JBL Flip 5 Vs Flip 6 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Bluetooth Speaker, Speaker

JBL Flip 5 & Flip 6 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as sound quality, performance, features, design, & connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the JBL Flip 6 rather than the JBL Flip 5.

Why Do I Recommend JBL Flip 6

  • The JBL Flip 6 has a separate tweeter and woofer, which allows for clear sound separation between high and low frequencies compared to the single-driver system in the Flip 5.
  • It has a slightly better frequency response starting from 63 Hz, providing marginally better bass performance than the Flip 5, which starts at 65 Hz.
  • The Flip 6 has an IP67 rating, which provides dust protection & ensures the device can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, while the Flip 5 only has an IPX7 rating.
  • JBL Flip 6 features Bluetooth 5.1, offering better connectivity, faster pairing, and a more stable connection with lower latency than Bluetooth 4.2 in the Flip 5.
  • The Flip 6 includes EQ settings that allow audio customization. The Flip 5 connects with the JBL Connect app but lacks customizable EQ settings.
  • Additionally, the JBL Flip 6 uses more eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics and packaging, to reduce its environmental footprint, but the Flip 5 uses standard materials.

Maybe the JBL Flip 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Flip 6. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature JBL Flip 6 JBL Flip 5
Release Year 2021 2019
Bluetooth Version Bluetooth 5.1 Bluetooth 4.2
Sound System 2-way speaker system (separate tweeter & woofer) Single driver system
Tweeter Yes, 10W No
Bass Performance Enhanced due to separated woofer & larger passive radiators Strong but less defined without separate woofer
Audio Clarity Improved clarity due Less clarity
Waterproof & Dustproof Rating IP67 (dustproof and waterproof) IPX7 (waterproof only)
Build Materials Eco-friendly materials Standard plastic materials
Dimensions 178 x 68 x 72 mm 181 x 69 x 74 mm
Weight 550 grams 540 grams
Durability Better due to dustproof (IP67 rating) and waterproof Waterproof (IPX7) but no dust protection
EQ Customization Customizable EQ through JBL Portable App No customizable EQ
Connectivity Range Approximately 40 meters (Bluetooth 5.1) Approximately 20 meters (Bluetooth 4.2)
Latency Lower latency due to Bluetooth 5.1 Higher latency compared to Flip 6
Colors Available More variety and newer color options Fewer colors and standard older options
Price Check Flip 6 Price Check Flip 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Portable Design & Dimensions: Both the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 feature the classic cylindrical, portable design that has become a hallmark of the Flip series. Their compact size and lightweight form make them easy to carry in bags or hold in your hand, and they are both designed with portability in mind, making them ideal for outdoor adventures, travel, or home use. The slight difference in dimensions and weight is nearly unnoticeable, meaning both speakers offer the same level of convenience.
  • Battery Life & Charging: Both the Flip 6 and Flip 5 come equipped with a 4800 mAh battery that provides up to 12 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. Their charging time is approximately 2.5 hours, and both models use a USB Type-C port for faster, more efficient charging. This means users won’t notice much difference in performance when it comes to battery life, ensuring similar uninterrupted listening sessions.
  • Waterproofing: Both speakers are fully waterproof and are rated to be submerged in water without damage, thanks to their IPX7/IP67 waterproof ratings. This makes both the Flip 6 and Flip 5 excellent companions for pool parties, beach outings, or even using in the shower. While the Flip 6 has the added advantage of being dustproof (IP67), in terms of water resistance, both speakers perform identically.
  • Passive Radiators: Both the Flip 6 and Flip 5 utilize dual passive radiators, which help boost the bass response by enhancing the low-end frequencies. This is part of the JBL sound signature, known for its punchy bass. Both models produce strong bass despite their compact size, making them sound bigger and more powerful than other speakers in the same price range.
  • JBL PartyBoost: Both models support JBL PartyBoost, which allows users to link multiple JBL speakers together for a more immersive, louder sound. This feature is useful for creating stereo sound or for amplifying sound in larger spaces by adding multiple speakers. Both speakers are compatible with other PartyBoost-enabled JBL devices, ensuring a similar user experience when using this feature.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity & Wireless Playback: Both the Flip 6 and Flip 5 support Bluetooth wireless connectivity, meaning they can be easily paired with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices for wireless music streaming. Despite the Flip 6 using Bluetooth 5.1 and the Flip 5 using Bluetooth 4.2, both offer reliable wireless performance for most typical usage scenarios, like streaming music, podcasts, and other audio content.
  • JBL Sound Signature: Both models provide the recognizable JBL sound signature, which emphasizes clear mids and punchy bass. This sound profile is ideal for most modern music genres, including pop, hip-hop, rock, and electronic music, offering an energetic and vibrant listening experience. While the Flip 6 enhances the sound slightly, both speakers deliver a similar listening experience overall, especially in terms of audio balance and clarity.
  • App Support (JBL Portable App): Both speakers can be controlled via the JBL Portable App (previously known as JBL Connect), allowing users to update firmware, control playback, and connect other JBL PartyBoost speakers. While the Flip 6 offers EQ customization through the app (something the Flip 5 lacks), both models integrate smoothly with JBL’s app ecosystem, providing easy setup and operation.
  • Durability and Build Quality: Designed with rugged outdoor use in mind, both speakers are built to withstand drops, bumps, and exposure to water. Their rugged exterior and waterproofing make them excellent for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or beach days, without worrying about damage. While the Flip 6 adds dustproofing, the general durability and ability to withstand rough conditions are comparable in both models.
  • Playback Controls: Both speakers offer basic playback control functionality, allowing users to play, pause, and skip tracks directly from the speaker without needing to reach for their phone or connected device. This makes them convenient when you’re on the go or when your device isn’t within easy reach.

Common Features

Feature JBL Flip 6 JBL Flip 5
Brand JBL JBL
Product Line Flip Series Flip Series
Portable Design Compact, cylindrical shape Compact, cylindrical shape
Battery Capacity 4800 mAh 4800 mAh
Battery Life Up to 12 hours Up to 12 hours
Charging Time Approximately 2.5 hours Approximately 2.5 hours
Charging Port USB Type-C USB Type-C
Waterproofing Fully waterproof Fully waterproof 
Passive Radiators Dual passive radiators Dual passive radiators
JBL PartyBoost Yes, supports PartyBoost for linking speakers Yes, supports PartyBoost for linking speakers
Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth Bluetooth
Durability Rugged, outdoor-friendly build Rugged, outdoor-friendly build
Sound Output 360-degree sound coverage 360-degree sound coverage
Available Colors Wide range of color options Wide range of color options
JBL Sound Signature Clear mids, punchy bass Clear mids, punchy bass
Speakerphone Function No No
Dimensions Similar compact size, easy to carry Similar compact size, easy to carry
Weight Nearly identical weight (around 550g) Nearly identical weight (around 540g)
App Support JBL Portable App (for both) JBL Portable App (for both)
Usage Environment Indoor and outdoor, versatile in multiple settings Indoor and outdoor, versatile in multiple settings
Stereo Pairing Yes (through JBL PartyBoost) Yes (through JBL PartyBoost)
Music Playback Control Yes (play, pause, skip tracks through device) Yes (play, pause, skip tracks through device)
Price Check Flip 6 Price Check Flip 5 Price

FAQ

Are both the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 waterproof?
Yes, both the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 are fully waterproof. The Flip 6 is rated IP67, which means it is both dustproof and waterproof, allowing it to be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Flip 5 is rated IPX7, meaning it is waterproof but not dustproof, and it can also be submerged in water under similar conditions.

Do the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 have the same battery life?
Yes, both the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 have a battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge. They are equipped with a 4800 mAh battery and take approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge via USB Type-C.

Can I connect the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 to other JBL speakers?
Yes, both the Flip 6 and Flip 5 are compatible with JBL PartyBoost, which allows you to link them with other JBL PartyBoost-enabled speakers for synchronized audio playback. This feature lets you connect multiple speakers to create a more immersive sound experience, making both models suitable for larger gatherings or outdoor events.

Do the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 offer app support?
Yes, both the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 support the JBL Portable App (formerly known as JBL Connect). Through this app, users can control certain speaker functions and manage multiple JBL speakers. However, the JBL Flip 6 has an advantage in that it offers EQ customization, allowing you to adjust the sound settings to your liking, which is not possible with the Flip 5.

Which one has better sound quality, JBL Flip 6 or Flip 5?
The JBL Flip 6 offers better sound quality due to its 2-way speaker system, which includes a separate tweeter for high frequencies and a woofer for low and mid frequencies. This results in clearer highs, deeper bass, and a more defined overall sound compared to the single driver system in the Flip 5, which handles all frequencies through one speaker.

Are the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 easy to carry around?
Yes, both the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 are highly portable. They have nearly identical compact dimensions and weight, making them easy to carry in a bag or by hand. Both models are designed for outdoor use and can withstand rugged conditions.

Do the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 have speakerphone functionality?
No, neither the JBL Flip 6 nor the Flip 5 has speakerphone functionality. This means you cannot take calls directly through the speaker, as they are focused solely on music playback.

Which speaker is more environmentally friendly, JBL Flip 6 or Flip 5?
The JBL Flip 6 is more environmentally friendly as it uses more eco-friendly materials, including recycled plastics and sustainable packaging. JBL has taken steps toward reducing its environmental footprint with the Flip 6, whereas the Flip 5 is built using standard materials.

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