JBL Flip 5: A Full Review

The JBL Flip 5 is a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker that offers a powerful audio experience. Released as part of JBL’s well-known Flip series, the JBL Flip 5 promises enhanced sound quality, rugged durability, and convenience for music lovers on the go. Whether you’re at a beach party, hiking in the mountains, or just relaxing at home, this speaker can handle it all.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the JBL Flip 5. We’ll explore its design, performance, key features, battery life, and more to help you decide if this is the right Bluetooth speaker for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Flip 5 maintains the iconic cylindrical shape that makes it easy to hold or pack in your bag. Its portability is one of its standout features. Weighing in at just 540 grams, the speaker is light enough to carry around, yet feels solid and sturdy in hand.

The IPX7 waterproof rating means you can submerge it in water up to one meter for 30 minutes, making it ideal for pool parties, beach outings, or camping trips. The rugged exterior is designed to endure some rough handling, and the rubberized housing adds extra protection from drops.

Design Highlights:

Cylindrical design for portability
IPX7 waterproof for pool or beach use
Lightweight and durable build
Available in multiple vibrant colors

Sound Quality: Big Audio in a Compact Body

One of the strongest selling points of the JBL Flip 5 is its sound quality. Equipped with JBL’s racetrack-shaped driver, it delivers booming bass, crisp mids, and clear highs. The sound is well-balanced, and it performs admirably across various music genres. Whether you’re playing pop, classical, or EDM, the JBL Flip 5 offers a rich, immersive sound experience.

However, unlike some other models, the JBL Flip 5 is a mono speaker. While the sound is full and rich, stereo pairing is only available when you link two Flip 5 speakers together using the JBL PartyBoost feature.

Key Sound Features:

Racetrack-shaped driver for deeper bass
Strong, punchy audio quality
Mono sound, with JBL PartyBoost for stereo effect when paired with another speaker
Great performance at both high and low volumes

Battery Life: More Playtime

Battery life is crucial for portable speakers, and the JBL Flip 5 doesn’t disappoint. With up to 12 hours of playtime, it can keep the music going all day long. The built-in 4800mAh battery ensures you won’t need to constantly recharge the speaker during outings.

The USB-C charging is another big plus. With USB-C, the Flip 5 charges faster and more efficiently than older models. A full charge takes about 2.5 hours, so you can quickly get back to enjoying your music.

Battery Highlights:

12 hours of playtime on a single charge
USB-C fast charging
2.5-hour charging time
4800mAh battery capacity

Connectivity and Features

The JBL Flip 5 connects to your devices through Bluetooth 4.2, which is not the latest version, but still provides a reliable and stable connection. You can easily pair it with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, unlike some competitors, it doesn’t have a 3.5mm aux input, so wired connections aren’t an option.

The JBL PartyBoost feature allows you to connect multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to amplify the sound. This is great if you’re hosting a party or outdoor event and need a bigger, more powerful sound. Unfortunately, the Flip 5 is not backward compatible with JBL’s previous Connect+ feature, so you can only link it with other PartyBoost-enabled speakers.

Connectivity Highlights:

Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity
JBL PartyBoost for linking multiple speakers
No 3.5mm aux input for wired connections

Durability and Waterproofing

The IPX7 waterproof rating of the JBL Flip 5 makes it one of the most durable Bluetooth speakers in its category. You can confidently use it by the pool, at the beach, or even in the rain without worrying about damage. It’s also designed to withstand being dropped or knocked around, making it a solid choice for outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or spending time at the park, the Flip 5‘s rugged build ensures that it will hold up to daily use and various outdoor conditions.

Durability Features:

IPX7 waterproof rating (submersible in water up to 1 meter)
Shockproof, rugged exterior for drops and bumps
Built to last in various environments

Pros and Cons of JBL Flip 5

To give you a quick overview, here are the pros and cons of the JBL Flip 5:

Pros:

Portable, lightweight design
IPX7 waterproof rating
Strong, powerful sound with deep bass
12-hour battery life with USB-C charging
JBL PartyBoost for stereo pairing

Cons:

Mono sound (unless paired with another speaker)
No 3.5mm aux input for wired connections
Lacks a built-in microphone for calls

Specifications of JBL Flip 5

Here’s a quick rundown of the JBL Flip 5 specifications:

Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 4.2
Output Power: 20W RMS
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Charging Time: 2.5 hours via USB-C
Battery Capacity: 4800mAh
Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Frequency Response: 65Hz – 20kHz
Dimensions: 181 x 69 x 74mm
Weight: 540g

Comparison to JBL Flip 6

While the JBL Flip 5 is a solid option for its price range, some users may consider upgrading to the JBL Flip 6. The Flip 6 offers a two-way speaker system with separate tweeters and woofers for a more balanced sound. It also features Bluetooth 5.1, which offers better connection stability and range. However, the Flip 5 remains a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality speaker without breaking the bank.

Future of Portable Speakers

With advancements in technology, we’re seeing portable speakers become smarter and more connected. In the future, we can expect JBL and other brands to integrate features like voice control, AI-driven sound enhancements, and even more durable designs. The JBL Flip 5 is a testament to how far portable audio technology has come, offering powerful sound in a compact, rugged package.

Final Verdict: Is the JBL Flip 5 Worth It?

The JBL Flip 5 is a top-notch portable Bluetooth speaker that excels in sound quality, durability, and portability. While it lacks some features like a built-in microphone and stereo sound, its powerful audio, long battery life, and waterproof build make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone who wants a reliable, easy-to-use speaker.

For its price, the JBL Flip 5 offers great value, and if you’re in the market for a compact, rugged Bluetooth speaker, this is one you should seriously consider.