When it comes to portable audio, choosing between the new Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($49.99) and the established JBL Flip 5 ($79.99) isn't just about price - it's about understanding what makes each speaker special and which one fits your specific needs. Let's dive deep into these popular choices to help you make an informed decision.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past few years, with manufacturers focusing on durability, sound quality, and smart features. The JBL Flip 5 was released in 2019 and has become something of a benchmark in the mid-range portable speaker market. The MINIROLL, released more recently, represents a new approach focusing on ultra-portability and sustainability.
The MINIROLL takes a fresh approach with its puck-shaped design, weighing just 279 grams - about as much as a large smartphone. Its compact size (122.67 x 105 x 48.15 mm) makes it genuinely pocket-friendly, something that can't be said for many "portable" speakers. The integrated silicone strap is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to attach to backpacks or bike handlebars.
The Flip 5 sticks to JBL's classic cylindrical design, weighing in at 540 grams. While heavier, this extra heft contributes to its superior sound output. The fabric covering both speakers is durable, but the Flip 5's slightly larger size (18 x 7.4 x 6.9 cm) means it needs more bag space.
The MINIROLL employs a 45.6mm active driver paired with a 37.75 x 65mm passive radiator. This setup delivers respectable sound for its size, with a maximum volume of 86-87 dBC. The Flip 5 counters with a more powerful 20W output and a racetrack-shaped driver that produces notably fuller sound, especially in the bass frequencies.
In practical use, the sound quality difference is noticeable. The Flip 5 delivers clearer mids and more impactful bass, making it better suited for larger spaces or outdoor use. The MINIROLL, while competent, focuses on personal listening scenarios - think desk setup or small room use.
The MINIROLL showcases newer technology with Bluetooth 5.3, supporting advanced codecs like AAC, SBC, and LC3. This translates to better range (40 meters) and more stable connections. The Flip 5's Bluetooth 4.2 is still reliable but offers shorter range and fewer modern features.
Both speakers offer multi-speaker pairing, but with different approaches:
Both speakers advertise 12-hour battery life, but real-world usage shows some differences:
The MINIROLL makes sustainability a priority, using:
The $49.99 MINIROLL represents excellent value for casual users, while the $79.99 Flip 5 justifies its higher price through superior sound quality and build. Consider these price-to-feature ratios:
For personal listening at a desk or in small rooms, the MINIROLL's compact size and decent sound make it a practical choice. Its strap and lighter weight make it perfect for commuting or travel.
The Flip 5 shines in social settings, with enough volume to fill larger spaces and better bass response for music playback. It's the better choice for small gatherings or outdoor parties.
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Flip 5's superior sound quality makes it a better temporary solution for improving TV audio. However, dedicated soundbars would be more appropriate for this use case.
Consider your primary use case:
The MINIROLL represents newer technology with Bluetooth 5.3 and modern codecs, while the Flip 5's older but refined design focuses on sound quality. JBL has since released the Flip 6, but the Flip 5 remains a solid choice, especially at its current price point.
Both the Ultimate Ears MINIROLL and JBL Flip 5 excel in their respective niches. The MINIROLL pushes boundaries in portability and sustainability, while the Flip 5 maintains its position as a solid all-rounder with superior sound. Your choice should align with your specific needs - whether that's ultimate portability or superior sound quality.
Remember: The best speaker isn't always the one with the highest specs or price tag - it's the one that fits your lifestyle and use cases while providing the features you'll actually use.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL | JBL Flip 5 |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment for the speaker | |
| $49.99 (excellent value for features) | $79.99-119.95 (premium but justifiable) |
| Size - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15 mm (ultra-portable) | 181 x 74 x 69 mm (moderate size) |
| Weight - Affects carrying convenience | |
| 279g (smartphone-like weight) | 540g (noticeable but manageable) |
| Maximum Volume - Determines suitable listening environments | |
| 86-87 dBC (good for personal/small room use) | 85-90 dBC (fills larger spaces effectively) |
| Battery Life - Duration between charges | |
| 12 hours (USB-C fast charging) | 12 hours (2.5 hour charging time) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Environmental durability | |
| IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) | IPX7 (waterproof only) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality and range | |
| 5.3 (latest tech, 40m range) | 4.2 (older tech, shorter range) |
| Audio Drivers - Impact on sound quality | |
| 45.6mm driver + passive radiator (compact setup) | 20W racetrack-shaped driver (fuller sound) |
| Multi-Speaker Pairing - Party and stereo capabilities | |
| Unlimited PartyUp with Auracast | Limited PartyBoost (JBL speakers only) |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| Built-in strap, sustainable materials, no app | App support, more color options, better bass |
| Codecs Supported - Audio quality potential | |
| AAC, SBC, LC3 (modern codec support) | SBC only (basic codec support) |
| Use Case Sweet Spot - Ideal usage scenario | |
| Personal listening, travel, outdoor activities | Small gatherings, room filling sound, parties |
The JBL Flip 5 is better suited for home theater use due to its fuller sound output and stronger bass response. While neither speaker is ideal for permanent home theater setup, the Flip 5's superior audio quality makes it a better temporary solution compared to the MINIROLL.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL costs $49.99, while the JBL Flip 5 ranges from $79.99 to $119.95 depending on sales and retailers. The price difference of roughly $30-70 reflects the Flip 5's better sound quality and more robust features.
Both the MINIROLL and JBL Flip 5 offer 12 hours of battery life. However, the MINIROLL charges faster via USB-C, while the Flip 5 takes 2.5 hours to fully charge.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL is significantly more portable at 279g with a compact puck design, compared to the Flip 5 at 540g. The MINIROLL's built-in strap also makes it easier to carry and attach to bags or bikes.
The JBL Flip 5 delivers superior sound quality with better bass response and clearer mids compared to the MINIROLL. Its larger driver and design provide fuller sound that's better for larger spaces.
While both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, the JBL Flip 5 is the better choice for TV audio due to its superior sound quality. However, a dedicated soundbar would be a better long-term solution than either the Flip 5 or MINIROLL.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL features newer technology with Bluetooth 5.3 and support for modern codecs (AAC, SBC, LC3), while the Flip 5 uses older Bluetooth 4.2 technology.
The JBL Flip 5 works with the JBL Connect app for additional controls and features, while the MINIROLL doesn't have app support, offering a simpler user experience.
For home use, choose the JBL Flip 5 if you want better sound quality and plan to use it in larger rooms or for gatherings. Choose the MINIROLL if you prioritize portability and plan to move it frequently between rooms or take it outside often.
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 - businesswire.com - bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - ultimateears.com - target.com - youtube.com - ultimateears.com - ultimateears.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
