JBL Flip 5 Review
JBL Flip 5 Specs
| Waterproof IPX7 | Battery 12 Hours |
| AUX Input No | Bluetooth V4.2 |
When it comes to portable audio, JBL has long been a trusted name in the industry. The JBL Flip 5 is the latest addition to their lineup of Bluetooth speakers, promising an immersive sound experience in a compact and durable design. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the key features, performance, and overall value of the JBL Flip 5, exploring why it has become a popular choice among music enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Design and Build Quality
The JBL Flip 5 sports a sleek and compact design, making it incredibly portable and easy to carry around. The durable fabric material covering the speaker adds an element of style, while the rubber housing enhances its sturdiness, protecting it from accidental bumps and drops. The control buttons are thoughtfully placed on the side for easy access, allowing you to manage your music and calls effortlessly.
Connections
Pairing the JBL Flip 5 with your smartphone or tablet is a breeze, thanks to its Bluetooth 4.2 technology. The speaker also has a reliable wireless range, allowing you to keep your device at a distance while enjoying uninterrupted playback. Additionally, the Flip 5 works with voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control for your convenience.
Limitations
While the JBL Flip 5 excels in many areas, it is essential to address some potential limitations. Unlike some competitors, the Flip 5 lacks an auxiliary input, which means you can only connect devices wirelessly via Bluetooth. Moreover, while the audio quality is impressive for a portable speaker, audiophiles might crave more nuanced sound with higher-end models.
Sound
One of the standout features of the JBL Flip 5 is its remarkable audio performance. The speaker’s sound signature is balanced, offering clear vocals, a well-defined midrange, and a powerful bass response. Even at high volumes, the audio remains distortion-free, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable listening experience. Whether you’re playing your favorite tunes indoors or taking the party outdoors, the Flip 5 delivers a punch that is sure to impress.
JBL Flip 4 vs. Flip 5
Sound Quality
Most importantly, is the sound quality different? The answer to that question is “yes.” The Flip 5 sounds better than the Flip 4 if you want an audio upgrade. The Flip 5 is louder, has better clarity across the entire frequency range, and has better bass.
Mono vs Stereo
The Flip 5 only has one driver, despite potentially having better sound quality. The JBL Flip 5 is a mono speaker as a result. While the Flip 4 is a stereo speaker and has two drivers. The Flip 4 is unquestionably going to be the better option if left/right sound separation is important to you.
Audio Connections
The Flip 4 will be a better choice if you prefer using an AUX cable. There is no AUX input on the Flip 5. Each one has Bluetooth 4.2.
The absence of a built-in microphone in the Flip 5 is another notable difference. Speakerphones and voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant are therefore not available. Better to choose the Flip 4 if you want these features.
Waterproof
Both the Flip 4 and Flip 5 are waterproof according to the IPX7 standard. The Flip 5 has some nice improvements over the Flip 4, including the fact that it floats now. This is especially helpful and almost necessary if you’re using your speaker on a boat or during those lakeside vacations.
Battery Life
The Flip 4 and Flip 5 have the same amount of playtime. Both speakers will give you 12 hours, depending on the volume at which you play your audio. The Flip 4 has a 3,000 mAh battery, whereas the Flip 5 has a 4,800 mAh battery. The difference in charging time between the two speakers won’t be very noticeable, but the Flip 5 can be charged in 2 hours 30 minutes as opposed to the Flip 4’s 3 hours 30 minutes.
Flip 4 vs. Flip 5 Comparison
| Flip 5 | vs | Flip 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 44mm | Driver Size | 40mm |
| 20W | Power Output | 16W |
| 4800mAh | Battery Size | 3000mAh |
| IPX7 | Waterproofing | IPX7 |
| Yes | Stereo Pairing | Yes |
| Yes | USB-C Quick Charge | No |
| No | AUX Input | Yes |
| No | Microphone | Yes |
| No | Stereo Sound | Yes |
| Yes | Floats on Water | No |
Multiple Speaker Connections
Multiple JBL speakers can be connected to the Flip 4 and Flip 5. While the Flip 5 has PartyBoost, the Flip 4 has JBL Connect+.
While the Flip 5 can only connect to other PartyBoost speakers, the Flip 4 can connect to all Connect and Connect+ speakers. JBL has acted incredibly poorly here.
This was also a problem when JBL first released Connect+. Only other Connect+ speakers could be connected; older models were not supported.
You can now pair Connect to Connect+ thanks to later firmware updates, but I don’t understand why JBL keeps changing this. Your older JBL speakers lose value and provide no added value to the consumer.
Cost
Cost is a significant additional factor. The JBL Flip 5 costs just under $120, which is just under $50 more than the JBL Flip 4, which costs just under $60.
Pros
- amazing volume for its size
- movable and robust
- outstanding sound quality
Cons
- fewer options for connectivity
- no internal microphone
Conclusion
In conclusion, the JBL Flip 5 is a standout portable Bluetooth speaker that ticks all the right boxes for music enthusiasts on the go. Its powerful sound output, durable design, waterproof capabilities, and long battery life make it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures and indoor gatherings alike. While it may not satisfy the most demanding audiophiles, it offers an excellent balance between performance, convenience, and value in its price range.
If you’re in the market for a portable speaker that delivers both sound and portability, the JBL Flip 5 is undoubtedly a top contender worth considering.
