JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Charge 4 The Great Bluetooth Speakers Test

JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Charge 4 The Great Bluetooth Speakers Test

We had tried the predecessor of the JBL Flip 5, the JBL Flip 4 before and it made a really positive impression on us, so we were very curious to see to what extent the newer models, the Flip 5 and the Flip 4 Charge, are different from it.

The exterior of the JBL Flip 5 hasn’t changed much from its predecessor. The usual cylinder shape, size and design are also very similar to the Flip 4. It is waterproof up to a a depth of 1 meter, IPX7 certified and features rubber protection against damages. The  20 Watt RMS performance is quite serious compared to its size. It has 1 4.4 x 8 cm speaker and 2 side passive bass radiators.

The manufacturer offers the Flip 5 in 11 different color options. Unlike its predecessor, the Flip 4, this model features a more modern USB-C charging port, replacing the older micro USB. However, the 3.5mm headphone jack has been removed, which may be a drawback for some users.

Instead of the older Connect+ feature—which allowed pairing with up to 100 compatible Flip speakers—the Flip 5 introduces a new PartyBoost function. This allows pairing only two Flip 5 units, and unfortunately, it’s not backward compatible with the previous Connect+ system. While this may be disappointing for fans of the older feature, we honestly question the practicality of linking dozens of small speakers. If you’re looking for more impactful multi-speaker setups, it’s far more effective to pair larger, more powerful models like the JBL Boombox or UE Hyperboom.

The JBL Flip 5 offers a battery life of up to 12 hours and a Bluetooth range of approximately 10 meters. However, it does not support hands-free phone calls, which may be a drawback for some users. The speaker has a frequency response of 65 Hz to 20 kHz and weighs just 540 grams, making it truly portable. On the back, you’ll find the power input, Bluetooth pairing button, and USB-C charging port. The control buttons are illuminated when the device is powered on, and include standard power and volume controls. The shoelace-style wrist strap remains unchanged from the Flip 4. Powering the device is a 4,800 mAh lithium-ion battery.

Sound Test

Where you listen to the speaker makes a noticeable difference. We tested the Flip 5 in three environments: an acoustically ideal room, a small study with poor acoustics, and outdoors in the garden.

In the ideal listening room, the speaker produced clean and pleasant sound, though we noticed that mid and high frequencies felt a bit underwhelming. In the small study, unfavourable acoustics led to sound reflections that slightly degraded the clarity. However, when taken outdoors, the Flip 5 performed surprisingly well, even at higher volumes. The bass was stronger and more pronounced, which is an important trait for a portable outdoor speaker, though the mid and treble frequencies still lacked the punch expected at this level.

JBL portable speakers are excellent companions for use with computers, laptops, or even as compact audio solutions for parties and garden gatherings. When used indoors, it’s essential to ensure proper acoustic treatment on the walls and ceiling, as echo-prone environments can negatively impact sound quality—even with the most expensive audio and hi-fi equipment.

Naturally, in outdoor settings, it’s not possible to reduce ambient noise, so the sound from a portable speaker won’t match the depth and clarity produced by larger, more powerful sound systems.

Visually, the JBL Charge 4 shares a very similar design with the Flip 5, maintaining the brand’s signature cylindrical look and rugged aesthetic.

The JBL Charge 4 is also waterproof, just like the Flip 4, and features JBL Connect, which allows pairing with other compatible JBL speakers. What sets the Charge 4 apart from other models is its impressive 7,500 mAh battery, which enables up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge. A full recharge takes approximately 3.5 hours when the battery is completely depleted. While the overall sound could have been a bit more vivid, it performed exceptionally well in terms of bass reproduction.

Conclusion

JBL products continue to stand out in the Bluetooth speaker market due to their excellent sound quality. While the Flip 5 is a newer model, we would personally prefer the Flip 4 or the Charge 4. One downside of the Flip 5 is its lack of support for phone calls, a feature available in earlier models. Additionally, it no longer supports JBL Connect, instead offering PartyBoost, which only works with other speakers that support the same function.

One of the greatest advantages of the Charge 4 is its long battery life, which can power your music for nearly a full day on a single charge. Sound-wise, both the Flip 5 and Charge 4 perform remarkably well—it’s impressive that such compact devices can deliver such powerful audio. However, as always, the listening environment matters greatly; the acoustic conditions of the space will significantly affect performance.

Both models are also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about using them outdoors in the rain, accidentally spilling a drink, or even dropping them into the pool—they’re built to handle it.