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 Max Portable Speaker
The short answer
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker wins this comparison. Choose it if a longer advertised playtime matters. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker advertises up to 20 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5.
Bose
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker
Stereo sound, a rope carry handle and phone charging make this a practical backyard speaker. It offers up to 20 hours of playtime, with 4.7 lb to carry.
Bettr Score
91.6/100
Side-by-side specifications
| JBL Go 5 | Specification | Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker |
|---|---|---|
$59.95 ✓ Winner | Reference price | $399 |
10 hours | Advertised battery life | 20 hours ✓ Winner |
8.11 oz ✓ Winner | Weight | 4.7 lb |
IP68 | Ingress protectionPersonal preference | IP67 |
5 ✓ Winner | Durability tier | 4 |
6.0 | Bluetooth versionPersonal preference | 5.3 |
No | Can charge another device | Yes ✓ Winner |
Yes ✓ Winner | USB audio input | No |
Yes ✓ Winner | Auracast or compatible broadcast pairing | No |
No | Floats in waterTie | No |
No | SpeakerphoneTie | No |
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 4.7 lb — 4.19 lb less to carry.
Who should choose Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker?
Choose Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker if a longer advertised playtime matters. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker advertises up to 20 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5.
The main tradeoff
JBL Go 5 weighs 8.11 oz versus 4.7 lb — 4.19 lb less to carry. Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker advertises up to 20 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5. The recorded reference-price difference is $339.05.
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 Max Portable Speaker: sound quality carries 60% of its model; 8.4/10 contributes 56.4 of its 91.6 points.
Less to carry
JBL Go 5 weighs 8.11 oz versus 4.7 lb — 4.19 lb less to carry.
Longer advertised playtime
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker advertises up to 20 hours, versus up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost for JBL Go 5.
Charge your phone
Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker can charge another device from its battery; the other speaker’s verified specification says it cannot. Charging a phone uses some of the speaker’s battery.
Wired USB audio
JBL Go 5 supports USB audio input; the other speaker’s verified specification says it does not. Check source-device compatibility.
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 Max Portable Speaker
eBay — New
Affiliate link
In stock · checked Oct 30, 2026
Price needs rechecking. Confirm at the retailer.
$315.00
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