The JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a compact yet powerful speaker designed for people who love great sound on the go. Its rugged build, waterproof design, and impressive sound quality make it a favorite among music lovers who want a reliable, easy-to-carry speaker for outdoor adventures, parties, or home use. In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the JBL Charge 5, from its features to its pros and cons.
Quick Highlights
- 12 hours of battery life
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Powerful bass and crisp audio
- Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity
- Compact and lightweight design
Release Date
The JBL Flip 5 was released on August 01, 2019, and it quickly became popular for its balance of sound quality, portability, and durability.
JBL Flip 5 Speaker Unboxing
- In the box, you’ll find:
- The JBL Flip 5 speaker
- A USB-C charging cable
- Quick start guides and safety instructions
The packaging is simple and protective, making sure your speaker arrives safe and sound.
Quick Specs: JBL Flip 5 Speaker
| Feature | Specification |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Charging Time | 2.6 hours |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs. (0.5 kg) |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 18.1 x 6.9 x 7.4 cm |
Read More Specifications
Design and Display
The JBL Flip 5 has a cylindrical design that’s easy to carry and fits comfortably in most bags. It’s covered in a durable fabric material, with rubberized ends to protect it from drops. The speaker has a simple design with the JBL logo displayed prominently on the front. Thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating, the Flip 5 can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, making it perfect for poolside or beach use.
JBL Flip 5 Speaker Controls
The speaker has well-placed buttons on the side for:
- Play/pause
- Volume control
- Power on/off
- Bluetooth pairing
The buttons are responsive and easy to use, even when you’re on the go.
Differences Between Sizes and Variants
The JBL Flip 5 is part of the JBL Flip series, which includes the older Flip 4. While the Flip 4 offers Bluetooth 4.2 and has a built-in microphone, the Flip 5 focuses on better sound quality with its racetrack-shaped driver. The Flip 5 has a slight upgrade in bass and uses USB-C charging, which is faster and more convenient.
Available Colors
The JBL Flip 5 comes in a wide variety of colors, including:
- Black
- Blue
- Red
- Grey
- Teal
- White
- Camo
- Pink
This variety makes it easy to pick a color that suits your style.
Features
-
Waterproof and Dustproof
The IPX7 waterproof rating makes the Flip 5 ideal for outdoor use. You can take it to the pool or beach, or even use it in the rain without worrying about water damage. While it’s not dustproof, its rugged design makes it suitable for many environments.
-
Sound Quality
The JBL Flip 5 delivers a rich, clear sound with a strong emphasis on bass, thanks to its racetrack-shaped driver. It offers a balanced sound with crisp highs and deep lows, making it great for all types of music, from pop to rock to hip-hop. The speaker has a 360-degree sound, ensuring that everyone around can enjoy the music equally.
-
Connectivity
The Flip 5 uses Bluetooth 4.2, which provides a reliable and strong connection to your devices. It has a Party Boost feature, allowing you to pair it with other JBL Party Boost-compatible speakers to create a stereo sound or boost the volume.
-
Battery Life
The JBL Flip 5 offers an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or calls all day long without interruption. Its Li-ion 4800 mAH rechargeable battery provides long-lasting power, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities, beach trips, or parties.
Whether you’re streaming music via Bluetooth or connecting through an auxiliary input, the JBL Flip 5 maintains steady performance with its energy-efficient design. Plus, with USB-C charging, you can quickly recharge the speaker and get back to enjoying your tunes faster. The reliable battery life of the JBL Flip 5 makes it a standout portable speaker for users who value both performance and convenience.
-
JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker App
The JBL Flip 5 App enhances your audio experience by offering a range of convenient features for your JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth speaker. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app allows you to customize your sound settings, including adjusting the bass and treble to suit your preferences. One of its standout features is the PartyBoost function, which lets you connect multiple JBL speakers for an even more immersive sound experience. The app also provides firmware updates, ensuring your speaker is always up to date with the latest features and improvements. With the JBL Flip 5 App, users can easily control their speaker from their smartphone, making it a must-have tool for those who want to maximize their JBL Flip 5’s performance.
Price and Availability
The JBL Flip 5 is available at an affordable price, typically ranging from $80 to $100, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality portable speaker. You can find the JBL Flip 5 on popular online platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as well as on JBL’s official website. With its combination of 12 hours of battery life, waterproof design, and powerful sound, the JBL Flip 5 provides great value for money.
JBL Flip 5 Speaker vs. JBL Flip 4: Comparison
The JBL Flip 5 and JBL Flip 4 are both portable Bluetooth speakers, but the Flip 5 offers several upgrades that make it a more appealing option for users seeking superior sound and convenience. While both speakers share a similar rugged, waterproof design (IPX7 rating), the Flip 5 improves on its predecessor with a more powerful bass, longer 12-hour battery life (compared to the Flip 4’s 10 hours), and USB-C charging for faster recharging.
Additionally, the Flip 5 features PartyBoost, allowing you to connect multiple speakers for stereo sound, while the Flip 4 supports only JBL Connect+. However, the Flip 5 lacks a 3.5mm AUX input and a microphone for calls, features that are available in the Flip 4. Ultimately, the JBL Flip 5 stands out with better sound quality, longer playtime, and faster charging, making it the better choice for most users, particularly those who prioritize sound performance and outdoor durability.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | JBL Flip 5 | JBL Flip 4 |
| Battery Life | 12 hours | 10 hours |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 (Can be submerged in water) | IPX7 (Can be submerged in water) |
| Sound Quality | Enhanced bass with racetrack-shaped driver | Good sound quality with dual passive radiators |
| Charging | USB-C for faster charging | Micro-USB (slower charging) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Party Mode | PartyBoost (connects to other PartyBoost speakers) | JBL Connect+ (connects to compatible speakers) |
| AUX Input | No | Yes |
| Microphone | No | Yes (for calls) |
See Comprehensive Comparison
JBL Flip 5 Speaker vs. JBL Flip 4: A Comprehensive Comparison
The JBL Flip 5 and JBL Flip 4 are both excellent portable Bluetooth speakers, but the Flip 5 offers several enhancements that make it a more advanced choice for many users. While both speakers share a similar design, the Flip 5 excels in sound quality, durability, and connectivity.
-
Sound Quality
- JBL Flip 5:
The Flip 5 delivers powerful bass and crisp audio with its racetrack-shaped driver, providing a richer sound experience, especially with an emphasis on deep bass. It’s perfect for a variety of music genres, offering clear highs and deep lows. - JBL Flip 4:
The Flip 4 has a solid sound performance, but its bass and overall clarity aren’t as pronounced as the Flip 5. The Flip 4 also lacks the dedicated bass radiators found in the Flip 5, resulting in slightly less immersive sound.
-
Battery Life
- JBL Flip 5:
The Flip 5 offers a 12-hour battery life, providing a longer playtime compared to the Flip 4. This makes it ideal for extended outdoor activities or parties without the need for frequent recharging. - JBL Flip 4:
The Flip 4 has a 10-hour battery life, which is still decent, but the Flip 5’s additional 2 hours of playtime is a notable upgrade, especially for long days on the go.
-
Waterproof Rating
- JBL Flip 5:
With an IPX7 rating, the Flip 5 can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. This makes it highly durable and suitable for use at the beach or poolside without worrying about water damage. - JBL Flip 4:
The Flip 4 also has an IPX7 waterproof rating, but the Flip 5’s build is slightly more robust and can withstand harsher conditions.
-
Connectivity
- JBL Flip 5:
The Flip 5 uses Bluetooth 4.2 but lacks the AUX input found in the Flip 4, which means you can only connect wirelessly. However, the PartyBoost feature allows you to pair multiple JBL speakers for enhanced sound, which the Flip 4 lacks. - JBL Flip 4:
The Flip 4 includes a 3.5mm AUX input, which provides wired connectivity in case you prefer a direct connection. It also features Bluetooth 4.2, making it easy to pair with devices, but lacks the PartyBoost function for speaker pairing.
-
Design and Portability
- JBL Flip 5:
The Flip 5 is slightly more compact and features a USB-C charging port for faster recharging, improving convenience during use. It is designed for portability, making it easy to carry for outdoor activities. - JBL Flip 4:
While similar in size and design to the Flip 5, the Flip 4 uses a micro-USB charging port, which is slower than the Flip 5’s USB-C. It also lacks the same level of ruggedness that the Flip 5 provides in terms of waterproofing.
Which One is Better?
For most users, the JBL Flip 5 is the better option. It offers superior sound quality, longer battery life, faster charging, and the ability to pair with multiple speakers using PartyBoost. Its IPX7 waterproof rating and compact design make it perfect for outdoor use, while the absence of AUX input may not be an issue for those who prefer wireless connections.
However, if you need a wired connection and don’t mind a slightly shorter battery life, the JBL Flip 4 remains a solid choice. Both speakers are durable, but the Flip 5’s additional features and enhanced audio make it a standout in the comparison.
See Full Comparison
What You Need to Know About JBL Flip 5 Speaker?
The JBL Flip 5 is a portable, lightweight speaker with great sound and a rugged, waterproof design. It’s perfect for outdoor use and has enough battery life to last through your day’s adventures.
What’s Good About JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker?
- Clear, powerful sound with deep bass
- Waterproof design, perfect for outdoor activities
- Compact and easy to carry
- 12-hour battery life for extended playtime
What’s Not So Good About JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker?
- No microphone for taking calls
- No AUX port for wired connections
- Lacks some advanced features like an equalizer in the app
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a durable speaker that’s easy to take anywhere, the JBL Flip 5 is a solid choice. Its waterproof design, impressive sound quality, and long battery life make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. While it doesn’t have a built-in microphone or AUX input, its reliability more than makeup for these small drawbacks.
Conclusion
The JBL Flip 5 is a top-tier portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers exceptional sound quality, long-lasting battery life, and durability, all at an affordable price. With features like IPX7 waterproofing, 12 hours of playtime, and deep bass, it is perfect for outdoor adventures. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, while its powerful performance ensures an impressive listening experience wherever you go. Whether you’re looking for a reliable speaker for your travels or upgrading your home audio setup, the JBL Flip 5 offers great value and convenience, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone in need of a quality portable speaker.
