The JBL Clip 5 is the latest iteration in JBL's popular line of ultra-portable Bluetooth speakers. Known for their rugged design and impressive sound quality, the Clip series has been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. The Clip 5 promises to build on the strengths of its predecessors with enhanced audio performance, longer battery life, and the same convenient built-in clip that makes it easy to attach to backpacks, belts, or showerheads. Priced under $80, it aims to offer premium features at an affordable cost, making it an attractive option for those in need of a reliable, portable speaker.
Design and Build Quality
The JBL Clip 5 retains the compact and rugged design that has made the Clip series so popular. Measuring 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8", it is slightly larger than its predecessor, the Clip 4, but still highly portable. The built-in carabiner has been widened, allowing it to clip onto a broader range of objects without risk of breaking. This feature alone makes it incredibly versatile, whether you're hiking, biking, or just hanging out at the beach.
The speaker boasts an IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. This means it can withstand being submerged in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes, and it’s completely protected against dust ingress. The Clip 5 also features a durable fabric covering and a rubberized housing, ensuring it can handle the bumps and scrapes of outdoor use.
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Sound Quality
One of the most significant improvements in the JBL Clip 5 is its sound quality. The speaker features a larger 1.75-inch driver, which delivers louder and richer audio compared to the Clip 4. The frequency response range of 95 Hz to 20 kHz ensures that you get a balanced sound profile, with clear highs, detailed mids, and a surprisingly robust bass for a speaker of its size.
The Clip 5 excels in delivering layered audio, making it easy to pick out individual instruments in complex tracks. This improvement is not just limited to music; it also enhances the clarity of podcasts and audiobooks, making it a versatile audio companion. The speaker's performance remains consistent even at higher volumes, with minimal distortion, which is a common issue in smaller speakers.
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Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the JBL Clip 5 shines. The speaker offers up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, which is a significant improvement over the Clip 4's 10-hour battery life. Additionally, JBL has introduced a feature called Playtime Boost, which can extend the battery life by an additional 3 hours. This feature works by flattening the audio profile to conserve power, making it ideal for situations where you need to stretch the battery life to its maximum.
Charging is done via a USB-C port, which is a welcome upgrade from the micro-USB port found in older models. This not only speeds up the charging process but also makes it more convenient, as USB-C is becoming the standard for most electronic devices.
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Connectivity and Features
The JBL Clip 5 comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and efficient connection with your devices. Pairing is straightforward, and the speaker can remember multiple devices, making it easy to switch between your phone, tablet, or laptop. One of the standout features is Auracast, which allows you to share audio between compatible Auracast speakers with just a button press.
However, to access some of the more advanced features like Playtime Boost and Stereo Pairing, you will need to use the JBL Portable companion app. While the app is free and easy to set up, it does add an extra step to fully utilize the speaker's capabilities. The app also offers EQ adjustments and multiple default profiles, including one focused on vocals, which is particularly useful for podcasts.
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Conclusion
The JBL Clip 5 is a worthy successor to the Clip 4, offering significant improvements in sound quality, battery life, and overall functionality. Its rugged design and IP67 rating make it an excellent choice for outdoor activities, while its enhanced audio performance ensures a satisfying listening experience. The built-in clip adds a layer of convenience that sets it apart from other portable speakers in its price range. While the need for a companion app to access all features may be a minor inconvenience, the overall package makes the JBL Clip 5 a compelling option for anyone in need of a versatile, portable speaker.
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