In search of an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker this summer time? With JBL’s launch of the Flip 7 this 12 months, the Flip 5 & Flip 6 are probably the most reasonably priced within the vary proper now. However which one is value it? I am pitting the 2 audio system facet by facet.
My summertime challenge for Gadget Movement? Evaluating as many moveable audio system as humanly doable. And sure, whereas the temperatures soar previous 100°F, I’m out again within the shade, with my playlist on and a chilly espresso in hand, reviewing them for you. Immediately’s agenda? JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6.
I do know what you’re pondering—the Flip 7 launced this March, so why am I evaluating an older, older mannequin? As a result of, my buddies, the Flip 5 remains to be accessible on Amazon, and cheaper than ever.
Sure, in the event you’re in search of a bargain-priced Bluetooth speaker to jazz up your patio barbecues or backyard soirees this summer time, does it make sense to purchase the Flip 6 when the Flip 5 is at all-time low?
Let’s break it down.
JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6: Value
Whenever you’re searching for tech, worth issues. After I’m available in the market for a brand new gadget, I all the time have a ballpark determine in thoughts of what I wish to spend and the way a lot further I’d be keen to pay over that worth. It retains me from overspending. If you need a speaker that may survive your out of doors excursions and convey some vibes to the balcony, I’d say it’s value going as low-cost as doable.
On this spherical, the JBL Flip 5 is the clear winner. It presently prices $89.98 on Amazon whereas the Flip 6 is $99.99 in its least expensive iteration (i.e. with no case or different add-ons). Nevertheless, a $10 distinction isn’t enormous, and it might be value spending a bit extra for newer expertise. I must also point out that Amazon solely has the JBL Flip 5 in grey (it had initially been produced in a rainbow of colours).
These elements could make the Flip 5 much less interesting, however it’s presently probably the most reasonably priced of the 2.
JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6: Sound High quality
Sound is the place I’m upping the ante. As a result of in the event you can anticipate the identical sound on each audio system, regardless of a era change—is it value paying for a more moderen mannequin? For my part, no. If the ‘new expertise’ is admittedly only a bunch of bells and whistles I’d by no means use, then I’d a lot slightly stick to an older model, thanks very a lot.
So let’s break down the sound on the JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6.
Now, it’s all the time a problem for Bluetooth audio system to breed excessive frequencies clearly. However the JBL Flip 5 gained a What Hello-Fi award for its sound in 2020. That’s as a result of it’s strong wi-fi connection and relatively wealthy sound manufacturing—with out changing into tinny. It additionally precisely reproduces all items of a tune, preserving the creative really feel.
How does the Flip 6 examine? With its up to date audio configuration, JBL claims that it has extra detailed bass, highs, and mids—and the reviewers at What Hello-Fi? agree. Sound Guys, then again, say the distinction is small, and What Hello-Fi? even concedes that the Flip 6 will deliver out the cruel notes of less-than-optimal recordings greater than the Flip 5.
I’m calling this spherical for the Flip 6, however it’s a slight win.
JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6: Design
The JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6 each characteristic the cylindrical design shared by most of JBL’s Bluetooth audio system, and each have sturdy, rubberized elements to deflect slips and drops. However general, they’re each fairly fashionable.
The Flip 5, for its half, has an IPX7 waterproof score, which suggests it withstands depths of 1 meter for as much as half-hour. The Flip 6 is waterproof to the identical depth and in addition dustproof, leading to an IPX67 score. It’s undoubtedly the one to take to the seashore!
In the meantime, the Flip 6 remains to be accessible in an array of colours. From plain black to a cotton-candy pink, the JBL Flip 6 can nonetheless match your tastes. The Flip 6 additionally has an up to date wrist strap that’s one loop of twine as an alternative of two strand.
The winner? The JBL Flip 6.
JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6: Options
Let’s transfer on over to options—as a result of typically, it’s not nearly sound or worth, however the further stuff that makes utilizing a speaker really feel seamless (or annoying).
Bluetooth model. The Flip 5 makes use of Bluetooth 4.2, whereas the Flip 6 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.1, which usually means a extra secure connection, barely quicker pairing, and higher energy effectivity. When you’ve ever had your music randomly minimize out mid-chorus, you recognize why this issues.
The Flip 6 additionally introduces JBL’s PartyBoost characteristic. Sure, the Flip 5 has PartyBoost too, however Flip 6 enables you to stereo-pair two audio system for precise left/proper sound—Flip 5 doesn’t. That’s a pleasant contact in the event you’re going for a fuller audio expertise at house or within the yard.
Each units work with the JBL Join app, which brings some further management. General, although, the app is fairly primary. You may alter the treble, mid, and bass within the equalizer. It additionally enables you to hyperlink a number of audio system by means of PartyBoost.
So, in the event you’re simply blasting Spotify in your balcony, the Flip 5 retains issues easy. However in the event you’re into connectivity, customization, and barely higher sturdiness, the Flip 6’s options make a powerful case.
I’m calling it for the JBL Flip 6 right here.
JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6: My Verdict
If we’re tallying up the wins, the JBL Flip 6 clearly comes out on prime. It’s obtained an up to date design, newer audio tech, upgraded Bluetooth, and that helpful dustproof score. Plus, it’s nonetheless accessible in a full vary of colours—as a result of sure, aesthetics do matter.
That mentioned, the Flip 5 nonetheless holds its personal, particularly in the event you’re simply in search of a strong speaker at a cheaper price. Primarily based on what I’ve seen in evaluations, the Flip 6 solely affords a slight bump in audio high quality, and its dustproofing solely actually issues in the event you’re taking it to the seashore or the backcountry.
So right here’s my take:
When you’re targeted on saving cash and simply need good sound for informal use, the JBL Flip 5 nonetheless delivers. However in the event you care about long-term compatibility, trendy connectivity, and that little bit of additional sturdiness, then the Flip 6 is definitely worth the improve.
