When it comes to portable audio, JBL has consistently delivered quality sound in compact packages. Today, we're comparing two popular models - the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Clip 5 - to help you decide which better suits your needs and budget.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential companions for music lovers who want quality sound on the go. These devices need to balance several key factors:
The Flip 5 ($79.99) and Clip 5 ($59.99) take different approaches to these challenges, each with its own strengths.
The Flip 5's cylindrical shape (7.1 x 2.9 inches) follows a classic portable speaker design that's proven effective for sound projection. It can stand vertically or lie horizontally, offering flexibility in placement. At 1.2 pounds, it's still portable but has more heft than its smaller sibling.
The Clip 5 takes a different approach with its compact circular design (5.3 x 3.4 inches) and integrated carabiner. Weighing just 0.63 pounds, it's genuinely pocket-sized and can attach to nearly anything. This design innovation makes it particularly appealing for active users.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can handle submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Clip 5 adds grippy rubber strips on its base for stable placement when not hanging.
The Flip 5 delivers impressive audio through its 20W output system. Its racetrack-shaped driver produces robust bass and clear mids, with enough power to fill a medium-sized room. The speaker especially shines in outdoor settings where sound can dissipate quickly.
The Clip 5 surprised me with its audio quality despite its smaller 7W output. JBL's latest driver technology and passive radiator design help it punch above its weight class. While it can't match the Flip 5's bass response or volume, it produces clear, balanced sound that's perfect for personal listening.
In testing, the Flip 5 maintains clarity at higher volumes, making it suitable for small gatherings. The Clip 5 handles moderate volumes well but can show some strain at maximum output - though this is rarely needed given its intended use case.
The Clip 5 features the newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard, offering improved range and stability over the Flip 5's Bluetooth 4.2. Both support multi-device pairing, but the Clip 5's newer technology provides better energy efficiency.
Both models offer multi-speaker connectivity, though through different systems:
While both speakers advertise 12-hour battery life, real-world performance varies:
The Flip 5 excels in scenarios requiring better sound projection:
The Clip 5 shines in mobile scenarios:
The Flip 5, released earlier, represented a significant upgrade over the Flip 4 with improved sound quality and USB-C charging. The Clip 5, launched in June 2024, builds on the Clip 4's foundation with several notable improvements:
At $79.99, the Flip 5 offers excellent value for those needing more powerful sound. The Clip 5's $59.99 price point makes it highly competitive in the ultra-portable category, especially considering its recent technical improvements.
Consider these factors when choosing between the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Clip 5:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Flip 5 remains a stellar choice for those prioritizing sound quality and volume, while the Clip 5 offers impressive performance in an ultra-portable package. Your choice should ultimately depend on how you'll use the speaker most often.
For active users or frequent travelers, the Clip 5 provides exceptional value and convenience. Those seeking better audio quality for home or social use will find the Flip 5 worth the extra investment. Either way, both speakers uphold JBL's reputation for quality portable audio, just with different priorities in mind.
| JBL Flip 5 | JBL Clip 5 |
|---|---|
| Output Power - Determines volume and sound quality | |
| 20W (room-filling sound) | 7W (personal listening range) |
| Size - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 7.12 x 2.91 x 2.71 inches (cylindrical) | 5.3 x 3.4 x 1.8 inches (compact circular) |
| Weight - Affects carrying convenience | |
| 1.2 lbs (moderate heft) | 0.628 lbs (ultra-portable) |
| Battery Life - Duration between charges | |
| 12 hours (consistent performance) | 12-15 hours (with Playtime Boost) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality and range | |
| 4.2 (older standard) | 5.3 (newer, more efficient) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 65Hz - 20kHz (better bass response) | 95Hz - 20kHz (less low-end) |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Outdoor durability | |
| IP67 (waterproof & dustproof) | IP67 (waterproof & dustproof) |
| Special Features - Added functionality | |
| PartyBoost speaker linking | Integrated carabiner, Auracast support |
| Charging Time - Convenience factor | |
| 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $79.99 (better audio quality) | $59.99 (more portable) |
The JBL Flip 5 is significantly better for home theater use due to its 20W output and stronger bass response. While neither is designed as a primary home theater speaker, the Flip 5's room-filling sound makes it a better secondary audio solution for bathrooms or patios when streaming from your main system.
The JBL Flip 5 costs $79.99, while the JBL Clip 5 is priced at $59.99. The $20 difference reflects the Flip 5's larger size and more powerful audio output.
The JBL Flip 5 delivers superior sound quality with its 20W output and better bass response (65Hz-20kHz). The Clip 5 has good sound for its size but can't match the Flip 5's audio performance.
Both the JBL Flip 5 and Clip 5 offer 12 hours of playback, but the Clip 5 can extend to 15 hours with its Playtime Boost feature.
The JBL Clip 5 is significantly more portable at 0.628 lbs with an integrated carabiner. The Flip 5 weighs 1.2 lbs and is larger, though still considered portable.
While both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth, the Flip 5 is better suited due to its stronger output and fuller sound. However, neither is an ideal primary TV speaker solution.
The JBL Clip 5 features newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology, offering better range and stability than the Flip 5's Bluetooth 4.2.
Neither speaker is designed for home theater surround sound. For proper surround sound, you should consider dedicated home theater speakers. The Flip 5 could serve as supplementary audio in adjacent rooms, but not as part of a primary surround setup.
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 - howtogeek.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - gymcaddy.net - jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - soundguys.com - th.jbl.com - hu.harmanaudio.com
