It’s been a while since JBL introduced the Clip 4, and now, the company has released a fresh, updated version— the JBL Clip 5. In this review, we’ll explore all the upgrades and enhancements JBL has packed into this latest model.
The Clip 5 builds on the popular features of its predecessor while introducing exciting new elements like a broader carabiner hook for easier attachment and multi-device pairing, adding to its versatility. With these and other impressive additions, the Clip 5 solidifies its place as an outstanding portable speaker.
Join us as we dive into all the new features and performance improvements that make the JBL Clip 5 a must-have for music lovers on the go.
JBL Clip 5 Packaging
JBL Clip 5 Review – Design and Functionality
In this JBL Clip 5 Review, we explore the refreshed design of this compact and highly portable speaker. Staying true to its roots, the Clip 5 maintains the classic palm-sized shape of the Clip series, with the JBL logo prominently displayed on the front. Despite its small size, the Clip 5 packs impressive sound capabilities, making it a convenient and powerful accessory for music lovers on the move.
One of the most noticeable upgrades in the Clip 5 is the redesigned carabiner hook. With a wider opening than previous versions, it’s easier than ever to attach the Clip 5 to an array of objects—whether it’s a backpack, belt loop, bike handle, or even a door handle. This wider carabiner enhances its portability and makes it an ideal speaker for both outdoor activities and everyday use.
Constructed with a blend of durable materials, the Clip 5 feels sturdy and well-crafted. The woven fabric that covers the front and back gives the speaker an appealing texture, while the midsection is accented with silicone, adding a sleek, modern touch that also enhances grip.
The plastic carabiner at the top is easy to open, enabling a smooth clip-on experience. Additionally, the silicone strips on the back provide extra resilience and a bit of shock absorption, making the Clip 5 capable of handling outdoor adventures and minor bumps.
JBL Clip 5 Controls
The controls on the Clip 5 are designed with simplicity and usability in mind, making it easy to operate while on the go. On the left side of the speaker, you’ll find three essential buttons: Power, Bluetooth, and Auracast.
These buttons are subtly indented, preventing accidental presses when the speaker is clipped onto moving items like backpacks or bike handles. This design consideration enhances the user experience, ensuring that your settings remain stable as you move.
On the front, the Clip 5 features a set of familiar playback controls, with the play/pause button conveniently positioned between the volume up (+) and down (-) buttons. During our testing for this JBL Clip 5 Review, we found the buttons to be responsive and satisfying to press, providing clear tactile feedback.
The buttons are also designed in vibrant colours that contrast against the speaker’s body, making them easy to locate even in low-light conditions or when the speaker is clipped out of immediate sight.
The play/pause button allows for seamless control of playback, and a quick double press lets you skip tracks, adding convenience for users who want to manage music without reaching for their phone. These controls make the Clip 5 an excellent choice for users who value simplicity and efficiency.
Key Features of the JBL Clip 5
What upgrades and improvements make the JBL Clip 5 a compelling choice among portable speakers? In this review, we’ll cover the essential features of this new iteration.
Redesigned Carabiner
The Clip 5 introduces a widened carabiner opening, enhancing its portability by allowing it to attach to a wider range of items with ease. Whether you’re clipping it to a backpack, bike, or belt loop, this fully integrated carabiner provides convenience and secure attachment for on-the-go listening.
Extended Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours
A single charge powers the Clip 5 for up to 12 hours of continuous listening, perfect for a full day of music. For even more longevity, JBL’s Playtime Boost feature can extend battery life by up to three hours, tuning the speaker to optimise sound and battery performance, so you can enjoy louder and crisper audio for longer.
Powerful Portable Sound
Despite its compact size, the Clip 5 delivers impressive audio quality that matches JBL’s renowned sound profile. During our testing, the speaker’s small form factor packed a surprisingly powerful punch, providing clear and balanced sound across genres.
Sustainable Materials
The Clip 5 is crafted with sustainability in mind. JBL uses post-consumer recycled plastic and fabric for the speaker grille, and the packaging is made from FSC-certified paper printed with soy ink. These eco-friendly choices reflect JBL’s efforts to reduce waste and support environmentally friendly practices.
Vibrant Colour Choices
JBL’s Clip 5 comes in a range of vibrant colourways inspired by street fashion trends, including options like Purple, Blue, Red, Pink, and more. These stylish choices ensure there’s a look for everyone, adding a fun, customisable element to this portable speaker.
JBL Portable App Compatibility
With the JBL Portable app, you can access updates, product support, and new features directly from your smartphone. The app includes a customisable EQ and preset options, allowing you to adjust the sound to your preference and get the most out of your listening experience.
Auracast Multi-Speaker Connection
For those seeking a bigger sound experience, the Clip 5 offers versatile connection options. You can pair two Clip 5 speakers for a true stereo sound experience or use Auracast to connect multiple Auracast-enabled JBL speakers wirelessly, creating a full, immersive soundstage perfect for gatherings.
Built to Withstand the Elements
With an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, the Clip 5 is built to handle almost any environment. Take it to the beach, poolside, or on a rugged adventure without worrying about damage from splashes, dust, or light rain. Its durability makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable, robust speaker.
Hands-on with the JBL Clip 5
We thoroughly tested the JBL Clip 5’s Bluetooth connectivity and audio quality to assess its performance and user experience. But first, let’s look at the features available in the JBL Portable app, which enhances the Clip 5 with extra functionality.
When reviewing the JBL Clip 5, we used its companion app, JBL Portable, which boasts a straightforward, user-friendly interface—similar to other JBL apps we’ve tested. Available for both iOS and Android, the app isn’t essential for the Clip 5 to function, but it does unlock exclusive features like firmware updates, customisable EQ, Playtime Boost, and Auracast multi-speaker connectivity.
The Clip 5 offers reliable Bluetooth connectivity and supports pairing with up to two devices, making it versatile for sharing or quick switching between audio sources. During testing, we experienced low latency and minimal audio-video sync issues. However, latency may vary depending on the specific devices and apps used, as some adjust automatically to minimise lag.
In terms of audio quality, the Clip 5 performs impressively for its size, delivering JBL’s signature balanced sound profile. The default JBL Signature EQ preset produces crisp, detailed vocals, making it suitable for a variety of genres. Despite its small form, the Clip 5 maintains clarity, even with more complex tracks like rock, although, as a mono speaker, it lacks stereo separation.
Bass response is naturally limited due to its compact size and absence of large woofers. However, the Clip 5 compensates with a boost in the high-bass and low-mids, which gives it a punchy feel. While bass-heavy genres won’t experience the deep rumble that larger speakers offer, the Clip 5 still manages to deliver a satisfying listening experience.
The Clip 5 truly shines with spoken content, such as podcasts and audiobooks. Its accurate mid-range frequency response captures vocal details effectively, allowing voices to come through with clarity, even at higher volumes. We noted that the sound remained clean and undistorted, which enhances the listening experience for spoken word.
The speaker’s dynamic frequency range limits its ability to reproduce very low notes, yet it still provides a balanced, clear sound for general listening. Although it only plays mono audio, the Clip 5’s soundstage is surprisingly good, with consistent sound quality from most angles, making it ideal for outdoor or shared listening.
For those wanting more control, the JBL Portable app’s five-band EQ allows customisation to fine-tune the audio experience. Adjusting the EQ can add subtle low-end depth and emphasise details like cymbal hits or reverberated vocals, providing a richer sound profile.
JBL Clip 5 Review Summary
The JBL Clip 5 is a well-rounded upgrade to its predecessor, offering enhanced features and thoughtful improvements while retaining the portability and quality that the Clip series is known for. With a redesigned, wider carabiner, this compact speaker is easier to attach to various items, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
JBL’s focus on sustainability is evident, with the Clip 5 made from recycled materials and packaged in eco-friendly options, adding an environmentally conscious element to its appeal.
Performance-wise, the Clip 5 impresses with clear, balanced sound, performing well across genres despite its small size. Its boosted high-bass and low-mids add punch, although it naturally lacks deep bass due to its size.
The Clip 5 excels in vocal clarity, making it a standout choice for podcasts and audiobooks, with consistent sound quality from most listening angles. For users who seek a richer audio experience, the JBL Portable app’s customisable EQ provides options to fine-tune the sound to personal preference.
With up to 12 hours of battery life and the Playtime Boost option, the Clip 5 is built for long listening sessions. It also includes features like Auracast for multi-speaker connectivity, allowing users to expand their listening environment.
Its IP67 rating for water and dust resistance ensures it’s durable enough for outdoor adventures, while multi-device Bluetooth pairing enhances its usability for social settings or work.
The JBL Clip 5 combines robust design, impressive sound for its size, and useful app-based customisation, making it a versatile and portable speaker.
With its durability, sound quality, and sustainable materials, the Clip 5 is an excellent choice for music lovers seeking a compact, eco-friendly speaker that performs well both indoors and outdoors.
