Shopping for a Bluetooth speaker? You’ve probably come across the JBL Flip 5 and the Flip 6. They look pretty similar. But they’re not exactly the same. So, which one should you buy?
Let’s break it down in a fun and simple way! No tech degree needed.
First, What Do They Have in Common?
Before choosing, it helps to know what these two speakers share. Here’s what the Flip 5 and Flip 6 both offer:
- Portability: Both are small, light, and easy to carry.
- Great Sound: JBL is known for clear, loud audio.
- Water Resistance: Both have IPX7 waterproofing. That means they can survive splashes and dunks.
- USB-C Charging: Modern and fast charging available.
- PartyBoost: Connect multiple JBL speakers for more sound.
So far, so good. But what sets them apart?
Sound Quality: Flip 6 Takes the Lead
Let’s talk about what really matters—sound.
The Flip 5 sounds great. It’s loud, clear, and the bass is strong for something this size. It uses a racetrack-shaped driver to push out sound with power. But…
The Flip 6 goes a step further. It has a two-way speaker system. That means it has both a woofer and a tweeter. The woofer handles the bass and mids. The tweeter delivers brighter highs.
Result? The Flip 6 sounds more detailed, especially at high volumes.
Winner: Flip 6, by a wide margin.
Design: Nearly Identical, But Slight Tweaks
From a distance, they look the same. Same size. Same shape. Both come in fun colors. But the Flip 6 has some extra polish.
- New JBL logo: The Flip 6 swaps the small JBL badge for a larger, bolder logo.
- Better grip: Some users say the Flip 6 feels more secure in the hand.
- Slightly tougher body: It feels more rugged.
The design update isn’t a game-changer, but it does look a bit more modern.
Winner: Flip 6, though it’s close.
Durability: Flip 6 Adds Dust Protection
Both speakers are waterproof (IPX7). You can drop them in water, and they’ll be fine. But what about dirt and dust?
That’s where the Flip 6 improves. It adds IP67 certification, not just IPX7. The extra “6” means it’s also dustproof.
So yes, you can take the Flip 6 to a beach, a hike, or a dusty park with more peace of mind.
Winner: Flip 6 again.
Battery Life: It’s a Tie
Both speakers promise up to 12 hours of play time. That’s plenty for a day out or a party night.
Battery life will depend on how loud you play them. But in normal use, they’re neck and neck.
Winner: It’s a draw.
Bluetooth and App Support
The Flip 5 uses Bluetooth 4.2. Still good, but a bit older.
The Flip 6 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.1. That gives you:
- Stronger signal
- Faster pairing
- More stable connection
Also, the Flip 6 works better with the JBL Portable app. You can adjust sound with an equalizer, and get firmware updates easily.
Flip 5 has no EQ in the app. What you hear is what you get.
Winner: Flip 6 again!
Color Options: Flip 5 Has More
This is where Flip 5 fights back. It comes in lots of colors. From black and white to pink, teal, camouflage, and special editions.
The Flip 6 has a good range too, but not as many options. At least, for now.
If you love color choices, the Flip 5 might have what you want.
Winner: Flip 5
Price: Flip 5 is More Affordable
As of now, the Flip 5 is cheaper. You can often find it on sale, making it a great budget choice.
The Flip 6 is newer, so it holds its price longer. But for a little extra, you do get more features.
Winner: Flip 5, if you’re on a tighter budget. Flip 6 if you want more bang for your buck.
What’s Missing?
Neither speaker has the following:
- No voice assistant like Alexa
- No Wi-Fi or smart home integration
- No built-in microphone for phone calls
- No AUX-in jack
So if you want those, you might need to look at other JBL models like the Charge or Pulse series.
Who Should Buy the Flip 5?
Pick the JBL Flip 5 if:
- You want to save some money
- You love wild color choices
- You don’t need EQ or app control
- You’ll mostly use it near water, not dust
The Flip 5 is still a solid speaker that sounds great and is super easy to use.
Who Should Buy the Flip 6?
Choose the JBL Flip 6 if:
- You want better sound quality
- You need dust protection
- You like to tweak your audio
- You want the latest version with better Bluetooth
It costs more, but you get a more future-proof speaker.
So…Which One Is Better?
Let’s sum it all up with a quick scorecard:
| Feature | Flip 5 | Flip 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Good | Better |
| Design | Classic | Updated |
| Waterproof | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Battery Life | 12 hrs | 12 hrs |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Color Choices | More | Fewer |
| App & EQ | No | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Final Word
Still unsure?
If you just want a good speaker for cheaper, the JBL Flip 5 is a safe bet. It’s tried and tested. And it still rocks.
If you want a better sound, stronger Bluetooth