JBL
JBL Go 5
A palm-sized speaker with edge lighting and tap-to-pair stereo for two Go 5s. It weighs 8.11 oz and plays up to 8 hours, or 10 with Playtime Boost.
Bettr Score
60.6/100
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Portable Speakers
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JBL Go 5 vs Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)
The short answer
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) wins this comparison. Choose it if a longer advertised playtime matters. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) advertises up to 12 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5.
Bose
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)
A compact speaker that floats and adjusts its sound when you change its position. IP67 protection and a built-in microphone suit outdoor listening and hands-free calls.
Bettr Score
82/100
Side-by-side specifications
| JBL Go 5 | Specification | Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
$59.95 ✓ Winner | Reference price | $149 |
10 hours | Advertised battery life | 12 hours ✓ Winner |
8.11 oz ✓ Winner | Weight | 1.3 lb |
IP68 | Ingress protectionPersonal preference | IP67 |
5 ✓ Winner | Durability tier | 4 |
6.0 | Bluetooth versionPersonal preference | 5.3 |
No | Can charge another deviceTie | No |
Yes ✓ Winner | USB audio input | No |
Yes ✓ Winner | Auracast or compatible broadcast pairing | No |
No | Floats in water | Yes ✓ Winner |
No | Speakerphone | Yes ✓ Winner |
The buying advice
Which speaker fits you?
Who should choose JBL Go 5?
Choose JBL Go 5 if you want less weight in your bag. JBL Go 5 weighs 8.11 oz versus 1.3 lb — 12.7 oz less to carry.
Who should choose Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)?
Choose Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) if a longer advertised playtime matters. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) advertises up to 12 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5.
The main tradeoff
JBL Go 5 weighs 8.11 oz versus 1.3 lb — 12.7 oz less to carry. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) advertises up to 12 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5. The recorded reference-price difference is $89.05.
Sources and score details
- JBL Go 5: recorded reference price carries 20% of its model; its score also reflects the other verified specifications shown below.
- Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen): sound quality carries 60% of its model; 7.5/10 contributes 51.6 of its 82.0 points.
Less to carry
JBL Go 5 weighs 8.11 oz versus 1.3 lb — 12.7 oz less to carry.
Longer advertised playtime
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) advertises up to 12 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5.
Wired USB audio
JBL Go 5 supports USB audio input; the other speaker’s verified specification says it does not. Check source-device compatibility.
Poolside use
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is specified to float; the other speaker is specified not to. Follow the manufacturer’s water-use instructions.
People's Pick
Which one would you choose?
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Where to buy JBL Go 5
eBay — New
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In stock · checked Oct 26, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$54.98
Item + shipping · before tax
$49.99 + $4.99 shipping
We may earn a commission when you buy through links marked “Affiliate link.” This does not change your price or our scores. How we earn
Where to buy Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)
eBay — New
Affiliate link
In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$94.99
Item price · shipping unknown
We may earn a commission when you buy through links marked “Affiliate link.” This does not change your price or our scores. How we earn