the detail and depth in Justin’s voice, and the instruments layered together well, with nothing stepping out of line or trying to steal the limelight when it shouldn’t have been.

A close up of the play, pause and volume buttons on the front of the JBL Clip 5, pictured leaning against a sand coloured rock against a pink background,

(Image credit: Future)

The difference between the sound quality of the Clip 5 and the cheaper JBL Go 4 is certainly noticeable. While there is of course a $30 price difference to consider, I'd say it’s worth it if you want deeper bass and the ability to blast out some tunes without lugging about a bigger speaker – though there's naturally some sacrifice when it comes to sound quality at the higher end of the volume scale. 

If you're still undecided whether the JBL Clip 5 covers all your bases, we’ve curated a list of the best Bluetooth speakers with alternatives suitable for varied budgets and requirements. We also keep track of the best cheap Bluetooth speaker deals, so it's worth checking back now and then to see if there’s money to be saved.

JBL Clip 5 review: Price & release date

  • List price: $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95
  • Available now in the US, UK, and Australia

The JBL Clip 5 was released in June 2024 and is one of JBL’s first speakers to include Auracast capabilities, along with the Xtreme 4 and Go 4. It’s available directly from the JBL website in the US, UK, and Australia for $79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95. 

JBL Clip 5 review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally
DriversIntegrated class D digital amplifiers x 1
Dimensions3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches / 86 x 134.5 x 46 mm
Weight10 ounces / 285g
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, USB-C (charging)
Battery life (quoted)Up to 12 hours
Waterproof ratingIP67
App availableYes

Should I buy the JBL Clip 5?

Swipe to scroll horizontally
SectionNotesScore
FeaturesThe JBL Portable app is simple and enjoyable to use, and the Auracast function worked well across three different JBL speakers. This speaker really blasts out the tunes at 50% volume, so a battery life of just under eleven and a half hours didn’t disappoint.4/5
Sound qualityCan struggle with treble at higher volumes, coming through with a sharp, tinny edge, but mids and bass have no problem. The amount of detail on offer, even when the bass is thumping, is impressive.4.5/5
DesignThe carabiner makes for a useful design feature, plus the range of colors available and the IP67 rating make it all the more attractive. It is let down slightly by its old-school appearance and its inability to stand on its base though.4/5
Value The fact that this compact, IP67-rated, punchy, and portable speaker costs less than $80 leaves no room for doubt, this speaker is definitely good value for money.5/5

The JBL Clip 5 in black is pictured leaning against a sand coloured rock against a pink background,

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want big sound from a small package
For a speaker roughly the height of a soda can, it certainly packs a punch. You’ll have no problem using this to blast out tunes at a gathering, especially if you use the Stereo Group feature on the app, too.

You want an easy-to-attach design
The large built-in carabiner that extends from the top of the speaker body is really efficient and can be easily attached to other objects so you can position it for the best listening experience.

You want a durably designed speaker
With its IP67 rating, this speaker can survive water and dust exposure. We went as far as dunking it in a tank of water to ensure the claims were true and can confirm it continued to operate with no problems.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t want to keep faffing with EQ
This speaker can struggle to deliver good-quality treble, but this issue could be remedied by creating a custom EQ. It can be time-consuming to switch back and forth if you regularly listen to a variety of music types, however. 

You want a stand-up speaker
While you can lie the Clip 5 on its back, the best sound is achieved when the speaker is facing towards you. This means you need somewhere to hang it, as it can't be stood up on the curved base, which can be frustrating.

You want EQ presets to match a range of content
While the customizable EQ is a big plus in my book, there are only three presets to choose from if you don’t want to attempt to fine-tune the EQ yourself.

JBL Clip 5 review: Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontally
JBL Clip 5Tribit XSound Plus 2Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Price$79.95 / £59.99 / $89.95$69.99 / £63 (about AU$105)$99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149
Weight10 ounces / 285g1.76lbs / 798g14.8oz / 420g
Dimensions3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches / 86 x 134.5 x 46 mm7.81 x 2.62 x 2.76 inches / 198.5 x 66.5 x 70mm4 x 3.75 x 3.75 in / 104 x 95.3 x 95.3 mm
DriversIntegrated class D digital amplifiers x 1, Passive bass radiator2x 15W neodymium full-range drivers2x 40mm active drivers, 2x 46.1mm x 65.2mm passive radiators
Battery life (quoted)Up to 12 hours24 hours14 hours
Waterproof ratingIP67IPX7IP67

Tribit XSound Plus 2
If you want more opportunity to fine-tune the sound without changing the custom settings each time, the XSound Plus 2 has six pre-programmed presets: XBass, XBass Off, Audiobook, MaxSound, Traditional, Rock and Jazz. You can create custom profiles too with its nine-band EQ. There’s also a staggering 24 hours of playtime on offer from this speaker. If you'd like to hear more, read our full Tribit XSound Plus 2 review.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
If you’re a fan of playing the DJ when you’re out with friends, the Wonderboom 3 has Outdoors Mode, which changes the EQ to a sound profile tailored to listening to tunes outside. This is further helped by the 360-degree sound, so no matter your position around the speaker you still get the full experience. To learn more, check out our full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 review.

How I tested the JBL Clip 5

  • I tested the speaker over several months
  • I listened to a variety of music genres and podcasts
  • I played music continuously to determine battery usage

I tested the JBL Clip 5 over a few months. I listened to a variety of music genres, as well as the TechRadar testing playlist that includes tracks ranging from complex and layered instrumentals to deep bass and delicate vocals. This enabled me to determine the speaker's ability to handle different frequencies.

I played our TechRadar playlist on Tidal continuously at 50% volume using the default JBL signature EQ preset to test whether the battery could last up to 12 hours.

I used it to listen to music and podcasts in the TechRadar office, our music testing room, and at home, using Spotify and Tidal from an iPhone 12 Pro and a OnePlus Pad Go.

Cesci Angell
Cesci Angell
Staff Writer

Cesci is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. She writes in-depth reviews based on her real-world testing across a variety of categories, but has a particularly keen interest in home tech, and has written features and reviews about gadgets ranging from headphones to smart lights to graphics tablets. She also has a broad range of experience from working in different industries, from sustainable materials and packaging to skin care.