The world of audio equipment has seen a lot of evolution in recent years, with modern speaker technology getting more and more impressive as time goes by.
Gone are the days of clunky speakers, oversized audio devices, and countless cables tangled up all over the place; nowadays, it’s possible to have a portable, wireless, high-powered speaker right in the palm of your hand.
These wireless, Bluetooth speakers make it so much easier for people to enjoy their music on the go, able to effectively carry around their own personal speaker system, ideal for parties, get-togethers with friends, long road trips, vacations, and so on, and JBL is widely regarded as one of the very best brands in the speaker business right now.
Founded back in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing in Los Angeles, California, JBL has been a pioneer for the audio equipment industry for many decades now and has always proven to be a highly adaptable brand, changing with the times, embracing new technological advancements, and consistently cementing its place as an industry leader, right into the modern-day.
Anyone looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker will find a lot to love about JBL products, and some of the latest and greatest offerings from the brand include the JBL Flip 4 and the JBL Flip 5. The former was released in 2017, while the latter came to us in 2019, and there are some key differences between them.
The Flip 5 is on sale at JBL’s Site Click Here
So, if you find yourself hesitating between Flip 4 and Flip 5, this side-by-side comparison guide will help you figure out which one to buy, covering all of the most important similarities and differences.
Table of Contents
How We Started
We hope to provide a detailed, easy-to-read, and useful comparison of the JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5, and in order to offer a full and frank assessment of both of these speakers, we had to put them to the test. We analyzed the audio quality and performance of each speaker, as well as taking a look at various other important aspects like size, weight, price, design, and so on.
People look for different things when buying a portable Bluetooth speaker. Some want the lightest and most portable option possible, others favor models that are flashy and fancy, while some consumers focus purely on sound quality and features. Our guide provides a thorough, in-depth look at all the factors that might matter to you, helping everyone make the right choice.
- Silicone Protective Case: Specially designed silicone case pouch for JBL Flip 4 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, protects the speaker from accidental drops.
- Silicone protective case only: Designed for JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
At first glance, the JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5 certainly have a lot in common, and they’ve been both been ranked by expert reviewers and consumers along as being among the finest portable Bluetooth speakers on the market, but they do have some serious differences, and you’ll find out all about them, down below.
Don’t forget, however, that this guide isn’t conclusive. It will provide you with detailed looks at the core differences between the Flip 4 and the Flip 5 to help you make the right choice, but individual preferences and experiences can vary from person to person, especially when it comes to speakers.
JBL Flip 4 is the next generation in the award-winning Flip series; it is a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly powerful stereo sound. This compact speaker is powered by a 3000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers 12 hours of continuous, high-quality audio playtime.
Similarities and Differences
At first glance, you might actually struggle to tell the difference between the JBL Flip 4 and the JBL Flip 5. In fact, when viewed from a distance, it’s more or less impossible to tell them apart. They feature very similar and distinctive designs, although the Flip 4 only comes in six color variations, while the Flip 5 is available in 11 different styles.
There are some minor differences in terms of size and weight too, but on the face of it, aesthetically speaking, you won’t notice a huge difference between the pair.
They both offer similar battery life and similar feature lists too, with both being IPX7 waterproof, easy to connect with other speakers and compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 So where do the differences actually lie?
Well, in spite of these high quality, durable Bluetooth speakers having so many features in common, the differences begin to appear when we look a little closer at the technology under the hood.
The Flip 5, as the newer model, offers a wider frequency range for stronger audio performance, particularly in regards to bass and treble, resulting in louder, clearer sounds.
The Flip 5 has the power advantage, and it also comes with USB Type-C connections, plus a sleep timer and one or two other little extras, but the Flip 4 is no slouch, offering a noise-canceling microphone, the ability to answer calls, and connectivity with smart assistants like Siri and Google Now. Read on to learn more about the key differences between these devices.
Size and Weight
The first category we’ll use to judge the Flip 4 against the Flip 5 is size and weight. After all, one of the main advantages of a portable Bluetooth speaker is the fact that you can carry around it so easily, slotting it into a backpack or travel bag, ready to accompany you on road trips, camping expeditions, visits to friends’ houses, and so on.
So how do these two models measure up? Well, the JBL Flip 4 has a length of 6.9 inches, a depth of 2.8 inches, and a height of 2.7 inches. It weighs in at a total of 18 oz or 515 grams.
The JBL Flip 5, meanwhile, measures up at a length of 7.1 inches, a depth of 2.9 inches, and a height of 2.7 inches. It weighs a grand total of 19 oz or 540 grams.
From comparing these statistics, we can quickly see that the JBL Flip 4 is the more lightweight and compact of the two models. The differences aren’t huge and may not even be noticed by most people, as the Flip 5 is just a single ounce heavier than the Flip 4 and less than a quarter of an inch longer, but the differences are still there and have to be taken into account.
If you really care about size and want the absolute smallest and lightest option, the Flip 4 is the one for you.
This Bluetooth speaker goes anywhere. Bad weather? Not to worry. With its waterproof design, you can rock out to our signature sound rain or shine. Move more. Pair two JBL PartyBoost–compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost–compatible speakers to create a bigger party.
Unique Features
Many of the modern Bluetooth speakers released these days offer much more than the ability to simply connect to a device and play music; they often come with long lists of unique features and special capacities, improving their functionality and generally making them more fun and enjoyable for users overall.
JBL has really led the way in recent years when it comes to packing its products full of features, and a typical JBL speaker can do much more than simply play music, so how do these two products compare when it comes to special features?
Well, both the JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5 share some of the same features. They’re both IPX7 waterproof certified, for example, which means that they can be completely submerged in water for up to half an hour without taking any damage or suffering any negative consequences whatsoever.
They both also offer Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, and both come with the usual sets of buttons for pairing, adjusting volume, and playing or pausing music.
As we delve a little deeper, however, we can begin to uncover some real differences in terms of how these two Bluetooth speakers actually function.
For example;
The JBL Flip 4 has the capacity to function as a speakerphone, which isn’t an option on the Flip 5, and the Flip 4 can also be integrated with smart assistants like Siri and Google Now, effectively allowing you to communicate with your assistant via the speaker. Once again, this feature is not available on the Flip 5.
Sticking with the Flip 4, it also comes with JBL Connect+ functionality, which means that it can be paired with other JBL Connect+ compatible speakers to play the same tunes with louder volume, ideal for parties and special occasions.
The JBL Flip 5, meanwhile, does not come with Connect+ functionality, but instead has JBL’s PartyBoost technology, letting it connect with other compatible speakers for bigger sounds.
Interestingly, since the Flip 4 uses Connect+ and the Flip 5 uses PartyBoost, you can’t actually connect a Flip 4 to a Flip 5, or vice versa. They make use of different technology and are entirely incompatible, so if your buddies bring Flip 5s to the party, you won’t be able to hook up your own Flip 4 to create a larger system.
Overall, it’s clear that even though the JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5 look quite similar and share several features, they do function pretty differently. The Flip 4 effectively has a wider set of features, but those who prefer the modern advancements offered by the Flip 5 might decide that it’s the right model for them.
Sound Quality
Clearly, one of the most essential factors to think about when you’re shopping for any kind of portable Bluetooth speaker is sound quality. After all, the whole purpose of a speaker like a JBL Flip 4 or Flip 5 is to play music, and you want to be able to listen to your favorite tunes with crispness and clarity in every beat.
A lot of people focus on sound quality as their primary concern when shopping for a new speaker, wanting to get the very best audio experiences. This can be quite a subjective issue, and some people may find that the JBL Flip 4 sounds better, while others will favor the Flip 5, but in terms of technical performance, how do the pair stack up?
Well, the Flip 4 comes with two 44mm drivers, while the Flip 5 comes with just one. On paper, this gives it an edge, and the Flip 4 is able to offer a frequency range of 70 Hz up to 20 kHz. It offers crisp, even audio quality, working really well for spoken voices, in particular, and consistently ranking as one of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers on the market.
So can the Flip 5 match it? Well, the short answer is yes. Even though the Flip 5 only has a single driver, it has a wider frequency range than the Flip 4, offering 65 Hz to 20 kHz of range, and it also outputs 4W of additional power compared to its older sibling too. This results in louder, bigger, and clearer sounds, especially when it comes to bass.
Even when you crank the volume up and start hitting the higher notes, the Flip 5 performs perfectly, and so, when evaluating the Flip 4 vs Flip 5 in terms of sound quality, we have to give the nod to the Flip 5.
Battery Power and Run Time
One of the unique aspects of using a wireless speaker, or any kind of wireless device, is that you can’t rely on it running forever and ever. The battery will eventually drain down, and you’ll have to find an outlet and charge it back up. This can be frustrating, especially when devices come equipped with weak and weedy batteries that don’t last for too long.
It’s always wise to try and find a wireless speaker that comes with a strong, stocky battery that can go the distance, letting you play your tunes for hours on end without any interruptions or a constant need to recharge. So how do the Flip 4 and Flip 5 compete in this regard?
Well, both of these JBL wireless speakers come with rechargeable, high powered batteries, but there are some differences to take into account. The Flip 4 comes with a 3,000 mAh battery, while the Flip 5 comes with a much bigger 4,800 mAh battery.
On the face of it, based purely on those numbers alone, you might assume that the Flip 5 will be able to last a lot longer, but in practice, that’s not exactly what happens. In actual fact, JBL markets both of these speakers as having run times of around 12 hours.
Why? Well, as stated earlier on in the Sound Quality section, the Flip 5 actually outputs more power when playing music, meaning that it needs that bigger battery to compensate and can only just about match the Flip 4 in terms of run time.
So even though the Flip 5 has the larger of the two batteries, the run times for both of these models are pretty much identical. Some people have even said that the Flip 4 can last longer on average and that the Flip 5 drains more quickly on max volume.
Battery Charging Time
When thinking about the battery of any kind of wireless device, you can’t just take its capacity and overall run time into account; you also have to consider how long it takes to charge back up in between uses. Nobody wants to wait around for hours on end for their device to charge back up, so how do the Flip 4 and Flip 5 measure up here?
The 3,000 mAh battery of the Flip 4 is able to charge back up to full strength in 3.5 hours. The 4,800 mAh battery of the Flip 5, meanwhile, is able to charge back up to 100% in just 2.5 hours.
Why is this? Well, the Flip 5 actually comes with a quick-charge USB-C port, which speeds up the charging process massively. The Flip 4 makes use of an older micro-USB port instead.
Clearly, the Flip 5 is the big winner in this category, as it can speed up much more quickly than the Flip 4, requiring one whole hour less to get back up to top power in between uses. This really can make all the difference to those who like to use their speakers as often as possible.
JBL Flip 4 is the next generation in the award-winning Flip series; it is a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly powerful stereo sound. This compact speaker is powered by a 3000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers 12 hours of continuous, high-quality audio playtime.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another important feature to take into account when considering the general quality and ease of use of a Bluetooth wireless speaker. Some models can come with a long list of connectivity options, while others can be a little more limited in their designs.
Both the JBL Flip 4 and JBL Flip 5 come with Bluetooth 4.2 support, connecting to your Bluetooth devices like phones in a matter of seconds, but they do have some key differences in this area too.
As mentioned above, the Flip 4 features a micro-USB port, while the Flip 5 comes with USB-C charging support. This means that you can use the same charging cable on your Flip 5 as you do for most phones, tablets, and other portable devices, but you’ll need a specific micro cable for charging the Flip 4.
The Flip 4 does have one advantage over the Flip 5 in terms of connectivity though; it comes with a socket for a 3.5mm audio jack, which means that you can connect additional devices and accessories via cable, giving you more options in terms of connectivity overall.
It’s difficult to come to any conclusions on which model really ‘wins’ in this category, as both have their advantages. The lack of a 3.5mm jack on the Flip 5 might be a deal-breaker for some, but others won’t mind its absence and will really enjoy the added simplicity and charging speed provided by the USC-C port.
Price
Price is another key factor to think about when you’re looking for a Bluetooth portable speaker. As you shop around, you can quickly see that prices vary enormously in the speaker market; some models are super cheap, while others are much more expensive.
JBL is known for offering a lot of affordable options, including both the Flip 4 and the Flip 5, and price will be less important to those with bigger budgets. However, if you do care about costs, it’s important to note that the Flip 5, as the newer model, has a significantly higher price tag than the Flip 4.
At that point, you have to consider the value of each model. The Flip 5 is more expensive, but it aims to justify the added costs with its superior charge times and better sound quality overall.
Who Should Get This?
JBL Flip 4
Overall, the Flip 4, in spite of being the older model of the two, still has a lot to offer and can still be recommended to so many people looking for a Bluetooth speaker for listening to their music while on the move.
It’s a great little device, packed with solid technology and able to live up to JBL’s lofty standards in regard to audio performance and general ease of use. It’s highly durable and nicely put-together too, with no major flaws to speak of.
Since it’s gotten a little older, the Flip 4’s minor shortcomings have become more evident, such as the longer charge time, but it’s still more than good enough for most people, and it’s easy to obtain at a very low price these days.
JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip 5, meanwhile, takes a lot of what made the Flip 4 great and adds to it. It’s a stronger and more powerful unit overall, with a bigger battery, faster charge times, and better audio quality, even at high volumes.
This is what makes the Flip 5 one of the most recommended products to real audiophiles who value audio quality above all else and want to be able to enjoy the crispest and clearest sounds in every track they play.
If you love music and listen to it non-stop, you’ll definitely appreciate the added advantages of the Flip 5, but you will need to pay a little extra for the privilege.
Our Pick
Both of these JBL devices can be recommended, as they both offer excellent audio performance, speedy charge times, long run times, and plenty of additional features that help them stand out in a crowded market.
Our Pick: Flip 4
Overall, given the price differences between the two, we feel that the Flip 4 is still the best option and certainly the best value buy. It matches the Flip 5 in terms of run time, offers more connectivity options, and is almost just as good in terms of audio quality too.
JBL Flip 4 is the next generation in the award-winning Flip series; it is a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers surprisingly powerful stereo sound. This compact speaker is powered by a 3000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers 12 hours of continuous, high-quality audio playtime.
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NO AUDIO JACK ON THE FLIP 5? What a horrible idea.
100% Agree!
I first thought that the USB is a connector but no JBL doesn’t support any wired connections, only Bluetooth! Really stupid!