Buy the Bose SoundLink Micro Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

It costs more, but it sounds better, runs longer, and doesn't rattle itself off the table.

What was compared

1. Full sound that doesn't thin out at volume
Owners say the Go 5's bass and highs fade once you pass half volume, while reviewers give the Bose a smoother profile with deeper bass and better directivity. For anyone actually blasting music outdoors, that gap is the whole point of buying a speaker.
2. Two extra hours before the charger comes out
Bose rates the SoundLink Micro at up to 12 hours against JBL's own 10 hour claim for the Go 5. On a full day at the beach or a weekend of camping, that gap is one less scramble for an outlet.
3. Stays put and lasts years, not months
Owners report the SoundLink Micro still going strong after three-plus years, while JBL owners describe the Go 5 vibrating and walking off tables mid-track. A speaker that shakes itself off the counter is a daily annoyance, not a one-off.
4. Ranked higher by owners in independent tests
Independent rankings place the SoundLink Micro at number 19 among small speakers, well ahead of the Go 5's number 27 slot. That gap reflects consistent real-world satisfaction, not just a marketing label.
5. Yes, it costs more than double. Buy it anyway.
At $129 versus $54.95 that's a real gap, no denying it. But the extra cash buys sound that holds up past half volume, two more hours of battery, and years of reliable use, while the Go 5 risks fading highs and shakier build. Unless you only play quiet background music, the Bose earns the premium.