JBL Clip 5 vs JBL Clip 4: Which ultra-portable speaker is better?

JBL has released the latest iteration of its famous, clip-it-to-your-backpack, ultra-portable speaker, the JBL Clip 5. We discovered that the new Clip 5 has significant improvements and updates compared to its predecessor. In this article comparing the JBL Clip 5 and JBL Clip 4, we’ll outline these improvements to help you decide which of these adventure-ready Bluetooth speakers is worth your money.

Editor’s note: this article was published on July 15th, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the JBL Clip 5 compared to the JBL Clip 4?

Physically, the new Clip 5 doesn’t stray too far from the Clip 4 design. It retains its IP67 protection rating, making it dustproof and waterproof. Of course, you still get the signature carabiner, but now, with more distance between the top of the unit and the bottom of the carabiner, the Clip 5 does better with placement options.

While the Clip 4’s integrated carabiner design extends around the speaker enclosure, almost as a bumper for protection, the Clip 5 has a more low-profile design, with rubberized silicone protecting the speaker’s edges instead. Controls are virtually the same; your raised playback buttons are on the face of the speaker in typical JBL fashion.

However, a new mini-control strip is integrated into this silicone on the left side of the Clip 5. It comprises your power, Bluetooth, and a new Auracast button for connecting to other Auracast-supported JBL speakers. There are minor design changes, but the new Clip 5 is dead simple to use, just like the Clip 4.

Should you use the apps of either JBL Clip 5 or JBL Clip 4?

Here is the most significant upgrade to the JBL Clip 5. It now features support from the JBL Portable companion app, which is a big deal because the Clip 4 has no software support. This now means EQ options, including a 5-band customizable EQ so you can personalize the sound of your Clip 5.

The app will also allow you to pair a second Clip 5 for stereo performance, link up with other Auracast-supported JBL speakers like the new Go 4 and Xtreme 4, and access any potential firmware updates.

Does the JBL Clip 5 sound better than the JBL Clip 4?

You need to have reasonable sound expectations for smaller, mono Bluetooth speakers. You won’t exactly be rattling any windows with its bass response, but cutting right to the chase; the Clip 5 sounds better than the Clip 4 for several reasons.

Firstly, we see a wattage increase. The Clip 5 now offers 7W of output compared to the 5W output provided by the Clip 4. The second reason the Clip 5 sounds better is its customizable sound. For example, diving into the 5-band EQ will allow you to squeeze more low-end out of this ultra-portable speaker, compared to being stuck with the Clip 4’s stock sound, no matter what genre you’re listening to.

Increasing the treble frequencies also naturally helps reveal cymbal-related details and liven up some reverberated vocal tones in rock and instrument-based music. Experimenting with the 5-band EQ to customize your sound can make your time with the Clip 5 even more enjoyable, even though adding the extra bass might cost you some battery life.

Should you get the JBL Clip 5 or JBL Clip 4?

There’s no need to beat around the bush here. With companion app support, better battery life, and even more output, the new JBL Clip 5 is undoubtedly the better Bluetooth speaker to buy. It’s as simple as that.

What should you get instead of the JBL Clip 5 and JBL Clip 4?

If you’re on a budget but still want an ultra-portable speaker to take with you on your next adventure, check out the recently updated JBL Go 4. ($49.95 at Amazon) You won’t get the same performance; the Clip 5 has a better bass response thanks to its passive radiator. However, the Go 4 is still ultra-portable and weighs less than half a pound.  It’s also supported by the JBL Portable app, allowing you to take advantage of those same EQ options.

If you want a speaker that can offer more than what the Clip 5 is capable of, the Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is also worth a look. ($79.99 at Amazon) This portable but heavy speaker delivers 30W of stereo sound and is designed to perform in three different positions: standing, hanging, and lying. Thanks to its companion app, you can assign a different EQ setting to each position, and simply changing the speaker’s orientation will trigger an EQ change.

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