Subj : I tested the JBL Grip and JBL Clip 5 small Bluetooth speakers he To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Tue Oct 28 2025 22:15:07 I tested the JBL Grip and JBL Clip 5 small Bluetooth speakers heres which one Id recommend for you Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 Description: Id rather be forced to give up coffee than choose between my JBL Grip and Clip 5, but hopefully this will make your choice easier. FULL STORY ====================================================================== How many Bluetooth speakers is too many? Actually, don't tell me Im likely way past that. I own Bluetooth speakers in various configurations, from pocketable portables to a colorful smart lamp speaker combo. If you were to ask me to pick my favorite portable speakers, then the answer is easy: the JBL Grip and the JBL Clip 5 . But to choose between them? Thats not so simple. JBL is well-known for selling some of the best Bluetooth speakers , offering big, booming sound from the likes of the JBL Charge 6 down to perfectly portable speakers like the JBL Go 4 , which is the teeniest in their range. The Clip 5 is the second smallest JBL offers, and the Grip is the next largest model. (Image credit: Future) Whether youre on the lookout for a conveniently compact Bluetooth speaker to take on the road or sing karaoke to in the shower, both the JBL Grip and the Clip 5 would make a great choice. The JBL Clip 5 has a reasonable list price of $79.95 / 59.99 / AU$89.95, and is available to purchase at JBL, Amazon, and other retailers in the US, the UK, and Australia. Ive seen the Clip 5 discounted fairly regularly, which is great news. In fact, it dropped down to just $49.95 / 39 in Amazons Cyber Monday sale last year, which is incredible considering its versatility and performance, and makes it pretty likely that therell be some great offers on the table this Black Friday. The JBL Grip is the more expensive option here, sitting between the Clip 5 and the Flip 7 at a list price of $99.95 / 89.99 / AU$129. As with the Clip 5, it can be purchased from JBL, Amazon, and other retailers. As the Grip only launched in September this year, its not much of a surprise that it hasnt been discounted so far. Fortunately, JBL speakers are often subject to the Black Friday treatment, and Ive got a good feeling that were going to see some kind of price drop on the Grip. To make life easier, when you come to choose between the JBL Grip and JBL Clip 5 this Black Friday, Ive outlined some of their differences below. If youd like to find out about the sort of discounts we could be seeing on products from appliances to TVs next month, weve collated a list of the best Black Friday deals from last year. Battery life The Clip 5 provides up to twelve hours of playtime per charge, though this can be stretched out further using the Playtime Boost feature, which tunes and optimizes the performance to increase the batterys longevity when needed. Somewhat surprisingly, the larger of the two has a slightly shorter battery life. You can get up to twelve hours of playtime between chargers from the Grip, with the option to prolong your listening time for a further two hours by employing Playtime Boost. (Image credit: Future) You may well find that your battery lasts much longer than those stated if you intend to have your speaker close by when getting ready or studying. I listen to music or audiobooks during my morning and evening routines, and I dont tend to have the volume particularly loud, so Ive found that Ive rarely needed to recharge either of these speakers. Clearly, the battery life of both models isnt worlds apart, but theyre worth knowing if your priority is getting the longest listening time between charges. Design The Clip 5 offers something a little different from your average portable Bluetooth speaker. It has a versatile carabiner on the top that Ive hooked over shower heads and wall-mounted mirror arms when Im getting ready, as well as bag straps when packing for trips away. In the absence of suitable things to hook it over, it can lie on its back, but as I prefer the sound to be directed at me, I stand it on its side. The only slight downside there is that it can only sit on the flat side, which is where the power buttons live, so I need to pick it up to turn it off. (Image credit: Future) I adore the design of the JBL Grip. Its tall and slim soda can style is aesthetically pleasing, and combined with its fabric outer, makes it satisfying to hold. And Id be lying if I said I wasnt genuinely excited about the color-changing lights at the back of the speaker. Unlike the Clip 5, the Grip is stated to be drop-proof, making it a preferred option for the clumsy among us. The buttons are always within easy reach, too, with the power, Auracast, and Bluetooth speakers on top of the speaker, and the play and volume buttons situated on the front. (Image credit: Future) Both speakers have high IP ratings, with the Clip 5 being rated IP67 and the Grip IP68. This means that each offers a level of waterproofing suitable for the average user, as they can both handle being submerged up to one meter, just for different durations. Id recommend having a think about how youll be using your speaker before you make your choice. If you plan to take it out and about with you a lot, or youve got convenient places to hang it, Id go for the Clip 5. On the other hand, if your speaker will be staying at home, and youll just be placing it on flat surfaces, then the JBL Grip is probably the one for you. Sound Unsurprisingly, given their size, theres noticeable compression from both speakers at higher volumes, and neither can replicate sub-bass efficiently due to their physical restrictions. But nonetheless, their overall performance makes the JBL Grip and JBL Clip 5 admirable speakers in their class. Ive been impressed with the quality of the bass the JBL Clip 5 pumps out, despite its small size. It struggles with the treble at around 75% volume, with some tracks developing a sharp and tinny edge. However, at volumes below 75%, the overall sound is fantastic for the price. The different frequencies play together nicely, with impactful bass and well-defined details. (Image credit: Future) The Grip also delivers satisfyingly deep bass, with nicely detailed trebles. Its a great little speaker for listening to podcasts, too, providing crisp and clear vocals. Cracks start to show when the volume is pushed over 90%. Lower frequencies start to sound thin, and theres a loss of definition between the different elements, but as I mentioned earlier, this isnt uncommon for small speakers. (Image credit: Future) This will be a minor detail for most people, but for those who have sensitive ears like me, Ive found that the classic JBL startup and shutdown sounds are a little quieter from the Grip, which I appreciate, as the Clip 5s are rather loud, especially in an echoey bathroom. On that note, if anyone from JBL, or any audio brand, for that matter, happens to be reading this: the sensitive-eared among us would love you forever if you added settings to reduce the volume or deactivate these sound effects. Basically, youll be getting good sound quality for the price, whichever speaker you choose. But, you may want to consider choosing the Grip over the Clip 5 if you intend to blast out beats at higher volumes. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too. ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/i-tested-the-jbl-g rip-and-jbl-clip-5-small-bluetooth-speakers-heres-which-one-id-recommend-for-y ou --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .