JBL FLIP 5: Why Everyone Is Talking About It?

JBL has a strong reputation in portable Bluetooth speakers, Flip 5 is one of JBL flagship series speaker, with a durable design to with stand accidental falls with dimensions of 18 x 7.4 x 6.9 cm and weighing just 1.2 lbs, making it easy to slip into your backpack. This speaker also has IPX7 waterproof rating, and includes a lanyard loop for convenient hanging.

With 20 watts of output power, a frequency range of 65 Hz to 20K Hz, and an advertised battery life of up to 12 hours (actual battery life may vary based on usage). Despite its slightly dated Bluetooth 4.2 version, the Flip 5 remains a top choice due to its robust performance and eco-friendly build.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Flip 5 remains the cylindrical shape of its precidator Flip 4, and measures 18 x 7.4 x 6.9 (cm) with a weight of 1.2lbs. Iit is available in 10 different colors and also you can customize the outer knit fabric grille on the speaker, you just need to upload the picture on JBL site that you want to have on you FLIP 5. This speaker has a good build quality, made of 90% recycled plastic this environmentally friendly approach is appreciatbale, additionally the IPX7 rating ensures it’s waterproof, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use. Its fabric and rubber construction protect it from drops and impacts.

The speaker has 6 physical buttons: 4 on the front of speaker, 2 for volume up/down, 1 for play/pausa. 1 for Partyboost, this Partyboost button let you link this speaker with other Partyboost speakers. On back side of speaker, there is 1 button for power On/Off, and other button for wireless Bluetooth pairing.

Audio Performance Of JBL Flip 5

The JBL Flip 5 speaker, equipped with a racetrack-shaped driver, delivers powerful sound of 20W of maximum output and delivers bold, signature JBL sound with impressive bass for its size. The audio is clear and loud, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Additionally PartyBoost feature allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or multiple multiple compatible speakers for big sound.

Thanks to its digital signal processing, the bass remains clear and undistorted even at high volumes, providing a satisfying thump on tracks with intense sub-bass content like “Sean Paul – Got 2 Luv U.” While it can’t replicate the depth of a subwoofer, the passive radiators help deliver thicker bass at moderate volumes.

It downmixes stereo content into mono, but pairing it with another PartyBoost-compatible JBL speaker can provide stereo sound. While it’s powerful enough for an average-sized living room, it may struggle to fill larger spaces without some compression at max volume.

For those looking for an alternative with even more robust sound capabilities and advanced features, the Sony SRS-XB33 might be worth considering. With its extra bass technology, IP67 waterproof rating, and up to 24 hours of battery life, the SRS-XB33 offers a more immersive audio experience and greater durability for both indoor and outdoor use.

Battery Life of JBL Flip 5

The JBL Flip 5 is advertised to delivers 12 hours of playtime, but our tests told a different story.In our first test at 50% volume, the speaker lasted just over 10 hours, , which raised some doubts. We then performed two additional tests at full volume, where the Flip 5 lasted 8 hours and 45 minutes on a single charge. This is still enough for a day of music on the go. Charging from 0% to 100% took approximately 2.5 hours.

We had hoped for an improvement in battery life over its predecessor, the Flip 4, which also offers a 12-hour battery life (advertised). However, the Flip 5 does feature a notable upgrade in its charging port, which is now USB-C and providing a faster and more convenient charging experience. Comparatively, the UE Wonderboom 3, within a similar price range, offers a bit longer playtime of 14 hours.

Connectivity and Features

The Flip 5 has the similar connectivity features just like its predecessor Flip 4, similar Bluetooth 4.2 version with a range of up to 10 meters, and provides stable wireless connection. Additionally, the Flip 5 supports advanced Bluetooth profiles such as A2DP V1.3, which provides high-quality audio streaming, and AVRCP V1.6, which offers enhanced control over media playback functions. Although Flip 5 features JBL’s PartyBoost, through which you can connect it with other PartyBoost speakers for stereo sound.

Final verdict About JBL Flip 5

Finally, we can say that the JBL Flip 5 offers powerful bass and a waterproof design, along with a personalized appearance, despite its older Bluetooth 4.2 version. There are other noteworthy speakers in this price range, such as the UE Wonderboom 3, which provides 360-degree sound and has IP67 dust and waterproof ratings. UE also launch UE Wonderboom 4 if you want to read more about it click here. Another option is the TREBLAB HD77, which boasts 20 hours of playtime and delivers 30 watts of powerful sound output.