The portable speaker market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with two distinct approaches emerging: entertainment-focused devices and audio-quality-focused offerings. The JBL Pulse 5 ($199) and Morel BIGGIE ($299) perfectly represent these diverging philosophies.
Released in late 2022, the Pulse 5 builds on JBL's party speaker legacy, while the BIGGIE, launching in early 2024, represents Morel's first entry into the portable market, bringing their high-end audio expertise to a more mobile format.
The Pulse 5 uses a single 45.6mm driver paired with a passive radiator system (which helps produce deeper bass without requiring additional power). This design choice prioritizes 360-degree sound distribution over absolute audio quality. In practice, this means you get:
The BIGGIE takes a more traditional hi-fi approach with its two-way speaker design:
This results in noticeably better sound separation and clarity, particularly in complex musical passages. The BIGGIE's frequency response extends down to 40Hz (compared to the Pulse 5's 58Hz), meaning you'll hear deeper bass notes.
Having tested both speakers extensively, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The Pulse 5 introduces several improvements over its predecessor:
As a new product, the BIGGIE brings:
Battery performance shows significant differences:
While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater use, they can serve different roles:
The Pulse 5 at $199 offers:
The BIGGIE at $299 provides:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Pulse 5 is the better choice for those seeking a fun, durable party speaker with unique visual features. The BIGGIE is ideal for audiophiles who want premium sound in a portable format and don't need waterproofing or light shows.
The decision ultimately comes down to your primary use case and what you value most in a portable speaker. If you're hosting pool parties or outdoor gatherings, the Pulse 5's durability and entertainment features make it the clear choice. For critical listening or home use where audio quality is paramount, the BIGGIE's superior sound reproduction and longer battery life justify its higher price point.
| JBL Pulse 5 | Morel BIGGIE |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $199 | $299 |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and clarity | |
| 40W total (30W woofer + 10W tweeter), single driver system | 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter), two-way system |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 58Hz - 20kHz | 40Hz - 20kHz (deeper bass extension) |
| Battery Life - Time between charges | |
| 12 hours playback, 4 hour charging | 20 hours playback, 2 hour charging, quick charge available |
| Durability Features - Environmental protection | |
| IP67 waterproof and dustproof | No water resistance rating |
| Speaker Design - Impacts sound distribution | |
| 360-degree omnidirectional sound | Traditional directional speaker design |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| LED light show, PartyBoost multi-speaker pairing | TWS stereo pairing, Auracast-ready, USB-C power output |
| Size and Weight - Portability factors | |
| 4.2" x 8.5" x 5.2", 3.2 lbs | 7" x 7" x 4.5", 5.7 lbs |
| Connectivity Options - Input flexibility | |
| Bluetooth 5.3 only | Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm aux input |
| Audio Architecture - Sound quality impact | |
| Single driver with passive radiator | Two-way system with dedicated tweeter and woofer |
| Build Quality - Durability and premium feel | |
| Rugged plastic construction | Premium MDF cabinet construction |
| Best Use Case - Optimal application | |
| Outdoor events, pool parties, social gatherings | Home audio, critical listening, indoor use |
The JBL Pulse 5 ($199) is better for outdoor and party use with its waterproofing and light show, while the Morel BIGGIE ($299) offers superior sound quality for indoor listening.
The Morel BIGGIE has notably better sound quality with its two-way speaker system and more powerful amplification (60W vs 40W in the Pulse 5).
The Morel BIGGIE offers 20 hours of playback compared to the JBL Pulse 5's 12 hours.
The JBL Pulse 5 is fully waterproof (IP67) and ideal for outdoor use, while the BIGGIE lacks water resistance and is better suited for indoor use.
The JBL Pulse 5 is more portable at 3.2 lbs versus the BIGGIE's 5.7 lbs, and has a more compact design.
The JBL Pulse 5 is better for parties with its LED light show, waterproofing, and 360-degree sound distribution.
The Morel BIGGIE has a 3.5mm aux input, while the JBL Pulse 5 only offers Bluetooth connectivity.
The Morel BIGGIE produces deeper bass with a frequency response down to 40Hz, compared to the Pulse 5's 58Hz lower limit.
Neither is ideal for permanent home theater use, but the BIGGIE offers better sound quality and connectivity options for occasional home theater applications.
The JBL Pulse 5 is more durable with its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, making it better suited for outdoor use and travel.
The $100 premium for the Morel BIGGIE is worth it if you prioritize sound quality and battery life over the Pulse 5's party features and waterproofing.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: digitaltrends.com - youtube.com - target.com - rtings.com - jbl.com - jblonlinestore.com - harmanaudio.com - assistivetech.com.au - stereoguide.com - mm.jbl.com - jbl.com - creativeaudio.net - theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu
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