JBL Flip 5 review
Discover the JBL Flip 5, a portable and powerful Bluetooth speaker by renowned audio brand JBL. With impressive sound performance, sleek design, long battery life, and waterproof durability, it's perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
check best priceSummary / TL;DR
The JBL Flip 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker known for its robust sound quality and durable design. It features a 44mm driver that delivers deep bass and clear highs, though it may lack the finer details found in high-end speakers. Its rugged, water, and dustproof build make it ideal for outdoor use, although the driver lacks protection against impacts.
The speaker offers up to 12 hours of battery life and recharges quickly via USB-C. Notable features include PartyBoost for connecting multiple speakers and a built-in speakerphone, though it lacks an aux input and built-in microphone for voice commands.
With a sleek, modern design available in various colors, the Flip 5 is visually appealing. While it faces competition from models like the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and Sony SRS-XB33, the Flip 5 stands out for its bass response and durability at an affordable price. Overall, it provides a solid balance of performance and value for music lovers on the go.
If you like this review, you might also like our review on the JBL Clip 5 or JBL Charge 5 or JBL Flip 6.
Where to buy
Best offers of the JBL Flip 5 at Amazon.com
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Product Review: JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that promises to deliver powerful sound in a compact and durable package. With its sleek design and impressive features, it aims to be the perfect companion for music lovers on the go. In this review, we will take a closer look at the sound quality, build quality, battery life, features, and styling of the JBL Flip 5, as well as what's included in the box. We will also compare it to its direct competitors in the market to see how it stacks up.
Sound Quality
One of the most important aspects of any speaker is its sound quality, and the JBL Flip 5 does not disappoint in this regard. It features a 44mm driver that delivers impressive audio with deep bass and clear highs. The sound is well-balanced and provides an immersive listening experience, whether you're indoors or outdoors.
However, it is worth noting that the Flip 5 lacks some of the finer details and nuances that you might find in higher-end speakers. While the overall sound quality is excellent, audiophiles may find it slightly lacking in terms of clarity and depth. Nevertheless, for its price range, the Flip 5 offers a fantastic audio experience.

Build Quality
The build quality of the JBL Flip 5 is solid and durable. It features a rugged rubber housing that is both water and dustproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. The speaker feels sturdy and well-constructed, capable of withstanding accidental drops and rough handling.
One minor downside to the build quality is that the speaker lacks any form of protection for the driver. This means that if the speaker is dropped or bumped, there is a risk of damaging the driver. However, this is a common trade-off in portable Bluetooth speakers, and it doesn't significantly affect the overall durability of the Flip 5.

Battery Life
The JBL Flip 5 boasts an impressive battery life, with up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is more than sufficient for a day at the beach or a picnic in the park. The battery life may vary depending on the volume level and usage, but overall, it delivers on its promises.
Charging the Flip 5 is also a breeze, thanks to its USB-C charging port. The speaker can be fully charged in just a few hours, allowing you to quickly get back to your music without any downtime.
Features
One of the standout features of the JBL Flip 5 is its PartyBoost technology, which allows you to connect multiple PartyBoost-enabled speakers for a true stereo sound experience. This feature is especially useful for outdoor gatherings or parties where you want to fill a larger space with music.
Another notable feature is the built-in speakerphone, which allows you to take hands-free calls with ease. The Flip 5 also supports voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, giving you the convenience of controlling your music with just your voice.
However, it is important to note that the Flip 5 does not have an aux input or a built-in microphone for voice commands. While this may not be a deal-breaker for most users, it is worth considering if you rely heavily on these features.

Styling
The JBL Flip 5 features a sleek and modern design. It is available in a range of vibrant colors, allowing you to choose one that suits your personal style. The speaker has a cylindrical shape with a fabric grille that gives it an elegant and premium look.
Overall, the Flip 5 is a stylish and eye-catching speaker that will complement any setting, whether it's on your desk or by the poolside.
What's in the Box
When you purchase the JBL Flip 5, you will find the following items included in the box:
- JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
Comparison to Competitors
In its price range, the JBL Flip 5 faces tough competition from other portable Bluetooth speakers such as the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 and the Sony SRS-XB33. Both of these speakers offer similar features and sound quality, but there are a few key differences to consider.
The Ultimate Ears Boom 3 is known for its 360-degree sound, which provides an immersive audio experience from every angle. It also has a customizable equalizer and a longer battery life of up to 15 hours. However, the Flip 5 has better bass response and a more durable build quality.
The Sony SRS-XB33, on the other hand, offers a more powerful sound with its Extra Bass feature. It also has built-in LED lights and a longer battery life of up to 24 hours. However, the Flip 5 has a more compact design and is more affordable.
Ultimately, the choice between these speakers will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize 360-degree sound or extra bass, you may prefer the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 or the Sony SRS-XB33. However, if you value durability and affordability, the JBL Flip 5 is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
The JBL Flip 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality, durable build, long battery life, and a range of useful features. While it may not have the same level of detail and clarity as higher-end speakers, it delivers a fantastic audio experience for its price range.
The Flip 5's solid build quality and waterproof design make it a reliable choice for outdoor use, and its PartyBoost feature adds versatility for larger gatherings. With its sleek styling and vibrant color options, it is also a stylish accessory that will enhance any environment.
If you're in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker that offers a good balance of performance, durability, and affordability, the JBL Flip 5 is definitely worth considering.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Impressive sound with deep bass
- Durable and waterproof design
- 12-hour battery life
- PartyBoost for stereo sound
- Sleek and modern styling
Cons
- Lacks finer audio details
- No aux input
- No built-in microphone
Frequently Asked Questions
The JBL Flip 5 is a Bluetooth speaker, so it cannot be directly connected to a TV without Bluetooth. However, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter to connect your TV to the JBL Flip 5.
Yes, the JBL Flip 5 is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes.
The JBL Flip 5 takes approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge from empty.
Yes, you can pair two JBL Flip 5 speakers together using JBL's PartyBoost feature for stereo sound, or link multiple speakers for a larger party setup.
The JBL Flip 5 does not have a built-in microphone, so it cannot be used for making or receiving phone calls.
Yes, you can connect the JBL Flip 5 to a laptop or computer via Bluetooth.
The JBL Flip 5 provides up to 12 hours of playback, though actual time may vary based on volume and content.
The JBL Flip 5 comes with a USB-C charging cable, but not a wall charger.
Yes, the JBL Flip 5 is compatible with Android devices via Bluetooth.
No, the JBL Flip 5 and Flip 4 do not support pairing with each other for stereo sound. The Flip 5 uses PartyBoost, which is not compatible with the Flip 4's Connect+ feature.
Important
Before buying any product, check all details of this product on the website or in the store where you purchase it. Aspects and specifications mentioned in the text above might differ.
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