JBL and Bose are well-known brands in the audio accessory industry. The JBL Flip 5 is a beautiful new addition to the JBL portfolio. The Bose Soundlink Color 2 is slightly older. However, its mobility and audio quality have kept it at the top of the bestseller list.
The Bose Soundlink Color 2 costs much more than the JBL Flip 5. So does the Bose Soundlink Color 2 sound better than the original Soundlink Color? Or is the Flip 5’s audio quality superior to its counterpart?
We’ll discover this when we compare the JBL Flip 5 and Bose Soundlink Color 2 in this article.
So, without any further ado, let’s jump right into it!
Bose Soundlink vs JBL Flip 5 – Key Differences
Before we dive into the technicalities and intense parts of the comparison, here’s a quick comparison overview:
- The Bose Soundlink Color II has a battery life of up to 8 hours. The JBL Flip 5 has a battery life of up to 12 hours.
- When we tested the Bose Soundlink II and JBL Flip 5, we found that the Bose Soundlink Color II charging time was 4 hours. Whereas for the JBL Flip 5, it is approximately 2.5 hours.
- The Bluetooth features on both speakers also differ as the Bose Soundlink Color II has a 3.5mm analog Bluetooth. In contrast, the JBL Flip 5 has normal Bluetooth. They both have Wi-Fi.
- The Bose Soundlink Color II is IPX4 rated, whereas the JBL Flip 5 is IPX7 rated.
- The Bose Soundlink Color II comes in 5 colors, whereas the JBL Flip 5 comes in 12 colors.
- The Bose Soundlink Color II has a built-in speakerphone, whereas the JBL Flip 5 does not have a speakerphone.
- In terms of voice assistants, the speakers differ. The Bose Soundlink Color II comes enabled with a voice assistant, but the JBL Flip 5 doesn’t come enabled with any voice assistant.
Bose Soundlink vs JBL Flip 5 – Design and Build
The Flip 5 has the familiar appearance of other portable speakers made by JBL. It is long and cylindrical, and the edges are rubberized for comfort. Because of its tiny size and compact construction, it is convenient to carry in your hands. Alternatively, you can perch it on the water bottle holder of your bike or the back of your bag. It also has an AUX input.
The makers have not drastically changed the arrangement of the buttons from that of its predecessors, except for a thin strip that extends down the length of the speaker. The buttons and the USB-C connector for rapid charging are present inside one strip. You may have figured out that the passive bass radiators are present at the extreme ends on each speaker’s side.
The Flip 5 may be positioned horizontally or vertically, much like other JBL speakers. In addition, the speaker has a waterproof grade of IPX7, which means that you can bring it with you on trips to the beach or go trekking without worrying about harming the speaker.
In contrast to its JBL opponent, the Soundlink Color 2 is an older model with a very notably different appearance. This one has a more squared-off appearance than a cylindrical one like most of the others. Bose has made the outside of the SoundLink Color 2 of pliable rubber, which is a positive feature.
Because of this design characteristic, the speaker may be held and gripped with very little effort. However, its role in preventing scratches and bumps also contributes to the product’s longevity by extending its useful life.
Regarding its water resistance, it has a certification of IPX4, which indicates that it is splash-proof rather than waterproof. Nevertheless, it will be able to withstand its fair share of water splashes and other such hazards. Therefore, you must only take care not to submerge it in water at any point.
The makers have well-thought-out button placement. They have conveniently located all of the necessary buttons for volume control and switching between Bluetooth devices at the top of the device.
Even though it is an older model, there is still a 3.5 mm headphone socket on the speaker. Therefore, it will be beneficial to invest if you own a phone that still has one. The Flip 5 has a charging connector compatible with USB-C. However, the Bose Soundlink Color 2 continues to use the more traditional Micro USB connection.
Because most gadgets now come equipped with the more recent USB standard, you may run into problems in the future if you misplace the micro USB connection.
Winner in terms of design and build – JBL Flip 5
Bose Soundlink vs JBL Flip 5 – Sound Quality
The JBL Flip 5 certainly packs quite a powerful punch. It boasts an audio output that is clean and crisp, and a solid resonating bass supports it. You’ll find yourself moving to the rhythms of the songs, thanks to the richness and depth of the bass.
There is no distortion even at high settings is the most impressive feature. All of this is because of the enhanced digital signal processor (DSP), which can lower the thickness of the deep lows in audio recordings. In addition, several people have mentioned how much they value this feature in their evaluations.
The Flip 5 includes speakers with a power output of 20 watts and drivers that measure 44 by 80 millimeters.
On the other hand, the passive radiators located on the sides of the Bose SoundLink Color 2 allow it to produce music that is well balanced and has a decent amount of bass. However, it is not without flaws. However, the sound quality deteriorates when you turn the volume up quite high, particularly when playing outside. The strong bass makes the sound a little less clear.
Nevertheless, the Soundlink Color 2 is a private device. For that purpose, the audio output is fairly decent. You can have your share of wonderful music with this one, particularly given how little it is and how much it costs.
Winner in terms of sound quality – JBL Flip 5
Bose Soundlink vs JBL Flip 5 – Battery Life
The JBL Flip 5 does not fall short of our expectations to our relief. Instead, it has a battery performance of 12 hours, which is quite respectable considering its little.
Additionally, the Flip 5 can rapidly charge due to the inclusion of a USB-C charging connector. A full charge only takes around two and a half hours to complete. A useful indicator on the side shows how much energy is remaining in the speaker.
Compared to it, the battery life of the Bose Soundlink Color 2 is around 8 hours when used at moderate levels. Again, the volume levels determine a great deal of this. If you turn it up more, there is a greater possibility that the battery may run out of juice sooner.
When considering the micro-USB input, the amount of time required to recharge is not excessive. Therefore, you can fully charge the Bose speaker in around three hours.
Winner in terms of battery life – JBL Flip 5
Bose Soundlink vs JBL Flip 5 – Connectivity
The JBL Flip 5 is equipped with a handy PartyBoost button that, when pressed, enables the user to connect the speaker to other speakers that are compatible and boost the volume.
Please note that when we refer to compatible speakers, we refer to more recent models of speakers such as the JBL Pulse 4. Since PartyBoost is not like JBL Connect+, it is not compatible with older JBL speakers such as the Flip 4 or the Charge 4. However, you cannot use it with these JBL products. This has caused quite a few reviewers to voice their dissatisfaction with the product, as seen in their evaluations.
When it comes to connection, the Bose Soundlink Color 2 thankfully has a handy addition in the shape of a Bluetooth multipoint, which is a great feature. This technology enables you to connect up to two different devices to the speaker simultaneously, which significantly increases your level of convenience.
Party Mode is present in the package in addition to everything else. Using the Bose Connect+ app, you can couple it with additional Bose speakers that are compatible, similar to how the PartyBoost function works. This allows the speaker to amplify the sound. Speakers such as the SoundLink Revolve Plus have a Party Mode in their feature set.
Winner in terms of connectivity – Bose Soundlink Color II
Bose Soundlink vs JBL Flip 5 – Uses
To begin, the Bose Soundlink Color 2 can produce a sound that is satisfactory for a personal speaker. If you are the kind of person who enjoys listening to gentle instrumental music or jazz from the classic era, the Soundlink Color 2 will try its best to portray these types of music faithfully.
But on the other side, the JBL Flip 5 is a completely up-to-date speaker and is available for purchase. The cost is reasonable, and the audio transmission quality is excellent. Aside from that, the IPX7 certification and the compact size make it simple for you to bring them everywhere, whether you’re going to a party by the pool or just for a ride around the neighborhood.
Winner in terms of uses – JBL Flip 5
Bose Soundlink vs. JBL Flip 5 – Additional Features
In contrast to the JBL Flip 5, the Bose SoundLink Color 2 comes with a speakerphone capability.
The Bose SoundLink Color 2 and the JBL Flip 5 have snappy controls.
Both of these systems arrive with Bluetooth connectivity. However, the Bose SoundLink Color 2 also allows you to link a device through a 3.5mm analog connection, making it more flexible than its counterpart in this aspect.
Both of the speakers have control buttons. Those buttons are simple to differentiate from one another and provide a high level of responsiveness.
Compared to the JBL Flip 5, the Bose SoundLink Color 2 unquestionably comes out on top in terms of its feature set. For example, the Bose SoundLink Color 2 features a built-in microphone, which allows you to answer calls and have additional choices for how you may connect it to other devices.
It is compatible with both Google Assistant and Siri via its built-in microphone. However, it does not have a voice assistant of its own. Instead, it will utilize the voice assistant installed on your smartphone or tablet. The JBL Flip 5 does not come with the listed functions since it does not have an integrated microphone into the device.
When it comes to connecting multiple speakers, the Bose SoundLink Color 2 is compatible with the Bose SimpleSync technology, which allows it to connect with other Bose Home and SoundLink speakers. In a similar view, the JBL Flip 5 features the capability to link with several speakers.
It is compatible with other JBL Bluetooth speakers equipped with the PartyBoost protocol. You may link it with those speakers.
Winner in terms of additional features – Bose Soundlink Color II
Frequently Asked Questions About Bose Soundlink vs. JBL Flip 5
Does Bose Sound Better than JBL?
No, there is no comparison here. However, the JBL Flip 5 is far superior when it concerns audio quality and loudness.
Flip 5 sounds incredible, considering the cost and form factor. Furthermore, it boasts a stronger bass and superb sound that outperforms most comparably priced speakers. Whereas the highs get distorted over 70% loudness, Bose’s sound distorts at significantly lower levels. Flip 5 is double as loud and offers a far superior listening experience in terms of loudness.
It features a powerful 30W driver and two radiators just on the side. They bounce when the music plays, which looks fantastic. Try the JBL Flip 5 if you want a more cheap speaker that sounds almost equivalent.
While the Bose Sound Link Color II sounds better than other portable speakers, it lacks more bass for most users. Instead, Bose built it with two 40mm drivers. The sound sounds flat as if something is covering the speaker.
Not only is the sound quality poor. The max volume is almost half that of Flip 5. For comparison, Sound Link Color II at 85 percent is the same as the Flip 5 at 40 percent, which is unfortunate and does not justify the high price tag. So, for example, consider the Sound Link Micro if you prefer an identical Bose speaker that is less expensive and more durable.
JBL Flip 5 comfortably wins in terms of quality and loudness.
Which Has Better bass, Bose or JBL?
JBL has better bass than Bose. JBL is perfect for hip hop. Fans of rock and pop music. JBL speakers have subwoofers, as well as the bass impact is superior to that of Bose speakers. Furthermore, JBL speakers are bigger than Bose speakers. Their radiators have higher vibration levels, resulting in richer and deeper bass tones.
Because Bose has included transducers inside Bose Bluetooth speakers, users can create a personalized music experience.
Even at the maximum level, the sound distortion in any JBL speaker is low. As a result, it becomes your best pick if you enjoy the “Boom effect” when listening to hip hop, rock, or pop music.
Choose JBL if you desire a loud sound with excellent bass. Choose the Bose if you want high-fidelity audio with low bass. Bose also has excellent options for complex speaker systems.
Final Words
So, the overall winner of today’s review was the JBL Flip 5.
But should you go with the more established Bose Soundlink Color 2 or, the more recent JBL Flip 5? To begin, the Bose Soundlink Color 2 can produce a sound that is satisfactory for a personal speaker. If you are the kind of person who enjoys listening to gentle instrumental music or jazz from the classic era, the Soundlink Color 2 will try its best to portray these types of music faithfully.
However, it is rather old, particularly in its appearance and the time it can remain powered on. And the fact that it charges through micro-USB isn’t helping its case, particularly considering that more and more electronic products are moving toward the USB-C standard for charging.
On the other hand, the JBL Flip 5 is a speaker that is completely up to date and is available for purchase right now. The cost is reasonable, and the audio transmission quality is excellent. Aside from that, the IPX7 certification and the lightweight design make it simple for you to bring them everywhere, whether you’re going to a party by the pool or just for a ride around the neighborhood.
Now that we know that Flip 5 is the winner here, let’s see how it fairs in the war between JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6!
