The JBL Flip 5 is a notable addition to the JBL lineup of portable Bluetooth speakers, offering a blend of portability, durability, and solid audio performance. Released in 2020, the JBL Flip 5 succeeds its predecessor, the JBL Flip 4, with improved features and a refined design. This review will delve into various aspects of the JBL Flip 5, including its design, audio performance, battery life, connectivity, durability, and overall usability, providing a comprehensive evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the JBL Flip 5 is its design. The speaker is compact, measuring 3.6 x 3.6 x 8.5 inches, and lightweight, making it highly portable. The cylindrical shape and rugged build contribute to its durability, while the fabric material and rubber housing ensure it can withstand rough handling. The Flip 5 comes with a removable strap, adding to its portability and convenience, allowing you to carry it easily on your wrist or attach it to your backpack.
The speaker boasts an IPX7 rating, meaning it is fully waterproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes without any damage. This makes the Flip 5 an excellent choice for outdoor activities such as pool parties, beach outings, and hiking trips. The build quality is robust, with a solid feel that gives confidence in its ability to endure the rigors of outdoor use.
Audio Performance
The JBL Flip 5 delivers powerful audio performance despite its small size. It features an all-new racetrack-shaped driver that produces JBL’s signature sound with enhanced bass response. The speaker has a maximum output power of 5 watts, and the frequency response ranges from 65 Hz to 20 kHz. This wide frequency range ensures that the speaker can reproduce a variety of audio content with clarity and precision.
The sound quality of the JBL Flip 5 is impressive, with clear highs, detailed mids, and punchy bass. The bass response is particularly noteworthy, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. The speaker performs well across different genres of music, making it a versatile choice for music enthusiasts. However, it should be noted that the Flip 5 does not have a built-in equalizer, so users cannot customize the sound profile to their liking.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for portable speakers, and the JBL Flip 5 does not disappoint in this regard. The speaker is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music for an entire day without needing to recharge the speaker.
The Flip 5 also features a USB-C charging port, which offers faster and more efficient charging compared to the micro-USB ports found in many other portable speakers. A full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours, allowing you to quickly get back to your music after the battery is depleted.
Connectivity
The JBL Flip 5 is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2, enabling wireless streaming from your phone, tablet, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. The wireless range is impressive, providing stable connectivity up to 33 feet (10 meters) from the source device. Pairing the speaker with your devices is straightforward, and the connection remains reliable even in environments with multiple wireless signals.
One of the notable features of the JBL Flip 5 is its compatibility with the JBL Portable app, which allows you to pair the speaker with other PartyBoost-compatible speakers in JBL’s lineup. This feature enables you to create a stereo pair or link multiple speakers together for a more immersive and expansive sound experience. However, the app does not offer any customization tools for adjusting the sound profile, which might be a drawback for some users.
Durability and Waterproofing
The JBL Flip 5’s durability is one of its strongest selling points. The combination of durable fabric material and rugged rubber housing ensures that the speaker can withstand the challenges of outdoor use. Whether you are hiking, camping, or lounging by the pool, the Flip 5 is built to endure.
The IPX7 waterproof rating is a significant advantage, providing peace of mind when using the speaker near water. The speaker can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage, making it an ideal companion for poolside activities and beach trips. The waterproofing also protects the speaker from sudden rain showers and accidental spills, ensuring that your music continues uninterrupted.
Usability and Features
The JBL Flip 5 is designed with user convenience in mind. The controls are simple and intuitive, with buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, volume adjustment, and playback control located on the side of the speaker. These buttons are easy to access and provide tactile feedback, making it easy to operate the speaker even when you are on the go.
While the Flip 5 does not include a built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality, it excels in other areas. The lack of voice assistant integration may be a drawback for some users, but it does not detract from the speaker’s primary function of delivering high-quality audio.
The JBL Flip 5’s PartyBoost feature is a highlight, allowing you to connect multiple PartyBoost-compatible speakers for a synchronized audio experience. This feature is particularly useful for larger gatherings and outdoor events, where a single speaker might not provide adequate coverage. By linking multiple speakers, you can create a more immersive and powerful sound environment.
Comparison with JBL Flip 4
Comparing the JBL Flip 5 with its predecessor, the JBL Flip 4, highlights several improvements and differences. The Flip 5 offers a more refined design, with enhanced durability and a sleeker appearance. The racetrack-shaped driver in the Flip 5 provides better bass response and overall sound quality compared to the Flip 4.
Battery life is similar between the two models, with both offering up to 12 hours of playtime. However, the Flip 5 benefits from a USB-C charging port, which provides faster charging compared to the micro-USB port on the Flip 4.
One significant difference is the lack of a built-in speakerphone and voice assistant integration in the Flip 5, features that are present in the Flip 4. This might be a consideration for users who prioritize these functionalities. Additionally, the Flip 5 does not include an auxiliary input, which is available on the Flip 4.
Recommendations
The JBL Flip 5 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a portable Bluetooth speaker with excellent audio performance and durability. It is particularly well-suited for outdoor activities, thanks to its compact design, rugged build, and waterproof capabilities. The speaker’s powerful sound, extended battery life, and PartyBoost feature make it a versatile and reliable companion for various occasions.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some limitations. The lack of a built-in speakerphone and voice assistant integration might be a drawback for those who frequently use these features. Additionally, the absence of an auxiliary input and customization options for the sound profile may be considerations for some users.
Overall, the JBL Flip 5 offers a compelling package of portability, durability, and audio quality. It is a worthy successor to the JBL Flip 4, with improvements in design and sound performance that make it a top contender in the portable Bluetooth speaker market. If you prioritize robust build quality, waterproofing, and solid audio performance in a portable speaker, the JBL Flip 5 is an excellent choice.