The progress in modern technology has created vast opportunities in the entertainment industry. One of such breakthroughs can be seen in the evolution of speakers. What was once a giant cube is now a portable speaker that can fit easily into your pocket without an ounce of compromise on audio quality. JBL speakers are a perfect example. This thorough JBL Flip 4 vs. Flip 5 comparison will highlight all the contemporary features you’ll find in both devices.
We thought the newer variant would lead the show when we put the two devices side by side, but after weighing the two on multiple parameters, we concluded that the JBL Flip 4 speaker maintains its position as the better version of the Flip series – Yes, it seems better than the Flip 5 speaker.
- Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets
- Built-in 3000mAh rechargeable li-ion battery
- Ipx7 waterproof
- Supports up to 12 hours of playtime
- It comes with Connect+
Continue reading for a detailed overview of how we came to this conclusion.
The Main Difference Between JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5
If we talk about the older variant, the JBL Flip 4 speaker, we can see that the device boasts top manufacturing quality. When you pick it up, you can feel the firm build quality that its users love. Apart from that, the HQ audio and approximately twelve hours of playback time mean it has the capability of becoming a perfect travel companion for you.
The JBL Flip 5 speaker is no less. Think of the Flip 4 and improve certain features like the volume, bass quality, charging, and a lot more. Although the battery on this device is larger, it still provides almost the same output as its previous variant due to a larger driver. However, the JBL Flip 5 Speaker takes about sixty minutes lesser than the charger, which can be a decisive feature in this JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 4 comparison.
The USB-C charging on the Flip 5 further takes this newer version into the list of contemporary audio devices, while the Flip 4 still has micro-USB charging.
We have listed the key differences between the two JBL devices in the table below for better comprehension.
| JBL Flip 4 | JBL Flip 5 |
|---|---|
| Battery life 12 hours | Battery life 12 hours (Fast Charging) |
| Weight 18.16 ounces | Weight 19 ounces |
| Water Resistance (IPX7) | Water Resistance (IPX7) |
The JBL Flip 4 and 5 are top-of-the-line devices in the modern market. You’re bound to enjoy every bit of sound that comes out of them, in addition to all the other features they boast.
However, if you’re planning to opt between the two or wondering if upgrading from the JBL Flip speaker would be a good move, this table above will certainly help you in reaching a decision.
A Quick Overview of the JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5
| Features | JBL Flip 4 | JBL Flip5 |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Black, red, blue, white, camouflage, gray, ocean blue, teal, trio |
black, camo, blue, green, gray, pink, red, sand, teal, white |
| Bluetooth | Version 4.2 | Version 4.2 |
| Frequency | 70Hz – 20kHz | 65Hz – 20kHz |
| Protection | Waterproof technology | Waterproof technology |
| Battery | 3000 mah | 4800 mah |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Battery playtime | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Pairing | Multiple Connect+ devices | Multiple PartyBoost-compatible devices |
| Weight | 515 grams | 540 grams |
| Size | 175 x 68 mm | 180 x 68.6 mm |
| Voice Assistant Activation | Press button | Speak in your phone |
| microphone | ||
| Check Price | Check Price |
JBL Flip 4 speaker
- Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets
- Built-in 3000mAh rechargeable li-ion battery
- Ipx7 waterproof
- Supports up to 12 hours of playtime
- It comes with Connect+
The JBL Flip 4 speaker has always been a fan-favorite due to the multitude of features it brings to the table. One thing that sets a lasting impression outright is its contemporarily magnificent capsule design, which comes in some truly unique colors. Even the people who use other brands are enticed by the looks of this speaker.
This device carries the looks from its predecessor, which can also be seen in the successor – the JBL Flip 5 speaker. Although there is not much difference between JBL Flip 4 and 5 in terms of design, it sure carries a few extras. However, the Flip 4 is still preferred by most enthusiasts as it provides a better value for money. Let’s dive deeper into each feature this speaker offers to see how it ranks better than its successor in different areas.
Here are some of our favorite features from the JBL Flip 4 speaker.
It comes with the Connect+
This device is fully capable of maintaining top-quality audio in a room, but when it comes to halls or larger spaces, you need to amplify the sound, and what better way to do that than to connect multiple Flip devices together to play audio simultaneously. This pairing is enabled by Connect+.
A color palette
Think of any unique color, and you may find it in the JBL Flip 4 speaker. This device of JBL comes in an array of color options starting from the basic black and ending at the ocean blue. So pick a color that matches your vibe and rock your favorite speaker wherever you go.
The Echo-cancellations translates into clearer audio
In the current world of work-from-home setups, online conferences have become very common. The echo-cancellation feature in the JBL Flip 4 speaker allows you to reduce that echo and enjoy crystal-clear voices during meetings to ensure everything is well-understood.
Connect with Siri or Google Now
Yes! This masterpiece by JBL also lets you connect to your favorite virtual assistant simply by pressing the main button on the speaker. So the next time you want to play something, let the voice assistant do that favor for you.
Pros
- Waterproof design
- Connects to multiple Connect+ enabled devices
- Portability is very easy
- Sound quality is excellent with decent bass
Cons
- Looks the same as its predecessor
JBL Flip 5 speaker
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming
- 12 hours of playtime
- IPX7 waterproof
- Pair multiple speakers with party boost
- Premium JBL sound quality
The difference between JBL Flip 4 and 5 may not be huge, but there are still considerable upgrades on the newer variant you can go for. This newer version boasts the same lightweight and portability that makes the JBL Flip series a common choice of music lovers.
The waterproofing on this device gives you mental peace as you don’t have to worry about dropping this device in water. Unlike the previous variant, you get the all-new JBL PartyBoost on this one – pair it with other PartyBoost-compatible devices, and you got yourself a high-quality stereo setup for larger spaces.
Although the JBL Flip 5 speaker comes with a larger battery, you will probably witness the same playback time due to the improved driver quality. In other words, you can continue blasting audio on full volume and will still last up to 12 hours, something you wouldn’t get on the previous version unless you keep the volume in a mid-ranged level throughout.
For a clearer comparison, we have listed the key selling features of the JBL Flip 5 below.
PartyBoost for turning up the party
Don’t compromise on the quality of sound while turning up the party with your JBL Flip 5. It comes with the PartyBoost, which allows you to amplify sound by connecting it with another PartyBoost-enabled speaker. The resulting sound remains entirely clear, loud, and with optimum bass.
An increased line of colors
Now you get even a bigger line of colors to choose from. The JBL Flip 5 is offered in eleven unique colors and designs, each of which brings out the class this product holds. You can choose between camo, black, blue, teal, sand, green, red, gray, and many more.
A durable design
You no longer have to worry about having the speaker wear out. The high-quality fabric on the Flip 5 is extremely durable. Its tough built quality is designed to ensure that these speakers are the last thing you need to worry about while you’re grooving in the mood.
Faster charging
A bigger battery doesn’t mean more charging time. In fact, you will be able to charge this beast in an hour less as opposed to its predecessor. To be precise, you will be able to charge the JBL Flip 5 in about two and a half hours from an entirely dead battery to 100%.
Pros
- IPX7 waterproof – can be submerged up to 30 minutes
- The newer PartyBoost software for pairing
- Still lightweight and portable
- Contemporary USB Type C charging
Cons
- You won’t be able to differentiate it from JBL Flip 4 based on design
Our Verdict
After a detailed analysis of the JBL Flip 4 vs. Flip 5, we have come to a conclusion that both devices are certainly an excellent investment for the users. However, if you already own a Flip 4, then the JBL Flip 5 doesn’t offer enough reason for a switch.
- Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets
- Built-in 3000mAh rechargeable li-ion battery
- Ipx7 waterproof
- Supports up to 12 hours of playtime
- It comes with Connect+
In a nutshell, if you don’t have either at the moment, you may go for the Flip 5, but if you already own the Flip 4, you don’t really need to make the switch.
This concludes our comparison for the day. We’ve discussed everything in this article that you need to know to make your own Flip 5 vs. Flip 4 purchasing decision.
