Bose SoundLink Micro Blue
Score: 77/100
JBL Clip 5
Score: 81/100Rankings
The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable speaker with a built-in carabiner, IP67 protection and up to 15 hours of playback. Its small size limits maximum volume and it lacks a built-in microphone for calls. Best suited for hikers and travelers needing rugged, hands-free audio on the go.
The Bose SoundLink Micro is an ultra-compact, rugged Bluetooth speaker offering up to 12 hours of playback and IP67 protection. Its modest volume and occasional Bluetooth range hiccups limit it to personal listening scenarios. Ideal for solo travelers and hikers who prioritize portability and durability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 hours | 15 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 340 g | 285 gbest |
— | 45 mmbest | |
— | 1,400 mAhbest | |
— | 7 Wbest | |
9 mbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 240 minutes | 180 minutesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 12 hours | 15 hours |
Charging Time (minutes) | 240 minutes | 180 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 340 g | 285 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 98.3×98.3×34.8 mm mm | 134.6×45.7×86.4 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the SoundLink Micro for its rugged IP67 build, ultra-portable form factor, and low Bluetooth latency, noting it excels as a personal outdoor companion. However, they criticize its limited volume output and lack of a built-in voice assistant, which restrict its usefulness in larger or smart-assistant-driven scenarios.
Everyday users love the speaker's tiny size, strap attachment, and durability, often highlighting its ability to survive drops and water exposure while delivering surprisingly good bass. Common complaints revolve around a shorter-than-advertised battery life at high volume, insufficient loudness for group use, and occasional Bluetooth range hiccups.
Professional reviewers and editors are not directly quoted in the available data, but product pages emphasize the Clip 5’s "big JBL Pro Sound" in a tiny form factor, its IP67 ruggedness for outdoor use, and versatile Auracast pairing. The narrative positions the speaker as ideal for portability over raw power, highlighting its carabiner and extended battery life as key differentiators.
Everyday users praise the Clip 5 for its remarkable versatility, noting the impressive sound quality in a travel-friendly package and the convenience of the carabiner for on-the-go listening. Common themes include appreciation for the waterproof rating, solid bass for its size, and the long battery life, while few complaints are recorded.
