The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in compact audio devices. Today, we're comparing two popular options from JBL: the newer Flip 6 ($129.95) and its predecessor, the Flip 5 ($119.95, often available around $80).
When JBL released the Flip 5 in August 2019, it represented a solid iteration in their portable speaker line. The launch of the Flip 6 in December 2021 brought several meaningful upgrades, particularly in sound quality and durability. But are these improvements worth the price difference? Let's dive in.
The Flip 6 introduces a dual-driver system that significantly changes how the speaker delivers sound. It combines a 1.75" x 3" woofer (for low and mid frequencies) with a dedicated 0.6" tweeter (for high frequencies). This separation of frequencies, known as a two-way system, allows each driver to focus on what it does best.
Think of it like having two specialists instead of one generalist - the woofer handles the punchy bass and clear midrange, while the tweeter delivers crisp high notes. In practice, this means you'll hear more detail in complex musical passages and better separation between instruments.
The Flip 5 uses a single 44mm driver to handle the entire frequency range. While this might seem like a disadvantage, JBL's engineering makes it work remarkably well. The speaker produces clear, balanced sound that's impressive for its size.
Both models use dual passive radiators - these are like speakers without their own power that move in response to the main driver's action, helping to produce deeper bass than you'd expect from such compact devices. However, the Flip 6's more sophisticated driver system makes better use of these radiators.
One of the most significant upgrades in the Flip 6 is its IP67 rating. Let's break down what this means:
The Flip 5 has an IPX7 rating, where the 'X' means it wasn't tested for dust resistance. While both speakers can handle a dunk in the pool, only the Flip 6 is certified to resist dust and sand. This makes it a better choice for beach trips or dusty outdoor environments.
The Flip 6's Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity offers several advantages over the Flip 5's Bluetooth 4.2:
Perhaps the most practical difference is the Flip 6's compatibility with the JBL Portable app, which includes:
The Flip 5 lacks app support, meaning what you hear is what you get - though many users find its default sound signature perfectly satisfactory.
Both speakers offer similar battery performance:
However, the Flip 6 includes a useful safety feature: it warns you if water is detected in the charging port, helping prevent potential damage.
After extensive testing in various environments, here's how they compare:
Both speakers excel in medium-sized rooms. The Flip 6's superior driver system becomes most noticeable when:
The Flip 6 pulls ahead outdoors thanks to:
Both speakers support PartyBoost for connecting multiple compatible speakers. However, note that:
The value equation depends heavily on your needs:
Flip 6 at $129.95:
Flip 5 at $80-120:
Consider these scenarios to determine which speaker best fits your needs:
Both the Flip 6 and Flip 5 are excellent portable speakers, but they serve slightly different users. The Flip 6 represents JBL's current best thinking in portable audio, with meaningful improvements in sound quality and durability. However, the Flip 5 remains a strong contender, especially when found at a discount.
For most users, the decision will come down to:
If you can afford it, the Flip 6's improvements make it the better choice for long-term satisfaction. However, if you find the Flip 5 at a significant discount, it still offers excellent value and performance that won't disappoint.
| JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker | JBL Flip 5 Portable Speaker |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines sound clarity and separation | |
| Two-way system: 1.75" x 3" woofer + 0.6" tweeter | Single 44mm driver |
| Output Power - Affects maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 30W total (20W woofer + 10W tweeter) | 20W total |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) | IPX7 (waterproof only) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.1 with improved range and stability | 4.2 with standard range |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| Up to 12 hours (at moderate volume) | Up to 12 hours (at moderate volume) |
| Charging Time - Impacts convenience | |
| 2.5 hours via USB-C | 2.5 hours via USB-C |
| App Support - Enables customization | |
| Yes, with EQ control and firmware updates | No app support |
| Frequency Response - Determines sound range | |
| 63Hz - 20kHz (deeper bass response) | 65Hz - 20kHz |
| Weight - Affects portability | |
| 1.21 lbs (550g) | 1.19 lbs (540g) |
| Current Market Price - Value consideration | |
| $129.95 (newer model with more features) | $80-120 (often discounted) |
| PartyBoost Compatibility - For multi-speaker setups | |
| Only with Flip 6 and newer models | Works with other PartyBoost speakers of same era |
While both can work as auxiliary speakers, the JBL Flip 6 is better suited for home theater use due to its improved driver configuration and clearer high frequencies. However, neither is specifically designed for home theater - dedicated surround speakers would be a better choice.
The JBL Flip 6 justifies its higher price with better sound quality, dust protection, and app support. If you'll use it outdoors or want the best sound quality, the extra cost is worth it. If you're mainly using it indoors and find the Flip 5 on sale, the savings might be more valuable.
No, the JBL Flip 6 can only pair with other Flip 6 models or newer JBL speakers using PartyBoost. The Flip 5 works with PartyBoost speakers of its own era.
Both the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 offer the same 12-hour battery life at moderate volume levels. Both charge in 2.5 hours via USB-C.
The JBL Flip 6 has higher total power output (30W vs 20W) compared to the Flip 5, making it slightly louder with better clarity at higher volumes.
Yes, both work well for outdoor movies, but the JBL Flip 6 is better suited due to its IP67 dust protection and improved sound clarity. The Flip 5 works fine but needs more protection from dust and dirt.
The JBL Flip 6 has slightly better bass response (63Hz vs 65Hz) and more refined low-end thanks to its dedicated woofer. However, both use dual passive radiators for enhanced bass.
Both speakers are water-resistant, but the JBL Flip 6 is better suited due to its additional dust protection. The Flip 5 is still water-resistant but may be more vulnerable to humidity over time.
Only the JBL Flip 6 works with the JBL app for EQ adjustment and updates. The Flip 5 works perfectly fine without any app but lacks customization options.
The JBL Flip 6 is more durable overall with its IP67 rating protecting against both water and dust. The Flip 5 is still quite durable but only has IPX7 water protection.
While both speakers deliver good sound, neither the JBL Flip 6 nor Flip 5 are designed to replace dedicated home theater speakers. They work better as supplementary or portable audio solutions.
The JBL Flip 6 features Bluetooth 5.1, offering better range and stability compared to the Flip 5's Bluetooth 4.2. This means fewer dropouts and faster pairing.
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 - 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
