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JBL

JBL Go 5: the downsides first

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#8 of 8
$MiniScore 3.2/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,048 ratings); the listing may pool color variants.

Wirecutter's pick for an ultra-portable speaker: pocket-sized, IP68 and better-sounding than most tiny speakers. It has almost no bass, it's only about as loud as a bedroom needs, and the battery lasts about 8.5 hours.

Top complaints

  • Little bass and limited volume

    Wirecutter says it doesn't really have any bass and maxed out at 81.6 dB, enough for a bedroom or tent. SoundGuys lists limited volume and bass as its main con and says it suits personal listening.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), SoundGuys review
  • Short battery life

    Wirecutter got about 8.5 hours in standard mode and about 12 with Playtime Boost, which thins the sound. Amazon's summary calls battery life mixed, with some owners saying it doesn't last long.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Modest update, no mic

    SoundGuys calls it a modest update over the Go 4 with no microphone for calls and no light color customization. Wirecutter found Auracast linking temperamental with other brands' speakers.

    Source: SoundGuys review, Wirecutter (NYT)

What owners love

  • Sounds good for its tiny size

    Wirecutter calls it one of the few ultra-compact speakers that sound good, with balanced if limited bass. Amazon shoppers call the sound awesome for its size.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Pocketable and rugged

    8.2 ounces and about 4 x 3 x 1.7 inches with an IP68 rating (Wirecutter). SoundGuys says it's not a speaker you have to baby.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), SoundGuys review
  • App EQ and easy stereo pairing

    SoundGuys likes the 7-band EQ and AirTouch pairing with a second Go 5.

    Source: SoundGuys review
Good for
  • Travel and backpacking where every ounce counts
  • Background music in a tent, bathroom or desk
  • A low-cost gift

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Best tiny, ultra-portable speaker: 81.6 dB max, 8.5 hours (12 with Playtime Boost), IP68. Its main flaw is very little bass.
  • SoundGuys: 8.3/10. Rugged and light with a 7-band EQ, but volume and bass are limited and it's a small step over the Go 4.
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If that catch is a deal-breaker

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Its catch: pricey and heavy

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