Are 5 Below Speakers Good? The Honest Truth After Real-World Testing
Are 5 Below speakers good? Yes, Five Below speakers are surprisingly capable for their $5 to $15 price point, offering functional Bluetooth connectivity and decent volume for personal use, though they lack the deep bass and rugged durability of premium brands. If you need a “disposable” speaker for the beach, a kid’s bedroom, or a backup audio source, these budget-friendly gadgets provide high value without the financial risk of high-end hardware.
Finding a reliable speaker often feels like a choice between spending $100 on a big brand or risking money on “gas station” quality tech. We spent two weeks testing the latest audio lineup from Five Below to see if these sub-$15 devices can actually hold a charge and deliver clear sound. From the shower to the backyard, we pushed these units to their limits to help you decide if they are worth your five bucks.
π Key Takeaways: Five Below Audio Gear
- Best Use Case: Ideal for children, beach trips, dorm rooms, or as a “disposable” travel speaker.
- Sound Quality: Clear mids and highs, but significantly lacks bass and may distort at 90% volume or higher.
- Build Quality: Primarily lightweight plastic; most models are not drop-rated or waterproof unless specifically labeled.
- Connectivity: Most utilize Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable 30-foot range with minimal lag.
- Battery Life: Expect 2 to 4 hours of playback on average, which is lower than name-brand competitors.
My Hands-On Experience: Are Five Below Speakers Good for Daily Use?
To truly answer if are five below speakers good, I purchased three of their most popular models: a LED mood lamp speaker, a suction cup shower speaker, and a portable rugged-style clip speaker. After using them in various environments, the results were consistent.
I found that the initial pairing process was incredibly fast. Within five seconds of turning the device on, my iPhone recognized the “BT Speaker” signal. While the audio isn’t going to win any awards for “high-fidelity,” it was perfectly adequate for listening to podcasts or lo-fi music while cleaning the kitchen.
The real-world limitation I noticed was the charging port durability. Because these are budget items, the Micro-USB ports (common on Five Below tech) can feel flimsy. You have to be gentle when plugging them in to avoid pushing the port into the housing.
Comparing Popular Five Below Speaker Categories
Five Below carries several rotating brands, most notably Bass Jaxx, Soundstream, and Xtreme. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect from each common category found in the “Five Beyond” or tech sections.
| Speaker Type | Avg. Price | Best Feature | Biggest Downside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shower Speakers | $5.55 | Suction cup & water resistance | Poor microphone quality |
| LED Party Speakers | $10.00 | Visual aesthetic & light shows | Bulkier and less portable |
| Mini Portables | $5.00 | Extremely lightweight | Very low battery life (2 hrs) |
| Desktop Soundbars | $12.00 | Sleek look for PCs | Requires constant USB power |
How to Set Up and Optimize Your Five Below Speaker
If you decide to pick one up, follow these steps to ensure you get the best possible sound and longevity out of your device.
Step 1: Perform a Full Initial Charge
Do not use the speaker straight out of the box. I’ve found that conditioning the lithium-ion battery by giving it a full 4-hour charge before the first use helps maintain its capacity over time.
Step 2: Pairing Your Device
- Turn the speaker on and listen for the “Power On” or “Bluetooth Mode” voice prompt.
- Open your smartphone’s Bluetooth Settings.
- Look for names like “BASS JAXX” or “BT SPEAKER”.
- Select the device to pair. If it asks for a code, try 0000 or 1234.
Step 3: Improving Sound Quality via EQ
Since these speakers are “tinny” (high treble, low bass), you can improve the experience using your phone’s software.
- For iOS: Go to Settings > Music > EQ and select “Bass Booster” or “Small Speakers.”
- For Android: Use the built-in Equalizer to boost the lower frequencies (60Hz to 250Hz) and slightly lower the highs to reduce harshness.
Are Five Below Speakers Good for Longevity? (The Durability Report)
When asking are 5 below speakers good, durability is the biggest “catch.” In my testing, these speakers are great for the short term. However, they are not designed to last for years.
The “Six Month” Rule: Based on user feedback and my personal usage, most Five Below electronics have a lifespan of about 6 to 12 months with regular use. The internal batteries tend to degrade faster than premium JBL or Sony units.
If you are buying this for a child who might lose or break it, the low price makes this durability tradeoff acceptable. However, if you want a “buy it once” product, you may want to save your five-dollar bills for a mid-range alternative.
Top 3 Features That Make Five Below Speakers Worth the Money
Despite being “cheap,” there are three areas where these devices actually shine:
- Portability: Most models weigh less than 8 ounces. I frequently clip a Five Below carabiner speaker to my backpack for hiking because I won’t be devastated if it gets scratched or rained on.
- Visual Appeal: Five Below excels at LED integration. Their speakers often feature color-changing modes that look great in a dark room or at a small dorm party.
- Physical Controls: Unlike many modern high-end speakers that rely on apps, these units have physical buttons for volume, play/pause, and track skipping. This makes them very easy for seniors or kids to operate.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even the best five below speakers can run into technical glitches. Here is a quick troubleshooting guide:
- Speaker won’t turn on: Ensure you are using a working charging cable. Sometimes the included cables are low quality; try using a high-quality Micro-USB or USB-C cable you already own.
- Distorted sound: This usually happens when the battery is below 20%. Charge the unit to resolve audio clipping.
- Connection dropping: Ensure your phone is within 20 feet. Large metal objects or microwave ovens can easily interfere with the lower-powered Bluetooth chips used in budget tech.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
Can I connect two Five Below speakers together for stereo sound?
Most $5.55 models do not support TWS (True Wireless Stereo). However, some of the newer “Five Beyond” models (priced at $10-$15) are starting to offer this feature. Check the packaging specifically for the “TWS” logo.
Are Five Below shower speakers actually waterproof?
Most are rated IPX4, which means they are “splash-proof.” They can handle steam and light splashes, but you should never submerge them in water or hold them directly under the showerhead.
Why is my Five Below speaker beeping?
A persistent beeping sound usually indicates a Low Battery warning. It will typically start beeping when the battery hits 10-15% remaining capacity.
Is the microphone good for phone calls?
Generally, no. While many have a built-in mic, the quality is often muffled. I recommend using your phone for calls and switching back to the speaker for music once the call ends.
Do they come with a warranty?
Five Below has a standard return policy, but there is no extended manufacturer warranty on most of these items. Always keep your receipt for at least 30 days in case of a “dud” unit.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy a Speaker at Five Below?
So, are 5 below speakers good? If you are looking for a functional, low-cost audio solution that you don’t have to “baby,” they are an excellent purchase. They outperform their price point in terms of volume and ease of use.
However, if you are an audiophile or need a speaker that survives heavy outdoor abuse for years, you will likely be disappointed. For $5.55, you aren’t just buying a speaker; you’re buying the freedom to use it in places where you wouldn’t dare take a $200 device.
