JBL Go 5 review: Small upgrades, same ultra-portable appeal
The JBL Go 5 does a little more than usual this time around. The new built-in ambient lighting is the first thing you’ll notice, but JBL also makes a few smaller changes that help this feel like more than just the next number up from the Go 4. So, is the Go 5 actually worth buying? Let’s hit the bike path and find out in this JBL Go 5 review.
Editor’s note: This article was published on April 18th, 2026. Updates will follow as the market changes.
What’s it like to use the JBL Go 5?
The JBL Go 5 is an affordable, ultra-portable little speaker. It’s the kind of thing you can throw in a bag, bring anywhere, and not really think twice about, and that’s exactly the point at this size. You’re not going to rattle any windows with something this small, but that’s not what it’s built for. Convenience matters a lot more than trying to force huge sound out of something this compact.
Design
The integrated loop makes it easy to attach the JBL Go 5 to bags or bikes.
The JBL Go 5 keeps the same compact, square-but-rounded design as the Go 4, but this time it looks a bit more eye-catching. JBL adds two small lighting strips to 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 solid, with a slight upgrade to durability. The Go 5 now carries an IP68 rating for better water protection than the Go 4, and JBL also markets it as drop-resistant. Whether you’re taking it to the beach, the pool, or on a rainy camping trip, it’s not a speaker you have to baby.
The new “AirTouch” button (bottom) lets you instantly pair a second Go 5 for stereo performance.
Under the hood, JBL makes a few incremental updates. The Go 5 keeps the same 45mm driver as the Go 4, but output increases slightly from 4.2W to 4.8W, and the battery also gets a small bump. None of these changes are huge on their own, and there’s only so much you can cram into a small enclosure.
Despite those updates, the Go 5 remains extremely portable. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the Go 4, but I didn’t notice that in day-to-day use. It’s still just as easy to toss in a bag, clip onto something, or carry around without thinking about it, which is exactly what this kind of speaker is meant for.
Features
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 lighting customization here. The Go 5 only supports a single lighting color that matches the speaker itself, so you can’t change colors in the app. Instead, you get a few preset “theme” options that adjust how the lighting behaves.
The 7-band custom EQ is the most useful feature here. It’s an upgrade over the 5-band EQ on the Go 4, giving you more control over how the speaker sounds. It’s worth experimenting with if you want to dial things in a bit more. You’ll also find Playtime Boost in the app, which works the same way as on JBL’s larger speakers by reducing bass strength to extend battery life to around 10 hours.
The app is also where you can manage Auracast-linked speakers and handle firmware updates, which is always worth checking for when you buy a brand new speaker.
How does the JBL Go 5 connect?
The JBL Go 5 charges via USB-C.
The JBL Go 5 connects wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.0 and supports SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. In my testing, the connection was stable, with no noticeable dropouts during normal use. You can also play audio over USB-C for a wired connection, which is a nice addition at this size, though I don’t see most people using it.
JBL also introduces 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 more convenient than going through the app, and it’s something I’d like to see on more JBL speakers going forward.
How do you pair the JBL Go 5?
Pairing the JBL Go 5 is quick and works like most Bluetooth speakers.
1. Turn on the JBL Go 5 and press the Bluetooth button.
2. Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer.
3. Select “JBL Go 5” from the list of available devices.
4. Download the JBL Portable app if you want access to EQ, lighting, and other features.
How long does the JBL Go 5’s battery last?
You can easily bring the JBL Go 5 along for outdoor rides or activities.
The JBL Go 5 offers a small battery bump over the Go 4. JBL rates the Go 4 for up to 7 hours of playback, 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 volume level, EQ settings, and the type of content you’re playing, so your results will vary.
How does the JBL Go 5 sound?
The JBL Go 5 sounds about as good as you can expect from something this small, with decent clarity, limited bass depth, and enough output for personal listening, but not much beyond that.
Reviewer’s notes
Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.
Can you use the JBL Go 5 for phone calls?
No. The JBL Go 5 does not have a built-in microphone, so you can’t use it for phone calls.
Should you buy the JBL Go 5?
The JBL Go 5 is designed for portable use, whether commuting or relaxing outdoors.
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 tiny speaker like this, and the overall experience stays familiar. JBL adds a few worthwhile improvements, including a 7-band EQ, better durability, and ambient lighting that gives it a bit more personality.
It’s still built for portability and casual listening, and within those limits, it works well. If you already own the Go 4, there’s not much reason to upgrade. But if you’re buying into this size class for the first time, the Go 5 is the better option.
The Go 4 will still be worth considering once it starts going on sale, especially if you want the lowest price. Otherwise, just go with the Go 5 if the price difference is small.
What should you get instead of the JBL Go 5?
Nothing wrong with snagging a Go 4 when it inevitably goes on sale.
The most obvious alternative to the JBL Go 5 is the JBL Go 4 (). With the newer model now out, the older one is likely to see discounts, and for a lot of people, that’ll probably be the better deal. You give up the new lighting and a few other upgrades, but if you can grab two Go 4 speakers on sale and run them in stereo, you’re in for a decent listening experience.
If you want to stay in JBL’s lineup but step up a bit, the JBL Clip 5 () is also worth a look. It gives you a little more flexibility thanks to the built-in carabiner design, which makes it easier to clip onto a bag, bike, or whatever else you’re carrying around.
If you’re just after something cheap and cheerful, the Soundcore Select 4 Go () is hard to ignore. It’s often on sale for around $19.99, and while it’s not as feature-rich or polished as the JBL, it’s still a very easy recommendation if you just want a small speaker for casual use without spending much.
