JBL are back with the release of the JBL Clip 5 which is three years since the release of the JBL Clip 4. The JBL Clip 5 now offers a more premium look and use of the JBL app that we have covered in the JBL Go 4 review.
JBL Clip 5 & JBL G0 4 we were sent to review
First Impressions
The JBL Clip 5 is the perfect accessory for when you are out with a few mates and want to listen to some tunes. The built-in carabiner allows you to clip it to your backpack or just hang it on a branch when chilling in the park.
The JBL Clip 5 comes in 7 colour options such as:
- Black
- Camo
- Purple
- White
- Red
- Blue
- Pink/Turquoise
This Bluetooth speaker is currently available for £59.99 via JBL.com or Amazon. This speaker is also IP67 rated which makes this speaker waterproof and dustproof. The speaker has also seen some additional upgrades on the previous model such as a wider carabiner. Thicker silicone padding on the back lets you lay the speaker down without impacting the sound. This speaker, like the Go 4 model, is compatible with the JBL app.
The main features of this speaker include:
- Bluetooth 5.3
- 12 hours playtime
- Auracast Technology
- IP67 rated
Design
As mentioned there have been a few minor improvements with the Clip 5 compared to the previous model and they keep this speaker very easy to use.
As you can see the playback controls are in the same spot on the front of the speaker but what you find now is the power, Bluetooth and Auracast buttons are now recessed into a rubberized silicon control strip on the side of the speaker.
The main change is the fact this speaker is now compatible with the JBL app this gives you access to a few different EQ modes, and you can also pair a second Clip 5 for stereo performance. You can also use the Auracast to link to another supported speaker like the JBL Go 4 we reviewed recently.
Audio Quality
Apart from the speaker being portable, the sound is an important element and the JBL signature sound is a safe EQ setting. This form provides decent clarity when listening to rock music. There isn’t much left-right separation when it comes to the layers of distorted guitars, but this does tend to happen with speakers of this size.
The 5-band EQ will help with a bit more low end from this speaker and the results are it kicks up the driving guitar intro a notch. You will also notice by increasing the treble this also naturally helped reveal some cymbal-related details and also liven up the vocal tones.
Now if you compare to the previous Clip 4 model the Clip 5 offers a more puncher bass, more detailed high-end, the mid-range is smoother and less distortion when cranking the volume.
Something to consider is this is a small speaker with a limited frequency response of 95Hz to 20kHz. However, JBL seems to have still been able to offer bass that is punchy and audible you just can’t feel it.
If I had to find fault with the audio quality it’s that it lacks depth it just sounds like everything mushed together. The reason for this could be that this speaker plays in mono so this could explain the reduction in depth of songs that make excessive use of stereo or contain stereo phasing issues.
Features
If you have read our review of the JBL Go 4 you will have noticed the Clip 5 also supports Auracast multi-speaker connectivity. What this means is if you get several supporting speakers and press the Auracast button they will all connect. What makes this feature different is that it’s an established Bluetooth 5.2 capability.
The JBL Clip 5 has also improved the hook which now has an even larger opening compared to the Clip 4. This might not seem like a massive change but it’s useful to have when you want to hang it around the house or outside. I found the opening of the carabiner also feels much stronger and more reliable than the Clip 4.
Other features include the IP67 rating meaning it is protected when you are outdoors and can even be immersed in a meter of water for at least half an hour. There is also an increased battery life now offering an extra 2 hours totalling 12 hours or 15 hours if you set in playtime boost mode. The downside of doing this is the bass is reduced.
Verdict
If you are looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker, then the JBL Clip 5 is a significant improvement from the JBL Clip 4 and for under £100 it’s simple to use and allows you to create a customizable sound.
Overall, if you’re looking for a speaker that sounds great with decent battery life and an integrated carabiner this is well worth considering. The purpose of the JBL Clip 5 is to deliver reasonably good audio in a practical and convenient package. This speaker is perfect for a trip to the park or when you’re on holiday and you want some tunes by the pool.
Product Rating
Design: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Features: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Audio Quality: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Value for Money: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Overall ranking: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars – 4.75 stars
The JBL Clip 5 is available for £49.99 via Amazon
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