4 reasons why I chose JBL Flip 6 instead of Charge 5

Main points

• The JBL Flip 6 is a portable hole punch that’s lightweight and delivers clear sound for any occasion.
• The Flip 6 has a battery life of up to 12 hours and is comparable to the larger Charge 5 in terms of sound quality and portability.
• PartyBoost mode allows you to connect multiple JBL speakers for stereo sound, making the Flip 6 the perfect on-the-go option.

With warmer spring and summer temperatures just around the corner, all eyes are on the best portable equipment for your next outdoor party, picnic, or beach day. While there’s a lot to be said for speakers with smart features, JBL’s sixth-generation Flip speakers have some of the best portable beats on the market.

Ten years ago, JBL Flip 6 first launched the Flip version, continuing JBL’s strong sound tradition, with a stylish design, easy portability, and beautiful bass sound. But the “Flip” series isn’t the only promising speaker in JBL’s portable lineup. In fact, the Charge 5, despite being slightly larger, delivers impressive portable sound and is ready for rugged adventures.

So, if you are looking for mobile Bluetooth music, you can choose to join JBL Flip side.

1 JBL Flip 6 lets you easily listen to sound anytime, anywhere

Portable punch press

Weighing only 550 grams, the Flip 6 is a lightweight speaker option that’s no less practical despite its larger size. The speaker slips easily into a bag or backpack – and even better, it comes with a carrying strap so you can easily grab it while attending a pregame event or pool party (yes, the Flip 6 is indeed waterproof ) .

When we tested the speakers, Pocket-Lint’s A/V editor Christina Darby pointed out how easy it is to listen anywhere:

I take advantage of the speaker’s portability and use it for my daily entertainment. It’s my go-to accompaniment, pregame party appetizer, and improvised karaoke machine.

In comparison, the JBL Charge 5 is significantly larger and weighs almost twice as much at 960 grams. Sure, you might not exactly call the Charge 5 “heavy,” so to speak, but you won’t hesitate to toss the Flip 6 in your bag when you leave the house. And the JBL Charge 5 may feel heavy on you after a while, especially when commuting on foot.

Suffice to say, you might not call the Charge 5 “heavy,” but you won’t hesitate to toss the Flip 6 in your bag when you leave the house.

Plus, unlike the larger Charge 5, the Flip 6 comes with an easy-to-use removable strap that can fit comfortably around your wrist for security while hiking, wrapped around a tote or beach bag, or even hung from a sturdy tree branch.

2 Small but powerful

The Flip 6 doesn’t sacrifice size for sound quality

The latest JBL Flip is now in its sixth generation, with improved sound quality. The Flip 6 has the same 20-watt amplifier as the previous model, but also features a separate tweeter designed to improve audio quality. The Flip 6 uses its own 10-watt amplifier for a total RMS output of 30 watts.

In layman’s terms, this means that from soft acoustics in the morning, to smooth jazz in the afternoon, to heart-pounding party beats, the JBL Flip 6 consistently delivers crisp and clear sound.

The Charge 5 has a battery life of up to 20 hours, but it takes up to 7 hours to fully charge the battery. So, especially considering the Flip 6’s smaller size, its battery deserves praise, too.

However, even with its bold acoustics, the Flip 6’s battery life is around 12 hours. The Charge 5 has a battery life of up to 20 hours, but it takes up to 7 hours to fully charge the battery. So, especially considering the Flip 6’s smaller size, its battery deserves praise, too. You have to remember that the smaller the speaker, the smaller the physical battery. If a 12-hour charge feels too risky, throw the charger away with the Flip 6 when you head out for your next musical outing.

3 Party mode connects all JBL speakers simultaneously

Two are better than one

The JBL Portable app, available for the Charge 5 and Flip 6, lets you quickly adjust the speaker’s bass, treble and feedback. Even better, the app also gives you access to PartyBoost mode. If you have access to multiple JBL-compatible speakers, use the app to connect them all into a stereo system. All connected speakers will play the same song in sync, so make sure every room has a dance floor for your next party.

When it comes to the JBL Flip 6, PartyBoost eliminates any worries you might have about smaller size resulting in smaller sound. Whether you own multiple JBL products or have your friends jump on the Flip 6 bandwagon, the quality of your music won’t be compromised.

4 Sturdy and simple design

Your music won’t get lost in superfluous features

No one wants to buy a brand new speaker only to be frustrated by a meaningless manual (we’ve all been there, crazy). The construction and design of the Flip 6 means you don’t need to open the manual to sing your heart out. This waterproof speaker has a sturdy construction and is made from tight-fitting fabric, and is available in a variety of colors, from pale pink to bright red.

The speaker’s controls are also rubberized, with clearly labeled symbols for increasing or decreasing sound or skipping songs you don’t want to keep in your playlist. Even though the USB-C charging port doesn’t have a rubber cover (which everyone likes anyway), the port is still dust- and water-resistant. You can even take the JBL Flip 6 underwater for 30 minutes (I’m looking at you, music-loving scuba divers).

Our verdict: The JBL Flip 6 stands out for its portability, music quality and minimalist design. Why burden yourself with the Flip 6 when you can slip it into your bag or pocket? No matter where you go next, let this speaker play your favorite tunes.