The JBL Flip 5 is a portable Bluetooth speaker released in 2020, succeeding the JBL Flip 4. It has a small design with a durable build that's ideal for taking your favorite music with you on the go, with an IPX7 rating for water resistance to protect it against the elements. The JBL Portable app lets you pair it with other PartyBoost speakers in JBL's lineup, too. However, you don't get access to customization tools to switch up its sound.
Our Verdict
The JBL Flip 5 is acceptable for music. Like most small and portable speakers, it doesn't bring a deep rumble in the bass, but it's still suitable for listening to most music genres. Voices and lead instruments are fairly clear out of the box, with a touch of dullness in the treble. It's loud enough for an average-sized living room, but it doesn't get as loud as more premium models on the market. You also can't customize its sound via a graphic EQ or presets.
-
Portable design.
-
Fairly wide soundstage.
-
No sound customization features.
-
Doesn't get very loud.
The JBL Flip 5 isn't meant for watching movies, but if you pair it to your smartphone to watch videos, it can get the job done. Dialogue is fairly clear in the mix, and latency is low, especially with Android devices, so you likely won't notice lip-synching issues. However, it isn't loud enough to fill a large room, and there isn't enough bass to bring the deep rumble you get with larger speakers.
-
Low latency with Android devices.
-
Doesn't get very loud.
-
High latency with iOS.
The JBL Flip 5 is satisfactory for podcasts. Dialogue is reproduced fairly clearly in the mix, so it's easy to follow along with your favorite shows. Since it's portable, you can bring it from room to room, and it's loud enough to fill most rooms with sound. You may have issues in larger spaces, so you'll want to stay closer to the device when you listen.
-
Portable design.
-
Fairly wide soundstage.
-
Reproduces speech and dialogue well.
-
No sound customization features.
-
Doesn't get very loud.
The JBL Flip 5 doesn't support voice assistants.
The JBL Flip 5 is fair for outdoor use. It's a portable speaker with a durable build, meaning you can listen to your favorite tunes while on your next adventure. It's rated IPX7 for water resistance, which also helps to protect it against the elements, and the removable strap makes transport easy. However, it doesn't get very loud, so it isn't the best choice for a backyard party.
-
Portable design.
-
IPX7 rating.
-
No sound customization features.
-
Doesn't get very loud.
- 6.0 Music
- 5.6 Videos/Movies
- 7.5 Podcasts
- 2.9 Voice Assistant
- 6.8 Outdoors
- Updated Jan 15, 2024: We've updated the text of this review to ensure accuracy and clarity, but there have been no changes to the test results.
- Updated Jan 18, 2023: Updated review text for accuracy and clarity. No changes in test results.
- Updated Oct 11, 2022: Changed 'Track Next/Previous' test result from 'No' to 'Forward Only (Physical)' in the 'Controls' box. Also changed 'Floats In Water' result from 'Unspecified' to 'No' in the 'Build Quality' box.
- Updated Jan 20, 2022: JBL Connect app renamed as JBL Portable app.
- Updated Mar 23, 2021: Thanks to user feedback, we corrected an error in our weight measurement.
- Updated Feb 02, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Jan 28, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Jan 13, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Jan 13, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This speaker comes in several color variants: 'Black', 'Red', 'White', 'Teal', 'Blue', 'Gray', 'Green', 'Yellow', 'Pink', 'Sand', 'Yellow', and 'Camo' (also known as 'Squad'), and 'Black Camo'. We tested the Black Camo variant, and you can see its label here. You can also customize the look of this speaker with your own design through the manufacturer's website. We expect these color variants to perform similarly to our model. However, JBL also makes an 'Eco Edition' of this speaker, which the manufacturer advertises as being made from recycled plastic. This variant comes in two colors: 'Forest Green' and 'Ocean Blue'. Due to its unique build, we don't know if the Eco Edition performs similarly to our model.
If you come across another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Speakers
The JBL Flip 5 is a Bluetooth speaker that comes in a variety of color schemes to better suit your style. It's similar to the JBL Flip 4, but each speaker has different strengths. The Flip 4 is a stereo speaker that supports voice assistants through your paired smartphone, but the Flip 5 can reproduce a more extended low-bass. The Flip 5 isn't quite as well-built as its successor, the JBL Flip 6, which also features a graphic EQ for expanded sound customization options.
You can also link it with other PartyBoost speakers for stereo sound. Check out our recommendations for the best Bluetooth speakers, the best JBL speakers, and the best cheap speakers.
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 Flip 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 4. The FLIP has better directivity, resulting in a wider soundstage. It also has a more balanced sound profile. However, the Charge has a longer battery life.
The JBL Charge 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Charge 5 has a more neutral sound profile and longer battery life, though the latter can vary depending on your usage habits. It's also better built and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. However, while the Charge 5 can get louder with slightly fewer compression artifacts at max volume, the Flip 5 has a somewhat wider-sounding soundstage.
The JBL Flip 4 is a more versatile speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall, though they're very similar and have different strengths. The Flip 4 can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and supports voice assistants through your smartphone, thanks to a built-in microphone. You can also only connect it to JBL speakers that are compatible with JBL Connect+. That said, the Flip 5 can produce a more extended low-bass than the Flip 4 and can only connect to PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Bose offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a deeper bass than the JBL. It's better built and can get a bit louder with less compression at max volume. It also supports voice assistants through your paired smartphone and is excellent at understanding your commands from far away and in noisy settings. That said, the JBL is just a little bit smaller, and it has better directivity, so its soundstage is perceived as a bit wider than that of the Bose.
The JBL Flip 5 and the Beats Pill are similarly-sized portable speakers with detachable carrying straps. While both offer a similar performance, there are some differences in features that can influence your buying decision. The Beats has a more balanced default sound, with a less recessed treble range and slightly better bass extension. It also compresses less at max volume and is compatible with Google Assistant and Siri if paired with an iPhone or Android phone, making it a better choice for users that use voice commands. The JBL features Bluetooth multi-device pairing though, which can be useful if you and a friend want to share tune selection duties. The JBL is also retails for less and comes in a wider variety of color variants. All in all, the JBL is a good choice for those who want a portable speaker on a budget, but the Beats' superior sound and voice assistant compatibility could be worth the additional outlay.
The JBL Flip 5 is a better speaker than the Anker Soundcore 2. The JBL has a more neutral, balanced sound profile, and it also comes with a companion app that makes it easy to pair it with another speaker. However, the Anker supports voice assistants, and it has a longer battery life.
The Sonos Roam/Roam SL is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Sonos Roam variant has built-in voice assistant support over Wi-Fi, offering incredible voice assistant performance. It also comes with a room correction feature and bass and treble adjustments. However, the JBL has a longer battery life, though battery life can vary slightly depending on usage.
The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is a better speaker for most uses than the JBL Flip 5. The Ultimate Ears is better built, gets louder with less compression, and has a longer battery life. Also, it has a better soundstage performance and can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. While the JBL has a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box, only the Ultimate Ears offers a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.
The JBL Flip 5 and the Anker Soundcore 3 are similar speakers with different strengths. The JBL is better built and has a slightly better-balanced sound profile than the Anker. It also has a PartyBoost feature to pair it to multiple other PartyBoost-compatible speakers, which is handy when you want your audio to fill a large room. The Anker features a Graphic EQ you can use to tweak its sound to your liking. It can also support voice assistants through your smartphone and has a longer battery life, though this can vary depending on usage, so your experience may differ.
The JBL Flip 5 is the JBL Clip 5's slightly larger sibling. That said, it doesn't offer much in terms of meaningful upgrades for its increased size and higher price. While it has a slightly longer battery life and can get a bit louder with less compression, its directivity isn't quite as good, and there's no EQ or presets in the companion app. The Clip 5 is better built, too, with a rating for dust resistance. Both speakers are very portable, but it's hard to top the Clip 5's ability to clip on to just about anything with its extremely lightweight build. Unless you care about the marginal increase in volume and decrease in compression, the Clip 5 is likely a safer, more versatile choice.
The JBL Xtreme 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Xtreme has a more neutral sound profile with a lower bass extension. Its battery lasts longer, and it has voice assistant compatibility. However, the FLIP is a smaller speaker, which can be useful for carrying it with you on the go.
The JBL Flip 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Go 3. The Flip 5 can produce a more extended low-bass than the Go 3 and can get louder. It also has a longer-lasting battery life, lasting a little over 8 hours in our tests, though this can vary depending on your usage habits, and your experience may differ. That said, the Go 3 is smaller and more portable. It's also better built and has less compression present at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volume levels.
The JBL Flip 5 is a better speaker than the JBL Clip 4, though they have different strengths. The Flip 5 can get louder and has a better balanced sound profile that can reproduce a deeper bass than the Clip 4. It also has a longer battery life, lasting over eight hours from a single charge, though this can vary depending on your usage. However, the Clip 4 is smaller and more portable with a built-in carabiner hook. It also has a wider-sounding soundstage than the Flip 5 and is better built.
The JBL Flip 5 is a slightly better speaker for most uses than the Bose SoundLink Micro. The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile and can get louder, although with more compression artifacts at max volume. The JBL also has a longer battery life. However, the Bose supports your smartphone's voice assistant.
The Sony SRS-XB13 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Sony is smaller and better built, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, so it's fully dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It can get louder than the JBL with less compression present at max volume and has a wider and more open-sounding soundstage. It also has a longer-lasting battery life that lasts over 11 hours, though this can vary depending on your usage. The JBL can produce a more extended low-bass and pair with other PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Xtreme 3 can get louder and produce a more extended low-bass than the Flip 5. It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and has a longer-lasting battery life, though the latter can depend on your usage as your real-world experience may differ. That said, the Flip 5 is smaller and more portable than the Xtreme 3. It also has a wider-sounding soundstage.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Ultimate Ears is better built, can play stereo content, and has a wider soundstage. It can also get louder, and its continuous battery life lasts longer.
The Sony SRS-XB23 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Sony is better built, can play stereo content, and has longer-lasting continuous battery life. It also has a companion app with a graphic EQ so you can tweak its sound to your liking. However, the JBL can get a bit louder with fewer compression artifacts.
The Marshall Emberton is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Marshall has a wider-sounding soundstage and can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, which is more immersive. It also has a better-balanced sound profile and longer-lasting battery life, though battery performance can depend on your usage, and your experience may vary. That said, the JBL can be paired to another compatible unit to create a stereo pair or to multiple other units when you want your audio to fill a large space without increasing its volume.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the TREBLAB HD77 or the JBL Flip 5. The TREBLAB can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and has better directivity, resulting in a wider and more immersive-sounding soundstage. There's an AUX input to wire your devices to the speaker. Its battery also lasted around three hours longer during our tests, though this varies depending on your usage. That said, the JBL offers a better-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. It's compatible with the JBL Portable app and can connect to other PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers. It can also pair to two devices at once, which is handy when you need to quickly switch between audio sources.
The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. Unlike the Anker, the JBL has to downmix stereo content to mono, which doesn't sound as immersive. The Anker also has a longer battery life, and its sound profile can be adjusted using the graphic EQ in its companion app. It also supports voice assistants, although it may have some trouble understanding you.
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Anker has a better soundstage performance, and its graphic EQ and presets give you more ability to customize its sound. Also, the Anker supports voice assistants from your smartphone, though it doesn't offer the most impressive performance.
The JBL Flip 5 is a better speaker than the Beats Pill+. The JBL is a better-built speaker with an IPX7 rating for water resistance. It also has a more balanced sound profile. However, the Beats can play stereo content, and its latency over Bluetooth with iOS devices is lower, making it more suitable for watching videos. That being said, some apps compensate differently for latency.
The JBL Flip 5 and the JBL Pulse 4 are similarly performing speakers with slightly different features. The Pulse has fewer compression artifacts present at max volume, and it comes with customizable RGB lights. Its soundstage is also perceived as more open, and its battery lasts longer. However, the FLIP has a better build quality and is more portable, thanks to its removable carrying strap that lets you easily bring it with you on the go.
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. While they're both small, portable speakers with no sound customization options, the Ultimate Ears has better directivity and less compression at max volume than the JBL. It also has a significantly longer battery, so you don't have to worry about charging it regularly. That said, unlike the JBL, the Ultimate Ears model doesn't have a companion app that you can use to easily update the firmware or pair with other speakers.
The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Ultimate Ears is a better-built speaker, and its soundstage is perceived as more open and spacious. Also, it can get louder and has a much longer battery life. Although its sound profile is a bit less neutral than the JBL's, there's a graphic EQ and presets in the Ultimate Ears app that lets you customize its sound to your liking. However, some users may prefer the JBL's smaller, more portable design.
The JBL Boombox 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Boombox has a more balanced sound profile, reproducing a more extended low-bass. It can get louder than the FLIP, and its battery lasts much longer. That being said, the FLIP has better directivity thanks to its 360-degree design.
The Anker Soundcore Motion Boom is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. With BassUp on, the Anker can produce a more extended low-bass than the JBL and can also get louder with less compression present at max volume. You can also customize its sound profile to your liking thanks to the graphic EQ and presets in its Soundcore app, and it has an incredible battery life of almost 40 hours, though this can vary depending on your usage. However, the JBL is smaller and more portable than the Anker. It offers a wider-sounding soundstage and can pair with multiple PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers at once.
The JBL Flip 5 and the OontZ Angle 3 ULTRA have different strengths; depending on your needs, you may prefer one over the other. The JBL is better built, has a more neutral sound profile, and supports multi-device pairing. However, the OontZ is a stereo speaker, and it can get louder with fewer compression artifacts. It also has a significantly longer-lasting battery life and supports your smartphone's Google Assistant or Siri voice assistant. It also has bass and treble sliders.
The JBL Flip 5 and the Apple HomePod mini are designed for different uses. The JBL is a portable, battery-powered Bluetooth speaker with an IPX7 rating for water resistance that certifies it to be immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It's designed to be taken along with you on the go and can get a bit louder than the Apple. The Apple is a Wi-Fi speaker with Siri built-in and is designed for use at home. It needs to remain plugged into an outlet to work. It has less compression present at max volume and offers a wider-sounding soundstage. Its Apple Home companion app is also only available with iOS devices.
The Sony SRS-XB43 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Sony can get louder than the JBL and is more customizable thanks to the graphic EQ featured on its companion app. It also has a longer battery life, lasting about 15 hours from a single charge, though this can vary depending on your usage. Additionally, it can support voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't very good. That said, the JBL is smaller and more portable than the Sony.
The JBL Flip 5 is a better speaker than the Bose SoundLink Color II for most uses. The JBL has a more balanced sound profile, and its soundstage has better directivity. It also has an IPX7 rating for water resistance, while the Bose has an IPX4 rating. That said, only the Bose has voice assistant support, and it can play stereo content without downmixing it into mono.
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Gen 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Bang & Olufsen has a more solid build, and its directivity is better, so audio is more even from all angles. Also, it has a 'Beosonic' sound customization feature, EQ presets in its companion app, and comes with Alexa built-in, while the JBL doesn't support voice assistants. However, the JBL's battery lasts slightly longer.
The Sony SRS-XB33 is a better speaker for most uses than the JBL Flip 5. The Sony is better built and can get louder with fewer compression artifacts. It also has a longer-lasting battery life, supports voice assistants from your smartphone, and its companion app has a graphic EQ so that you can tweak its sound profile. However, the JBL sounds better-balanced out of the box.
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Bang & Olufsen is better built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It also has a wider-sounding soundstage and can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. Also, it's more customizable thanks to its EQ presets and 'Beosonic' feature, which you can use to adjust the speaker's sound to your liking. However, The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box and has a 'PartyBoost' feature you can use to pair it to other 'PartyBoost' compatible speakers when you want your audio to fill a large space.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a better overall speaker than the JBL Flip 5. It has a slightly more balanced sound profile, is better built, and can support voice assistants. It also has better directivity, making it easy to hear your audio clearly from most angles. The JBL is slightly more portable than the Bose and has a strap to carry it around. It also comes in over ten other color variants, which some users may prefer.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the JBL Flip 5 or the Alpine Corporation Solar Bluetooth Rock Speaker. The JBL is smaller, more portable, and offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a more extended low-bass. It also has better directivity, resulting in a more natural-sounding soundstage than the Alpine. The Alpine Corporation can get louder and has an outdoor-friendly, rock-like design with a built-in solar panel. It also has a longer-lasting battery life, though this can depend on your usage.
The JBL PartyBox 710 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5, though they're designed for different uses. The PartyBox is a much larger speaker designed for use at parties. It comes with RGB lights, mic, and guitar inputs and can get much louder than the Flip 5. It can also produce the deep thump and rumble in low-bass that fans of bass-heavy music tend to enjoy. That said, the Flip 5 is designed to be taken along with you on the go. It's smaller and is battery-powered, making it more portable. You can also connect it to multiple other PartyBoost-compatible speakers to amplify your audio across larger areas.
The Bose SoundLink Revolve II is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Bose is better built with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone and does a really good job of hearing you when you're far from the speaker or in noisier environments. That said, the JBL is smaller and lighter than the Bose. It's incredibly portable and comes with a carrying strap that makes it easy to take when you're on the go.
The JBL Flip 5 is a better speaker than the Theater Solutions B83GR overall. It has a much more balanced sound profile and can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has much better directivity, which allows your audio to sound clear from all angles, is more portable, and has a longer battery life. That said, the Theater Solutions can get a bit louder than the JBL with fewer compression artifacts at max volume. It can also be paired with up to 99 B83GR speakers and has a unique rock-like design, which some users with a large outdoor space might prefer in an outdoor speaker.
The Sony SRS-RA3000 is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Flip 5. The Sony has a better-balanced sound profile that you can customize thanks to the graphic EQ and presets available on its companion app. It also has an exceptional soundstage performance. However, the JBL is better built and is rated IPX7 for water resistance. It's also battery-powered and more portable than the Sony.
The Sony SRS-XB12 and the JBL Flip 5 are similar speakers. The Sony has better directivity, resulting in a wider-sounding soundstage. It has little compression present at max volume, so your audio sounds clean at louder volumes. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone and has a longer-lasting battery life, though the latter can vary depending on your usage. The JBL can produce a more extended low-bass and can get louder than the Sony. You can connect it to other PartyBoost-compatible to play the same audio across a larger space or create a stereo pair.
The Sonos Move is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Sonos offers a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a more extended low-bass than the JBL. It also comes with bass and treble adjustments to tweak its sound to your liking. It offers outstanding voice assistant support with Alexa and Google Assistant built-in and is Wi-Fi compatible. That said, the JBL is smaller, making it more portable and easier to bring along when you're out and about.
Test Results
The JBL Flip 5 is a cylindrical speaker with a tight-knit fabric wrapped around the speakers. You can place it horizontally or vertically, and it has a removable strap. It comes in many color variations, so you can find a style that looks best for you. You can also personalize your speaker's design via JBL's website. Check out the TREBLAB HD77 for a similar speaker with RGB lights.
This speaker is incredibly portable. It has a strap so you can easily carry it around. It also uses a battery, so you don't need to plug it into a power outlet when you're outside.
This speaker has a good build quality. It's made of plastic, which feels quite solid and durable. The fabric wrapped around the edges is tight, too, so it won't rip easily. While there's no cover for the USB-C port, the speaker still has an IPX7 rating, so it's certified to be submersible in water at a depth of one meter for up to thirty minutes.
You can use the speaker's controls to turn it on and off, pair a Bluetooth device, and adjust the volume. The 'PartyBoost' button lets you link the speaker with other PartyBoost speakers. While you can skip the track forward by pressing the play button twice, you can't go to a previous track.
Feedback is good. There's a chime to tell you when you've reached max volume, and there are lights on top of the power and Bluetooth buttons to let you know when it's on and connected to a source. There's a light indicator to let you know that the speaker is charging. If you're looking for a speaker with a wider selection of controls, check out the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II.
This small speaker has a passable frequency response accuracy. The mids are balanced, so the speaker reproduces voices and lead instruments with clarity. As a result, it's a suitable choice for listening to many different types of audio content. There's a slight dip in the treble, though, that adds a dull quality to the sound, and the lack of low-bass is noticeable with genres like EDM and hip-hop. However, there are no customization options to tailor the sound to your liking.
Its directivity is good, so audio sounds good from most angles around the speaker. However, on its own, it has to downmix stereo content into mono to play it. If you want stereo sound, you'll need to pair this speaker with another PartyBoost-compatible speaker from the JBL lineup.
This speaker gets loud enough to fill an average-sized living room with sound but can't fill up larger, more open spaces like a backyard. Also, at max volume, there's some compression and pumping artifacts in the mix, especially in the bass range.
The manufacturer says it can last up to 12 hours off a single charge, but this speaker lasts a little over eight hours with real-life use. Battery life can vary depending on your usage habits, though. This speaker also has a power-saving feature that shuts it off after twenty minutes of inactivity, which is handy.
The JBL Portable app is okay. It's compatible with Android and iOS. If you have another PartyBoost speaker, you can pair two units to create a stereo pair or link several units to play the same audio across a larger space. However, unlike the JBL Flip 6 and Ultimate Ears BOOM 3, there's no graphic EQ function, so you can't tweak its sound profile.
You can't use this speaker wired. It comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging up the speaker.
The JBL Flip 5 has great Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike the OontZ Angle 3 ULTRA, you can pair it with up to two speakers at a time, and it has low audio latency on Android devices, which is good if you like to stream video. While latency on iOS is a bit higher, some apps compensate for latency differently, so your experience may vary. For a speaker with lower latency over Bluetooth with iOS and Android devices, consider the Beats Pill+.