When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL has consistently led the market with quality offerings. Today, we're comparing two of their most popular models: the compact JBL Flip 6 ($99.99) and the more powerful JBL Charge 5 ($139.99). Both speakers represent JBL's latest technology in portable audio, but they serve different needs and users.
Portable speakers have evolved significantly in recent years, with improvements in battery technology, durability, and sound quality. Both these speakers showcase modern features like IP67 waterproofing (meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes), Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and JBL's latest audio engineering.
The Flip 6 was released in late 2021 as an upgrade to the popular Flip 5, while the Charge 5 debuted earlier that year. Both represent JBL's current generation of portable audio technology, featuring improved drivers and more refined sound compared to their predecessors.
The Flip 6 employs a 2-way speaker system with a dedicated racetrack-shaped woofer (1.75" x 3") and a separate 0.6" tweeter. This split allows for clearer separation between low and high frequencies, producing notably better clarity than single-driver systems. The speaker outputs 30W total (20W woofer, 10W tweeter), creating surprisingly robust sound for its size.
In practice, the Flip 6 delivers crisp, balanced audio that works well for various music genres. The dual passive radiators (those visible rubber ends that move with the bass) help produce impressive low frequencies for such a compact unit. The frequency response ranges from 63Hz to 20kHz, meaning it can reproduce most musical content effectively, though it won't deliver the deepest bass notes.
The Charge 5 steps things up with a larger 52mm x 90mm woofer and 20mm tweeter, pushing 40W total power (30W woofer, 10W tweeter). This larger driver configuration extends the frequency response down to 60Hz, allowing for more impactful bass. The extra power is immediately noticeable in larger spaces or outdoor settings.
What's particularly impressive about the Charge 5 is how it maintains clarity at higher volumes. The larger cabinet size allows for better acoustic design, reducing distortion when you're really pushing the volume.
The Flip 6 excels in personal listening scenarios. Its cylindrical design provides excellent 360-degree sound coverage, making it ideal for:
Battery life clocks in at 12 hours, which typically translates to about 10 hours of real-world use at moderate volumes. The USB-C charging takes about 2.5 hours from empty.
The Charge 5 is built for bigger situations. Its extra power and larger drivers make it perfect for:
The 20-hour battery life is a genuine advantage, especially since it can share that power with other devices through its USB-A port. This power bank feature has saved many a phone battery during long outdoor sessions.
Both speakers feature Bluetooth 5.1, which provides improved range and stability compared to older versions. They both support JBL's PartyBoost feature, allowing you to connect multiple compatible speakers for stereo or party mode playback.
A key technical difference lies in their charging systems:
Both speakers feature similar build quality with tough fabric covering and rubber ends. The IP67 rating means they're:
The Flip 6 weighs 1.21 lbs, while the Charge 5 comes in at 2.11 lbs. This difference is noticeable when carrying them around, making the Flip 6 more suitable for regular transport.
When comparing the Flip 6 at $99.99 to the Charge 5 at $139.99, consider what you're getting for the extra $40:
The choice between these speakers really comes down to your primary use case:
Choose the Flip 6 if:
Choose the Charge 5 if:
Both speakers represent excellent value in their respective categories, and neither would be a poor choice. The key is matching the speaker to your specific needs and usage patterns.
JBL continues to update their portable app, which works with both speakers, adding features and improving performance. Both models receive regular firmware updates, ensuring compatibility with newer devices and maintaining optimal performance.
The portable speaker market continues to evolve, but both the Flip 6 and Charge 5 remain competitive with newer releases from other manufacturers, thanks to their solid feature sets and reliable performance.
In conclusion, both speakers excel at what they're designed to do. The Flip 6 offers exceptional portability with great sound, while the Charge 5 provides more power and features for those who need them. Your choice should align with your typical listening environment and how you plan to use the speaker most often.
| JBL Flip 6 | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|
| Total Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 30W (20W woofer + 10W tweeter) | 40W (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended outdoor use | |
| 12 hours (requires more frequent charging) | 20 hours (ideal for longer events) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 7" x 2.6" x 2.8", 1.21 lbs (highly portable) | 8.7" x 3.76" x 3.67", 2.11 lbs (less portable) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and clarity | |
| 1.75" x 3" woofer, 0.6" tweeter | 52mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter (larger drivers = better bass) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 63Hz - 20kHz (slightly less bass extension) | 60Hz - 20kHz (marginally better bass response) |
| Charging Features - Additional functionality | |
| USB-C charging only | USB-C charging + Power bank capability |
| Water/Dust Protection - Durability for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated (fully waterproof) | IP67 rated (fully waterproof) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $99.99 (better value for personal use) | $139.99 (premium for extra features) |
| Bluetooth Version - Connection quality and range | |
| 5.1 with PartyBoost support | 5.1 with PartyBoost support |
| Charging Time - Convenience factor | |
| 2.5 hours (faster charging) | 4 hours (longer charging time) |
Neither the JBL Flip 6 nor JBL Charge 5 is specifically designed for home theater use. However, the Charge 5's more powerful output and deeper bass response make it a better choice if you're planning to use it as a temporary home theater solution. For permanent setups, consider dedicated home theater speakers instead.
The JBL Flip 6 costs $99.99, while the JBL Charge 5 is priced at $139.99. The $40 difference gets you more power, longer battery life, and power bank functionality.
Yes, both speakers support JBL's PartyBoost feature, allowing you to connect multiple compatible speakers for stereo sound or synchronized playback. This works great for larger rooms or outdoor spaces.
The JBL Charge 5 offers superior battery life at 20 hours, compared to the JBL Flip 6's 12 hours. This makes the Charge 5 better suited for extended listening sessions or outdoor events.
The JBL Flip 6 is more portable at 1.21 lbs compared to the Charge 5's 2.11 lbs. The Flip 6's smaller size makes it easier to carry and pack for travel.
While both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, neither is ideal for primary TV audio due to potential audio lag. The Charge 5's larger drivers provide better TV sound if needed temporarily.
The JBL Charge 5 delivers better overall sound quality with its larger drivers and more powerful output (40W vs 30W), especially in bass response. The Flip 6 offers balanced sound but can't match the Charge 5's power.
Only the JBL Charge 5 can charge other devices through its USB-A port. The Flip 6 doesn't include this power bank feature.
The JBL Flip 6 charges in about 2.5 hours, while the Charge 5 takes longer at 4 hours due to its larger battery capacity.
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: techradar.com - phonearena.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - wcucampusstore.com - jbl.com.sg - pcrichard.com - kh.jbl.com - musicarts.com - jbl.com - cnet.com - youtube.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
