JBL Go 5 review: Small improvements, same portable appeal

The JBL Go 5 does a little more than normal in this regard. The new built-in lighting is the first thing you’ll notice, but JBL has also made a few small changes that help this feel like more than just the next number from the Go 4. So, is the Go 5 really worth buying? Let’s hit the cycling road and find out in this JBL Go 5 review.

Editor’s note: This article was published on April 18, 2026. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What is it like to use the JBL Go 5?

The JBL Go 5 is an affordable, highly portable mini speaker. It’s the kind of thing you can throw in a bag, bring anywhere, and not think twice about it, and that’s exactly the point of this size. You won’t solve any windows with something this small, but it’s not what it was designed for. Comfort is more important than trying to force loud noise into something compact.

Design

The JBL Go 5 retains the same compact, square but rounded design as the Go 4, but this time it looks more eye-catching. JBL adds two small lights on the front, giving it more personality than previous Go models. It’s still a simple, grab-and-go speaker, but the added ambient lighting helps it stand out without overdoing it.

Build quality is still strong, with improvements in durability. The Go 5 now has an IP68 rating for better water resistance than the Go 4, and JBL is also marketing it as waterproof. Whether you’re taking it to the beach, the pool, or on a rainy camping trip, it’s not a speaker you should take with you.

Under the hood, JBL made several incremental updates. The Go 5 keeps the same 45mm driver as the Go 4, but the output increases slightly from 4.2W to 4.8W, and the battery also gets a slight bump. None of these changes are huge in themselves, and there’s only so much you can squeeze into a small enclosure.

Despite those updates, the Go 5 remains very portable. It’s bigger and heavier than the Go 4, but I didn’t notice that in everyday use. It’s just as easy to throw in a bag, attach to something, or carry without thinking about it, which is exactly what this type of speaker is meant for.

It’s worth downloading the JBL Portable app if you want to get the most out of the Go 5. However, unlike the Xtreme 5, you don’t get full custom lighting here. The Go 5 only supports one light color that matches the speaker itself, so you can’t change the colors in the app. Instead, you get a few preset “theme” options that adjust how the lighting works.

The 7-band custom EQ is a very useful feature here. It’s an improvement over the 5-band EQ on the Go 4, giving you more control over how the speaker sounds. It’s worth a try if you want to dial things up a notch. You’ll find Playtime Boost in the app, which works similarly to JBL’s larger speakers by reducing bass power to extend battery life to up to 10 hours.

The app is also where you can manage speakers connected to Auracast and manage firmware updates, which you should always check when buying a brand new speaker.

The JBL Go 5 connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 6.0 and supports SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. In my tests, the connection was stable, with no noticeable dropouts during normal use. You can also play audio via USB-C for a wired connection, which is a nice addition at this size, though I don’t see many people using it.

JBL is also introducing its new AirTouch feature here, which lets you tap two Go 5 speakers together to instantly pair them in stereo. It’s a simple idea, but it makes setting up a stereo pair much easier than going through an app, and it’s something I’d like to see in more JBL speakers going forward.

The JBL Go 5 offers less of a battery hit with the Go 4. JBL rates the Go 4 for up to 7 hours of playtime, while the Go 5 is rated for up to 8 hours, or up to 10 hours with Playtime Boost enabled. Of course, real-world battery life depends on the volume level, EQ settings, and type of content you’re playing, so your results will vary.

How does the JBL Go 5 sound?

The JBL Go 5 sounds as good as you’d expect from something so small, with decent clarity, moderate bass depth, and enough output for personal listening, but not much more.

Reviewer’s notes

Editor’s note: this review uses a navigation-enabled glossary to describe audio quality based on consensus terms. You can read about it here.

The JBL Go 5 is a modest update over the Go 4, not a dramatic leap. There’s only so much you can do with a small speaker like this, and the overall experience remains mediocre. JBL adds a few decent upgrades, including 7-band EQ, better stability, and ambient lighting that gives it more personality.

It’s still built for portability and casual listening, and within those limits, it works well. If you already own a Go 4, there’s not much reason to upgrade. But if you’re buying in this size class for the first time, the Go 5 is the best option.

The Go 4 will still be worth considering when it goes on sale, especially if you’re looking for the lowest price. Otherwise, just go with the Go 5 if the price difference is small.

A more obvious alternative to the JBL Go 5 is the JBL Go 4 ($49.95 at Amazon). As the new model comes out, the old one is likely to see discounts, and for many people, that will be the best deal. You’re giving up new lighting and a few other upgrades, but if you can grab two of the Go 4 speakers on sale and use them in stereo, you’ve got a decent listening experience.

If you want to stay in the JBL lineup but step it up a bit, the JBL Clip 5 ($79.95 at Amazon) is also worth a look. It gives you more flexibility thanks to the built-in carabiner design, which makes it easy to attach to a bag, bike, or whatever else you’re carrying.

If you’re after something cheap and cheerful, the Soundcore Select 4 Go ($34.99 at Amazon) is hard to ignore. It usually retails for around $19.99, and while it’s not as rich or sophisticated as the JBL, it’s still a very easy recommendation if you’re just looking for a small speaker that you’ll just use without spending a lot of money.