The JBL Flip 6 is the next generation of the JBL Flip 5. This portable Bluetooth speaker is available in many different colors to suit your style. It's rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, and its removable carrying strap is handy if you want to bring it on the go. It's much more customizable than its predecessor since you can use the graphic EQ in the JBL Portable app to switch up its sound to your liking.
Our Verdict
The JBL Flip 6 isn't bad for music. Out of the box, it reproduces voices and lead instruments with accuracy and detail, making it a great choice for most music genres. You can customize its sound with the graphic EQ and presets in the JBL Portable app. That said, given its size, it doesn't bring as much rumble in the low-bass as larger speakers on the market, nor does it get as loud.
- Outstandingly portable.
- Graphic EQ.
- Doesn't get very loud.
- Requires second unit for stereo audio.
The JBL Flip 6 isn't designed for watching movies, but if you pair it with your phone over Bluetooth to watch some videos, it can get the job done. Dialogue is clearly reproduced, so you can follow along with the action. There are some latency issues, so you'll likely notice lip-synching delays. Some apps can compensate for this differently, so your experience can vary.
- Outstandingly portable.
- Graphic EQ.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Doesn't get very loud.
- Requires second unit for stereo audio.
The JBL Flip 6 is good for podcasts. Dialogue is accurately reproduced right out of the box, so it's easy to follow along with your favorite hosts. Since you can pair it with up to two devices at once, it's easy to switch between different audio sources, and its portable design means you can bring it with you from room to room as you listen.
- Outstandingly portable.
- Graphic EQ.
- Multi-device pairing.
- Doesn't get very loud.
The JBL Flip 6 doesn't support voice assistants.
The JBL Flip 6 is decent for outdoor use. It's well-built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This small, lightweight speaker also comes with a removable carrying strap to help transport it when you're on the go. That said, its battery life only lasts just under six hours, so while it can last through an afternoon picnic, it'll need a recharge if you plan on partying into the night.
- Outstandingly portable.
- IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Requires second unit for stereo audio.
Changelog
-
Updated Jun 02, 2025:
We've updated the Frequency Response Accuracy section with a comparison to the Sony ULT FIELD 3.
-
Updated May 20, 2025:
We mentioned the JBL Charge 6 in the Build Quality section of this review.
-
Updated Oct 31, 2024:
We added a reference to the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) in the Frequency Response Accuracy box.
- Updated Oct 16, 2024: This review has been updated to mention the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus in the Frequency Response Accuracy section.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This speaker comes in nine color variants: Black, Blue, Camo, Green, Gray, Pink, White, Teal, and Red. Plus, you can customize your own colorways to get a speaker that suits your style; you'll find this on JBL's website. We tested the Black variant, though we expect all color variants to perform similarly. You can find the labels for the model tested here, here, and here.
If you come across any other variants of this speaker, let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The JBL Flip 6 is the next generation of the JBL Flip 5. It has a neutral-sound profile out of the box, and unlike its predecessors, you can customize its sound to your liking via the graphic EQ in the JBL Portable app. It's well-built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, certifying it to be fully dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. The JBL Flip 6 also supports PartyBoost, meaning you can connect it to PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers like the JBL Charge 5. You can't connect it to JBL Connect+ speakers like the JBL Flip 4. Also, unlike the Flip 4, it doesn't support voice assistants through your smartphone since it lacks a mic.
Check out our recommendations for the best JBL speakers, the best portable Bluetooth speakers, and the best golf cart speakers.
The JBL Flip 7 and JBL Flip 6 are so alike that price may determine your choice, and you can't mix and match the generations for stereo pairs. However, there are some differences. The Flip 7 has a slightly higher IP68 rating, and it's advertised to be drop resistant up to a meter, compared to the IP67 rating on the Flip 6. The Flip 7 also lets you skip back a track on the controls, and it adds a USB audio connection. Choosing PlayTime Boost lets you extend the battery life. That said, the Flip 6 compresses a little less at max volume, and it has most of the same features and functionality as the next gen.
The JBL Flip 5 and the JBL Flip 6 are similar speakers. The Flip 5 can produce a slightly more extended low-bass than the Flip 6 out-of-the-box. It has a better battery performance, too. That said, the Flip 6 has a graphic EQ you can use to customize its sound profile. It's also better built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it's fully dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.
The JBL Charge 6 and the JBL Flip 6 are both portable Bluetooth speakers, but they serve slightly different needs. The Charge 6 is the larger and more powerful of the two, with slightly deeper bass and a slightly higher maximum volume, making it better suited for bigger spaces or outdoor gatherings. On the, ahem, 'Flip' side, the Flip 6 is easier to carry around, and its sound quality is surprisingly close to its larger cousin. That said, the Charge 6 is the newer speaker, and comes with features like Auracast, which lets you link multiple Auracast-enabled JBL speakers together to spread sound across larger areas. If battery life is important to you, the Charge 6 is the obvious choice, as it lasts over twice as long as the Flip 6, though battery life varies with usage.
The JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 6 have different strengths. The Charge 5 can get slightly louder and produce a more extended low bass out of the box. It also has a much longer battery life, though this can vary depending on your usage. However, the Flip 6 is smaller and has a removable carrying strap, making it a bit more portable than the Charge 5. It also has better directivity, resulting in a wider-sounding soundstage.
Test Results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
