When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL has consistently been a market leader. Today, we're comparing two of their popular models: the JBL Flip 5 ($79.99) and the JBL Charge 5 ($139.99). While they might look similar at first glance, these speakers serve different purposes and come with distinct features that make each better suited for specific uses.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past few years. They're no longer just simple wireless speakers - they've become durable, long-lasting companions for everything from personal listening to outdoor parties. The key aspects buyers should consider include sound quality, battery life, durability, and portability.
The Flip 5 was released in 2020, while the Charge 5 came out in early 2021. Both represent JBL's modern speaker design philosophy, featuring rugged construction and impressive sound for their size. They've received several firmware updates since release, improving Bluetooth stability and PartyBoost functionality (which lets you connect multiple compatible JBL speakers together).
The sound signature between these speakers shows some interesting contrasts. The Flip 5 uses a single racetrack-shaped driver that produces 20 watts of power. This unique driver shape helps maximize sound output from the compact enclosure. In practice, this means clear mids and surprisingly capable bass for its size, though it can't match larger speakers in pure volume or low-end response.
The Charge 5 takes things up a notch with a more complex speaker arrangement: a 52x90mm woofer pushing 30 watts and a dedicated 20mm tweeter delivering 10 watts. This separation of frequencies results in clearer highs and more impactful bass. The dual passive radiators (those oval-shaped panels on the ends) help enhance bass response by using air pressure from the main driver.
In real-world use, here's how they compare:
The physical differences between these speakers significantly impact their use cases:
The Flip 5's smaller size makes it significantly more portable. I've found it's perfect for throwing in a backpack without much thought. The Charge 5, while still portable, requires more intentional packing due to its larger size and weight.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements in recent years, and both speakers benefit from this:
The Flip 5 offers 12 hours of playback from its 4800mAh battery. This is usually enough for a full day's use, though volume levels will impact actual battery life. Charging takes about 2.5 hours via USB-C.
The Charge 5 pushes this further with a 7500mAh battery delivering up to 20 hours of playback. But the real differentiator is its power bank feature - you can charge your phone or other USB devices from the speaker's battery. This has saved me more than once during outdoor events.
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, which means:
This is a significant improvement over older models that only offered splash resistance. I've tested both speakers in rain and near pools without issues, though I wouldn't recommend deliberately submerging them.
The Charge 5 has a slight edge in wireless technology, using Bluetooth 5.1 compared to the Flip 5's Bluetooth 4.2. In practical terms:
Both speakers support JBL's PartyBoost feature, letting you:
At $79.99, the Flip 5 represents excellent value for personal use. It delivers most of what people need in a portable speaker without breaking the bank.
The Charge 5 at $139.99 justifies its higher price through:
Consider these questions:
Choose the Flip 5 if:
Choose the Charge 5 if:
Both speakers excel in their respective categories. The Flip 5 is a fantastic personal speaker that balances performance and portability, while the Charge 5 offers more power and features for those who need them.
For most individual users, the Flip 5's combination of price, performance, and portability makes it the smarter choice. However, if you frequently host gatherings or need the extra features, the Charge 5's additional capabilities justify its higher price tag.
Remember that both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors, and either one will serve well as a primary portable speaker. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and use cases rather than one being definitively "better" than the other.
| JBL Flip 5 | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|
| Output Power - Determines max volume and sound quality | |
| 20W total output | 40W total (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without charging | |
| 12 hours playback | 20 hours playback + power bank function |
| Size - Affects portability and ease of transport | |
| 7.1 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches (very portable) | 8.7 x 3.8 x 3.7 inches (less pocket-friendly) |
| Weight - Important for carrying comfort | |
| 1.2 lbs (easily carried) | 2.11 lbs (noticeable in a bag) |
| Driver Configuration - Impacts sound quality and bass response | |
| Single racetrack-shaped driver | Separate woofer and tweeter + dual passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection range and stability | |
| 4.2 (older but reliable) | 5.1 (better range and stability) |
| Waterproof Rating - Determines outdoor usability | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof) | IP67 (fully waterproof) |
| Charging Time - Affects convenience | |
| 2.5 hours | 4 hours |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $79.99 (better value for personal use) | $139.99 (premium features justify cost) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| PartyBoost compatible | PartyBoost compatible + USB power bank |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended purpose | |
| Personal listening, travel, small spaces | Group gatherings, outdoor events, extended use |
The JBL Charge 5 ($139.99) is better for home theater use due to its superior bass response and higher volume output. However, neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater speaker - they're better suited as portable solutions or for secondary rooms.
The JBL Flip 5 costs $79.99, while the JBL Charge 5 is priced at $139.99, making a $60 difference. The price gap reflects the Charge 5's additional features and better sound quality.
While both speakers can connect to your TV via Bluetooth, neither the JBL Flip 5 nor Charge 5 is designed to replace a soundbar. They lack proper TV audio processing and connectivity options like HDMI or optical inputs.
The JBL Charge 5 offers 20 hours of playback compared to the Flip 5's 12 hours. The Charge 5 also includes a power bank feature to charge other devices.
Yes, both the JBL Flip 5 and Charge 5 support PartyBoost, allowing you to connect multiple compatible JBL speakers for stereo or party mode playback.
The JBL Flip 5 is more portable at 1.2 pounds compared to the Charge 5's 2.11 pounds. The Flip 5's smaller size makes it easier to carry in a bag or backpack.
Yes, both the JBL Flip 5 and Charge 5 have IP67 waterproof ratings, meaning they can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
The JBL Charge 5 has better overall sound quality with superior bass response and clearer highs thanks to its dedicated woofer and tweeter design. The Flip 5 still sounds good but can't match the Charge 5's fuller sound.
The JBL Charge 5 is better suited for outdoor movie viewing due to its louder volume and better bass response. However, for the best experience, consider a dedicated outdoor speaker system.
Both speakers work well in small rooms, but the JBL Flip 5 is more appropriate given its size and price point. The Charge 5's extra power isn't as necessary in smaller spaces.
Neither the JBL Flip 5 nor Charge 5 has built-in voice assistants, but both can be controlled through your phone's voice assistant when connected via Bluetooth.
The JBL Flip 5 offers better value for personal use and small spaces at $79.99. However, if you need the extra features and power, the Charge 5 at $139.99 justifies its higher price through better sound quality and additional features.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - seriousinsights.net - youtube.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - cdwg.com - gzhls.at - kh.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - techradar.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - howtogeek.com - jbl.com - abt.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - homedepot.com - bhphotovideo.com - dxomark.com
