I conducted a blindfolded Bluetooth speaker test with 4 colleagues and no, JBL didn’t win — here’s which portable speaker got the most votes based on their ears only

In a blind speaker test involving four colleagues, the JBL Go 5 did not emerge as the top performer. The speakers, all similar in size, were evaluated on sound quality alone, with no influence from price, brand reputation, or design. Each speaker was rated from 1 to 5, with 1 being the best and 5 the worst, across five genres of music.

Track 1, featuring a house track, saw Bose as the unanimous winner, ranking first among all participants. The affordable IKEA Kallsup was the clear loser, with listeners noting tinny highs and underwhelming bass. JBL Go 5 and Edifier ES20 were close contenders, with some listeners praising JBL for improved mid-range performance and tighter treble, while Edifier received compliments for its better balance and warmer tone.

Track 2, a jazz-infused indie pop track, presented a different dynamic. The IKEA Kallsup once again finished last, with feedback on rolled-off vocals and unclear guitars. JBL Go 5 was close behind, with some listeners finding it lifeless. Edifier ES20 and UE Miniroll performed well, with the latter praised for clearer, more tonally accurate guitars, well-defined vocals, and articulate percussion.

Track 3, a Bossa Nova track, brought a softer sound, revealing further surprises. Bose, previously dominant, fell to 4th place, with complaints about overemphasized bass and unrefined treble. The IKEA Kallsup remained at the bottom, with one listener describing it as "like there's a horde of bees trying to escape." Edifier ES20 emerged as the champion, outperforming the others with better separation between instruments, textured vocals, and controlled double bass.