JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6

Portable Bluetooth speakers are the best devices if you’re looking for efficient speakers that are budget-friendly too. They can also bring life to your party, whether in your home or outside. Many brands are there on the market, but JBL comes as people’s favorite because of its fantastic sound quality and brilliant features at an affordable price. This is where the JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 comparison fits the picture!

Flip 5 was launched in 2020 and became popular with its easy-to-use application and one of the best waterproof portable Bluetooth speakers. Flip 6, on the other hand, was established in 2021 and came with some upgrades against Flip 5.

This article will discuss whether these upgrades are enough to buy the new model if you have a Flip 5 and what advantages and disadvantages you will face while purchasing a new model.

What Is the Difference Between JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6?

Before we dive into the technicalities and intense parts of the comparison, here’s a quick comparison overview:

• The JBL Flip 5 is more expensive than the JBL Flip 6.
• The JBL Flip 5 has 10 color options, whereas the JBL Flip 6 has 5 color options.
• In terms of design, the JBL Flip 5 has the same old JBL design, whereas the JBL Flip 6 has an upgraded design along with a rubber stopper which is absent in the FLip 5.
• You can find the latest Bluetooth 5.1 on the JBL Flip 6, whereas there is only an outdated Bluetooth 4.2 on the JBL Flip 5.
• The JBl Flip 5 comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating, whereas the JBL Flip 6 arrives with an IP67 rating which we consider excellent.
• JBL has enabled the Flip 6 with equalizer settings, whereas this feature is missing on the Flip 5.
• The Flip 6 has an additional 10w tweeter, whereas the Flip 5 lacks a tweeter when it comes to speakers.

Let’s begin the comprehensive comparison piece by piece now that you have enough general understanding.

What is the first thing that comes to mind while looking for a good speaker?

It has to be the design and build. Right?

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Design and Build

With substantially improved aesthetics and its cylindrical design, Flip 5 is remarkable, but it is also uninteresting. The manufacturers have included the brand’s logo in the structure of the current version.

Rather than a small JBL symbol that used to look chappy and cheap, the JBL logo has grown in size and style, adding a remarkable aspect that previous versions lacked. They have the same batteries and last almost the same amount of time.

The only difference between the Flip 5 and the Flip 6 is the logo and the position the manufacturers have situated ut at. Although we appreciate the old model’s more minimalist logo design (though it doesn’t add to the style), it has no discernible effect on the sound quality. Everything else is practically the same.

Aside from appearance, there aren’t many differences between the two models. The shapes of both the speakers are the same, with a foundation that doesn’t provide a flat bottom. When music is playing, the springy radiators of both ends bounce. Each portable speaker weighs roughly 0.5 kg and hasn’t altered significantly in size.

The Flip 6 has a base of rubbery substance, which is an upgrade over the Flip 5. The heaviness of the speaker and the strap positioned immediately behind the bottom were the only things keeping the Flip 5 from rolling. Tiny rubber support on the Flip 6 works remarkably well for stabilizing the smartphone while adding no bulk to the design.

The devices are well-made and comfortable to hold. Although you can use the JBL speakers in length-wise or breadth-wise configurations, the design allows the portable speaker to be placed horizontally on the base.

Sizable and sensory buttons with simple to press and dependable features make its design desirable. For example, even though the manufacturer hasn’t lit the buttons at the top, the structure of the buttons allows you to use the speaker in the dark.

The JBL Flip 6 has a more robust waterproof certification because of its x67 rating for ingress protection, including dust-proof protection. However, the JBL FLIP 5’s x7 rating does not. Irrespective of that, their waterproof ratings are good enough to make them durable. You can bring them to soiled areas or poolsides because you can submerge them in deep water.

IP Rating

The JBL Flip 5 has an x7 rating for ingress protection. It can tolerate if you submerge it in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

The manufacturers gave the new model an x67 rating for ingress protection because it can resist you submerging for half an hour at a depth of up to 1 meter. It’s also wholly dust-proof.

Winner in Terms of Design and Build: JBL Flip 6

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Sound Quality

Flip 5 is an excellent speaker. It doesn’t matter if we listen to Ariana’s songs or some modern classical musicians. Instead, we discovered that it provides audio playback with striking clarity, massive levels of detail, and more than a hint of dynamism during our review.

Those who aren’t familiar with Flip’s high-quality audio will be blown away by how clean and melodious this speaker can provide audio. Because you’ll hear no distortion while increasing the sound, the sound quality seems quite clear even if you are standing at some meters. 

Flip 6 provides with configuration for new audio, which makes it a stand-out model from its opponent. So even though the JBL Flip 5 is a good speaker with a pleasant sound, the new model has something better. 

We listened to some bass-groovy songs during our testing, and there’s nice vampy bass provided by pulsed. The song’s bass, lyrics, and music stood out very nicely. The vocals of vocalists gave the songs the mood of luxurious and bumpy hip hop betas. 

The pounding rhythm section with trebly drums, hammering basslines, and throbbing synths, of various songs sounded mesmerizing. In contrast, the beautiful voice of the singer floats like a boat on still water and has a wonderfully natural presence.

We did hear some sharp treble notes when we turned up the volume on this track to the maximum. However, overall, the new model can handle higher settings without much distortion. The audio performance is generally pretty balanced, with a great sense of clarity.

Both the models have similar features i,e., Party Boost, which significantly improves audio quality. This allows you to create your sound theatre by connecting the compatible JBL speakers with them, and the number can go up to 100. Unfortunately, you can only pair the new model with a speaker of the same class or another Flip 6. However, this is a minor flaw.

There’s not much difference when it comes to the respective features of the models, and that’s the idea. Flip 5 and Flip 6, being portable Bluetooth speakers, are ultra-compact. They lack an AUX port for connecting it to the phone through wires. But it works well with mobile software like Siri or Google Assistant with a built-in microphone. 

The JBL Flip 6’s redesigned tweeter has increased the sound production and the quality. However, you can hear all the different instruments used in a song. This is very obvious when you compare both models.

The new model has a much louder sound than the older one, making the Flip 6 quite stunning. It has roughly similar technology to the Flip 5, but it manages to reach far higher and more clear volumes without compromising the quality of the song. The speakers can produce powerful dynamics, but the new model does it a little better. 

Both the models have sound characteristics that are comparable. For example, the highs on the Flip 5 are a little muted compared to its rival, likely due to the increased tweeters. The new model has more punch and definition, although it sometimes sounds harsh and loud. In our opinion, the low range is nearly comparable.

Overall, the differences are minor and only visible when comparing the two. Equalizing the great sound gives the song a varied audio character. It is a crucial benefit the new kid has over the JBL Flip 5. 

Flip 6 now sounds more open and alive thanks to the revised speaker layout than its competitor.

Winner in Terms of Sound Quality: JBL Flip 6

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Portability

Because the Flip series focuses on portability and a light design, it’s pretty sure that JBL will be reluctant to increase the size of its batteries drastically. Previous models were significantly smaller in terms of their batteries. Look into other JBL portable Bluetooth speakers, such as if you need more battery life. 

Especially with the price category of 150 bucks, it’s challenging to beat the Flip 6’s mobility, user-friendly functionality, and quality. Both the models provide lightweight and the best portable speakers. In fact, JBL Flip 5 is also one of the most portable beach speakers on the market.

Flip 6 would come at the heavier side of the spectrum compared with Flip 5, but you can expect that given the upgrades. But that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers with a strap that you can use to hand it anywhere. 

Winner in Terms of Portability: It’s a Tie

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Battery Life

The manufacturers include a Li-ion polymer 17.28Wh battery with these wireless speakers. Both the models allow a full charge for up to half a day. The duration will vary following the audio level, what you’re playing, the surrounding area, and other considerations. Charging could take up to 2-3 hours.

JBL markets both gadgets as having half a day battery life. However, the same can’t be said true enough as both of them couldn’t complete the test of 12-hour running and stopped somewhere around the 8-hour mark. This result came even when the volume wasn’t at its peak, and we ran them at the volume spectrum of 40 to 60. 

The battery lasted about 6 hours when run at max volume. Because these speakers produce high quality and volume, most settings will not necessitate anything near maximum volume.

The models do not have the feature of connecting them to a power bank. 

The manufacturers didn’t design the models to last a long time on a single charge. A battery with a capacity of 4,800 mAh isn’t huge. So, even though people demand a power bank feature and longer battery life in future Flip models, it’s unlikely to happen.

The Flip 5 and Flip 6 both include a bar indicator showing battery usage, which has advantages and disadvantages. There’s no obnoxious flashing light or blaring low battery alarm on the plus side. But then, the indicator bar isn’t very visible, making it easy to overlook a dead battery in your speaker.

Winner in Terms of Battery Life: It’s a Tie

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.1, which provides a longer and more consistent range, is utilized by Flip 6, unlike Flip 5. Thanks to the improved Bluetooth version, you can simultaneously connect up to two devices. The two wireless speakers support the A2DP V1.3 and AVRCP V1.6 profiles.

We found no lags or connectivity issues when we made a simple and easy connection or paired it with the iPhone 13. It can, thus, make your party go non-stop till the sun goes down. 

The JBL Portable app supports both speakers. You may use this to update the software, change or turn off the feedback tone, alter the equalizer settings, and read the user handbook. You can also turn on the PartyBoost feature from here.

This Flip 6 is not for you if you want wired connectivity, a microphone, or features like wi-fi. It also doesn’t provide any software for smart assistance. As for that, you’ll have to invest a hefty amount. Thus, the Flip series of JBL might not be the perfect choice for those who crave the features mentioned above.

Winner in Terms of Connectivity: It’s a Tie

Read Also: JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Uses

We think both of these models are quite portable and thus can be used in different places to party, chill, and enjoy. So, be it a beach, house warming party, or any other occasion, in or outside the house, JBL Flip models will be your party poppers with great music and extremely helpful features in small money.

That makes a clear tie.

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6- Additional Features

Durability

With an x67 ingress protection rating, the Flip 6 now has a dust-proof marking. The old model with an x7 ingress protection rating provides water resistance but no dust-proof feature. As we reviewed the models, the Flip 5 outperformed the Flip 6 in terms of dirt resistance. Therefore it’s not worth it to choose the Flip 6 just on this basis. The JBL Flip 5 has a good signal-to-noise ratio.

Flips are well-made and dependable. They endure shatter-proof technology, which makes it most desirable in the markets and gives high competition to their competitors due to their lightweight, sturdy design. The only problem is that naked or open radiators provided by both models are the sole serious source of exposure.

Because of the bigger JBL logo, the Flip 6 is comparatively less scratch-resistant than its rival. On the other hand, the rubber base stand makes it less likely to fall from a high stand or place.

Software

Equalization is a crucial feature that the older model lacks. For example, the JBL Flip 5 does not include an equalization in the JBL app; however, the JBL Flip 6 has.

However, you may tune or tweak your songs using different apps with Flip 5.

You can adjust all the JBL Flip 6’s Treble, Mid, and Bass via JBL’s app. In JBL’s app, the JBL Flip 5 has only one sound profile, which is not customizable.

JBL Portable app is portable with both the Flips and comes with PartyBoost, JBL’s newest party mode.

Although the JBL software is underwhelming, it does have some perks.

The JBL app is simple to use because it has so few features. Change the device name, update firmware, use PartyBoost, check battery life, and that’s about it for the app. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to happen without a slew of complicated and complex features.

The manufacturer finally resolved the issue that JBL fans raised in the Flip 6. There was no feature for equalizing in prior models, and the Flip 6 now provides a basic equalizer included in the software. The equalization isn’t spectacular, but it lets you tweak your song in your Flip 6.

There are still some features that users want the JBL to add, like presets, which would create stars in the already amazing party with Flip 6, and it’s been a nice feature to have.

On Flip 6, the app’s battery status display was erroneous throughout testing. The app displayed around 20 percent battery (low battery) remaining before the iPhone died.

Additionally, the app does not allow you to alter tracks or volume. Other models have better features but lack in their working. Flip 6, on the other hand, provides great Bluetooth connectivity that makes it superior to that of most portable speakers we’ve tried.

The absence of premium features, power bank, or microphone shows the downside of this model. The models lack smart features and embrace the simplicity and user-friendly mechanism. So to choose the one, Flip 6 would come out as superior due to its EQ feature. 

Tweeters

The Flip 6 has a somewhat larger audio speaker concerning its transducers. JBL also added a tweeter to the updated model, which results in quality, higher-frequency response sounds. In Flip 5 whereas, the tweeter is missing.

Frequently Asked Questions About JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6

Final Words

Flip 6 does come as an upgrade, thanks to its tweeter. The new model performs amazingly in terms of clarity, sound stage and crispness, and separability of the musical instruments.

The only thing is that it doesn’t come with any cover or case to protect it from environmental elements or even from dropping (though it’s highly durable). Both the Flips provide a strong structural build. The additional certification of Flip 6 also makes it desirable for the users. 

The Flips are the best choice for those who want to experience the JBL effect but are confused about investing much towards it. These devices would help them be introduced to the brand while saving their pockets. 

So to announce the winner, we would finally choose the JBL Flip 6 as the overall good performer with better features than previous Flip models.

This was a comprehensive review of the JBL Flip 5 and the JBL Flip 6. Hoping you found this article useful!