When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL has established itself as a go-to brand for reliable audio quality at reasonable prices. Today, we're comparing the JBL Flip 5 ($79.99) and JBL Clip 4 ($49.99) - two popular but distinctly different approaches to portable sound.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past few years, with improvements in battery technology, water resistance, and sound quality. The key factors that matter most are sound performance, durability, portability, and battery life. Both of these JBL models were released in late 2020, and while newer versions exist (Flip 6 and Clip 5), these remain popular choices due to their proven reliability and often discounted prices.
The Flip 5 delivers 20 watts of power through its racetrack-shaped driver (an oval speaker design that maximizes sound in a compact space), while the Clip 4 outputs 5 watts. This power difference manifests most notably in three ways:
The Flip 5 covers 65Hz - 20kHz, while the Clip 4 manages 100Hz - 20kHz. This 35Hz difference in the low end might not sound like much, but it's quite noticeable when listening to bass-heavy music or movies. For context, most human voices fall between 85Hz-255Hz, which both speakers handle well.
The Flip 5 and Clip 4 represent two distinct design philosophies:
Flip 5 (7.1 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches, 1.2 lbs)
Clip 4 (3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches, 0.53 lbs)
Both speakers feature robust weather protection:
The Clip 4's higher IP rating means it's also protected against dust ingress, making it slightly more versatile for beach or desert environments.
The Clip 4 actually has newer Bluetooth technology (5.1) compared to the Flip 5's Bluetooth 4.2. This provides:
The Flip 5 includes PartyBoost, allowing you to:
The Clip 4 lacks multi-speaker connectivity but compensates with:
While neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater speaker, the Flip 5 can serve as a decent temporary solution:
Flip 5 excels at:
Clip 4 shines during:
Both speakers have seen improvements in battery technology:
Both use USB-C charging, a welcome upgrade from their predecessors' micro-USB ports.
The Flip 5 at $79.99 offers:
The Clip 4 at $49.99 provides:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Flip 5's superior sound quality and volume make it a better choice for those prioritizing audio performance, while the Clip 4's ultra-portable design and lower price point make it perfect for active users who value convenience and mobility.
Remember that newer models (Flip 6 and Clip 5) are available with incremental improvements, but these 2020 models often represent better value, especially when on sale. Both speakers represent JBL's commitment to quality portable audio, just with different priorities and use cases in mind.
| JBL Flip 5 | JBL Clip 4 |
|---|---|
| Output Power - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 20W - Fills medium rooms, maintains clarity at high volume | 5W - Better for personal listening, can strain at max volume |
| Size - Impacts portability and sound capabilities | |
| 7.12 x 2.91 x 2.71 inches - Needs bag space | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches - Ultra portable |
| Weight - Affects carrying convenience | |
| 1.2 lbs - Noticeable in a bag | 0.53 lbs - Barely noticeable when clipped |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass performance and overall sound range | |
| 65Hz - 20kHz - Fuller bass, better for music | 100Hz - 20kHz - Less bass, good for vocals |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use | |
| 12 hours - Full day of use | 10 hours - Most of a day |
| Charging Time - Affects convenience | |
| 2.5 hours - Faster charging | 3 hours - Slightly longer wait |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection stability and range | |
| 4.2 - Older but reliable | 5.1 - Better range and stability |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IPX7 - Waterproof only | IP67 - Waterproof and dustproof |
| Special Features - Adds functionality | |
| PartyBoost for multi-speaker setup | Integrated carabiner clip |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $79.99 - Premium audio focus | $49.99 - Budget-friendly portability |
The JBL Flip 5 ($79.99) is significantly better for home theater use due to its 20W output and stronger bass response. While neither speaker is ideal as a permanent home theater solution, the Flip 5's larger driver and better frequency range make it more suitable for movie dialogue and sound effects compared to the JBL Clip 4 ($49.99).
The main difference is power output and size. The JBL Flip 5 offers 20W output with superior bass response in a larger form factor, while the JBL Clip 4 provides 5W output in an ultra-portable design with a built-in carabiner clip.
If you're primarily using it for music or home entertainment, the JBL Flip 5 is worth the additional $30 due to its significantly better sound quality and volume. However, if portability is your main concern, the JBL Clip 4 offers better value.
The JBL Flip 5 can work as a temporary TV speaker through Bluetooth connection, offering decent dialogue clarity and volume. The JBL Clip 4 isn't recommended for TV use due to its limited volume and bass response.
The JBL Flip 5 offers 12 hours of playback, slightly more than the JBL Clip 4's 10 hours. However, both speakers provide enough battery life for most use cases.
No, they can't be paired together. The JBL Flip 5 supports PartyBoost to connect with other PartyBoost-compatible speakers, while the JBL Clip 4 doesn't support any multi-speaker connectivity.
Both are weather-resistant, but serve different purposes. The JBL Flip 5 is better for outdoor gatherings due to its volume, while the JBL Clip 4 is better for activities like hiking due to its portability and integrated clip.
The JBL Flip 5 can provide decent gaming audio with better bass response for explosions and effects. The JBL Clip 4 is less suitable due to its limited output and frequency range.
The JBL Clip 4 has superior IP67 water and dust resistance, while the JBL Flip 5 has IPX7 waterproofing only. Both can handle water exposure, but the Clip 4 adds dust protection.
Neither the JBL Flip 5 nor the JBL Clip 4 supports voice assistants directly. They function purely as audio output devices.
The JBL Flip 5 is significantly better for movie watching with its fuller sound range and higher volume output. The JBL Clip 4 lacks the power and bass response needed for an immersive movie experience.
Neither the JBL Flip 5 nor JBL Clip 4 supports simultaneous multiple device connections. You'll need to disconnect from one device before connecting to another.
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 - youtube.com - outeraudio.com - jbl.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - jbl.com - harmanaudio.com - youtube.com - ggelectronics.com - greentoe.com - soundstagexperience.com
