JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6

JBL’s Flip Series Will Flip Your Dance Moves! If you want effective speakers that are also affordable, portable Bluetooth speakers are the perfect option. They can also make your gathering, whether it be inside or outside, more lively. Although there are several brands available, JBL is the most popular due to its excellent sound quality and great features at a reasonable cost. The JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6 comparison is applicable here.

Flip 5 was introduced in 2020 and quickly gained popularity thanks to its user-friendly application and top-notch waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker. Flip 6, in contrast, was launched in 2021 and included several improvements over Flip 5.

If you already own a Flip 5, this article will analyze whether these enhancements are sufficient to justify buying the new model and what benefits and drawbacks you might expect when making the switch.

What Sets the JBL Flip 5 Apart from the Flip 6?

Here is a brief comparison summary before we get into the specifics and challenging aspects of the comparison:

1. Compared to the JBL Flip 6, the JBL Flip 5 is more expensive.
2. The JBL Flip 6 features 5 colours variations compared to the 10 available for the JBL Flip 5.
3. The JBL Flip 5 features the same outdated JBL design as the JBL Flip 6, which also includes a rubber stopper that is missing from the FLip 5.
4. The JBL Flip 6 has the most recent Bluetooth 5.1, however the JBL Flip 5 only has an old Bluetooth 4.2.
5. While the JBL Flip 6 has an IP67 rating, which we consider outstanding, the JBL Flip 5 has an IPX7 waterproof rating.
6. While the Flip 5 lacks equalization settings, JBL has made them available with the Flip 6.
7. When it comes to speakers, the Flip 6 features an additional 10w tweeter while the Flip 5 does not.

Now that you have enough general knowledge, let’s start the thorough comparison piece by piece.

What initially springs to mind while trying to find an excellent speaker?

It must be the design and construction. Right?

Flip 6 vs. JBL Flip 5: Design and Construction

The Flip 5 is impressive, yet it is nevertheless dull despite having significantly improved aesthetics and a cylinder form. The brand’s logo has been included by the creators into the design of the present iteration.

The JBL logo has increased in height and style, providing a noteworthy element that previous iterations lacked, as opposed to a small JBL symbol that used to seem cheap. They run for approximately the same amount of time and have identical batteries.

The logo and the location the manufacturers chose for the Flip 5 and Flip 6 are the only differences between them. Although we like the older model’s simpler logo design (even though it doesn’t add to the style), the sound quality is unaffected. The rest is essentially the same.

There aren’t many variations between the two models besides looks. Both speakers have the same shapes and a foundation that doesn’t offer a flat bottom. The springy radiators at both ends bounce when music is playing. Each portable speaker is still the same size and weighs about 0.5 kg.

The Flip 6 is an improvement over the Flip 5 in that it has a base made of a rubbery substance. The only things preventing the Flip 5 from rolling were the speaker’s weight and the strap fastened directly behind the bottom. The Flip 6 has a little rubber support that stabilizes the smartphone amazingly effectively without adding any extra bulk to the design.

The gadgets are well-built and cost to grasp. Although the JBL speakers can be arranged lengthwise or widthwise, the design also enables the portable speaker to be positioned horizontally on the base.

Its design is appealing since it has big, sensory buttons that are simple to press and reliable features. For instance, the design of the buttons at the top allows you to use the speaker in the dark even though the manufacturer did not illuminate them.

Because of its x67 grade for ingress protection, which includes dust-proof protection, the JBL Flip 6 has a more reliable waterproof certification. The x7 rating of the JBL FLIP 5 does not, though. Regardless, they have sufficient waterproof ratings to qualify as durable. Because you may submerge them in deep water, you can transport them to dirty places or poolside locations.

IP Score

The ingress protection rating for the JBL Flip 5 is x7. It can withstand being submerged for 30 minutes in water up to 1 metre deep.

The new model’s x67 grade for ingress protection was given by the producers because it can withstand being submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1 metre. It is also 100 percent dust-proof.

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Sound Quality

Flip 5 has a great voice. It makes no difference if we listen to music by Ariana Grande or any contemporary classical musicians. Instead, during our evaluation, we found that it delivers audio playback with astounding clarity, enormous amounts of detail, and more than a hint of dynamism.

The clear and melodious sounds this speaker can produce will wow listeners who aren’t accustomed with Flip’s high-quality audio. Even if you are standing a few metres away, the sound quality is extremely clear because there is no distortion audible when the volume is increased. 

It was captivating to listen to the numerous songs’ pounding rhythm sections, which featured trebly drums, hammering basslines, and throbbing synths. In contrast, the singer’s lovely voice has a perfectly natural presence and floats like a boat on calm water.

When we pushed up the volume on this recording to its highest setting, we did hear some loud treble notes. The new model can tolerate greater settings generally without any distortion, though. Overall, the audio performance is quite well-balanced and has excellent clarity.

Both models share the same Party Boost feature, which vastly improves music quality. By connecting the up to 100 JBL speakers that are compatible with them, you may build your own sound theatre. Unfortunately, you can only connect the new model to a Flip 6 or speaker from the same class. This is a small fault, though.

The goal is that there aren’t many differences between the models’ individual attributes. Flip 5 and Flip 6 are incredibly small portable Bluetooth speakers. They don’t have an AUX port, therefore you can’t wire it up to the phone. However, it functions nicely with smartphone software that has a built-in microphone, such as Siri or Google Assistant. 

The JBL Flip 6’s new tweeter has improved the quantity and quality of the audio output. However, you can clearly hear every instrument that was used in a song. Comparing the two models makes this extremely clear.

The Flip 6 is incredibly gorgeous and has a considerably stronger sound than the previous generation. It uses technology that is somewhat comparable to that of the Flip 5, but it is able to produce volumes that are much higher and clearer while maintaining the audio quality of the music. The current model handles it a little bit better, but the speakers may still produce strong dynamics. 

Both models have strong, comparable qualities. For instance, the Flip 5’s highs are a little softer than those of their competitor, which is probably because of the added tweeters. Although often harsh and noisy, the new model has better definition and punch. The low range is essentially comparable, in our perspective.

The differences are minimal overall and are only apparent when comparing the two. The song’s excellent sound is equalized to provide a variety of sonic characters. It’s a significant advantage the newcomer has over the JBL Flip 5. 

Thanks to the updated speaker configuration, Flip 6 now sounds more airy and vibrant than its rival.

Flip 6 vs. JBL Flip 5: Portability

It’s safe to assume that JBL will be hesitant to dramatically expand the size of its batteries because the Flip series places a strong emphasis on portability and a light design. The batteries in earlier generations were substantially smaller. If you require a portable Bluetooth speaker with a longer battery life, look into different JBL models. 

It’s difficult to match the Flip 6’s portability, user-friendly functionality, and quality, particularly at this price point. Both designs offer the best portable speakers that are lightweight. In actuality, the JBL Flip 5 is among the most transportable beach speakers available.

Comparing Flip 6 to Flip 5, it would be heavier, but considering the upgrades, that is to be expected. Although it lacks a leash so you can carry it anywhere, it is still one of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers. 

Battery Life: JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6

These wireless speakers come with a 17.28Wh Li-ion polymer battery from the manufacturers. Both variants allow for up to half a day of use on a full charge. The time will vary depending on the volume of the music, what you are playing, where you are, and other factors. It can take two to three hours to charge.

Both devices are advertised by JBL as having a half-day battery life. The same cannot be stated, however, as neither of them could finish the 12-hour running test and gave up after about 8 hours. We tested them at the volume spectrum of 40 to 60, and this outcome appeared even when the volume wasn’t at its highest. 

When operating at maximum volume, the battery lasted roughly 6 hours. The majority of settings won’t require anything close to maximum volume because these speakers provide sound of good quality and loudness.

The models lack the ability to be connected to a power bank. 

The models weren’t built by the producers to operate for a long time on a single charge. 4,800 mAh is not a large amount of energy stored in a battery. So, even though people demand a power bank feature and longer battery life in future Flip models, it’s unlikely to happen.

Flip 6 vs. JBL Flip 5: Connectivity

Flip 6 makes use of Bluetooth 5.1, which offers a longer and more reliable range, as opposed to Flip 5. Up to two devices can be connected at once with the upgraded Bluetooth version. The A2DP V1.3 and AVRCP V1.6 profiles are supported by the two wireless speakers.

When we established a quick and straightforward connection or paired it with the iPhone 13, we had no latency or connectivity problems. As a result, it may cause your celebration to continue till dusk. 

Both speakers are supported by the JBL Portable app. You can use this to read the user manual, change the equaliser settings, change the feedback tone, or turn it off. From here, you can also activate the PartyBoost feature.

If you want a microphone, cable connectivity, or capabilities like wi-fi, this Flip 6 is not for you. Additionally, it doesn’t offer any software for intelligent help. You’ll need to make a substantial investment in that. For individuals who need the aforementioned qualities, the JBL Flip series might not be the best option.

Flip 6 vs. JBL Flip 5: Uses

Both of these models, in our opinion, are quite transportable and may be utilized to party, relax, and have fun in many locations. Therefore, JBL Flip models will be your party poppers with fantastic music and incredibly useful features for little money, whether it be a beach, house warming party, or any other occasion, inside or outside the home.

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6:Additional Features

Durability

The Flip 6 now bears a dust-proof designation and has an x67 ingress protection certification. Water resistance is a characteristic of the outdated model with an x7 ingress protection certification, but dust resistance is not. The Flip 5 performed better than the Flip 6 in terms of resistance to dirt as we evaluated the devices. Therefore, choosing the Flip 6 only on the basis of this would be pointless. The signal-to-noise ratio of the JBL Flip 5 is decent.

Flips are dependable and well-made. Due to their lightweight, robust construction and shatter-proof technology, they are highly sought after in the market and compete fiercely with their rivals. The only issue is that both models’ main significant source of exposure—naked or open radiators—is problematic.

The Flip 6 is relatively less scratch-resistant than its competitor because of the larger JBL logo. However, the rubber base stand reduces the likelihood of it falling from a high stand or position.

Software

An essential component that the previous model is missing is equalization. For instance, the JBL Flip 5 lacks an equalization feature in the JBL app, although the JBL Flip 6 does.

With Flip 5, you may use various apps to adjust or tune your tracks.

Using the JBL app, you may change every Treble, Mid, and Bass setting on the JBL Flip 6. The JBL Flip 5 only has one non-customizable sound profile on the JBL app.

The PartyBoost party mode from JBL is included in the JBL Portable app, which is portable with both Flips.

The JBL software has certain advantages while being unimpressive.

Due to its lack of functionality, the JBL app is easy to use. The app’s functionality is limited to changing the device name, updating the firmware, using Party Boost, and checking the battery level. Unfortunately, without a ton of intricate and nuanced features, not much can happen.

The issue that JBL fans reported with the Flip 6 has now been rectified by the manufacturer. Prior models did not have an equalizing capability, however the Flip 6 now comes with a simple equalization built into the firmware. Although the equalization isn’t particularly good, you can adjust your tune in your Flip 6.

Users still want JBL to add a few functions, such as presets, which would make the already incredible party with Flip 6 even better and have been a good feature to have.

Throughout testing, the Flip 6 app’s battery status indicator was inaccurate. Before the iPhone died, the app showed that there was only about 20% (low battery) of the battery left.

The app also does not let you change the songs or volume. Although some models work better, they offer worse features. On the other hand, Flip 6 offers excellent Bluetooth connectivity, which puts it ahead of the majority of portable speakers we’ve tested.

The drawback of this model can be seen in the lack of premium features, a power bank, or a microphone. The models promote simplicity and a user-friendly interface in place of clever features. Flip 6 would therefore be the better option given its EQ feature. 

Tweeters

Regarding its transducers, the Flip 6’s audio speaker is a little bit bigger. The upgraded model from JBL also has a tweeter, which produces high-quality sounds with a wider frequency response. However, the tweeter is absent in Flip 5.

Conclusion

Thanks to its tweeter, the Flip 6 does represent an improvement. In terms of clarity, sound staging, crispness, and musical instrument separability, the new model performs beautifully. The main drawback is that, although being extremely sturdy, it doesn’t come with a cover or case to shield it from the elements or even drops. The Flips both offer a sturdy structural foundation. Flip 6’s additional certification adds to its appeal to users. 

For those who want to experience the JBL effect but are unsure about making a significant financial commitment, The Flips are the perfect option. They may introduce the brand to them while also saving money with these gadgets. 

We’d finally settle on the JBL Flip 6 as the victor because it performs well overall and has more features than earlier Flip models. This article provided a thorough analysis of the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Flip 6. I hope you enjoyed reading this essay!

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