JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 (Differences & Which Is Right For You)

• JBL’s Flip line offers top-notch portable Bluetooth speakers.
• Should you select the newer JBL Flip 6 or its predecessor, Flip 5?
• We compare the two devices to help you make an informed choice.
• Also, check out our side-by-side analysis of JBL Partybox 100 vs. 310!

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Choosing between two models of Bluetooth speakers is tricky, especially when comparing a newer version with its highly successful predecessor.

Selecting between the Flip 5 vs. Flip 6 is one such dilemma, as each model and the JBL brand have a solid rep in the consumer audio segment.

This prompted us to conduct a side-by-side analysis of both Bluetooth Speakers to answer two of the most frequently asked questions:

1. Is it worth upgrading from a Flip 5 to a Flip 6?
2. Which Bluetooth speaker is the better choice for first-time buyers?

Based on our analysis of their relative pros and cons, here’s what we think:

“The JBL Flip 6 is the superior choice for new buyers, thanks to the improved performance and features for a minor (and justifiable) price increase. Nonetheless, budget-conscious buyers can find adequate value in a discounted Flip 5 during a sale or in the used market.”

However, if your Flip 5 is still functioning properly, the improvements in the newer versions aren’t compelling enough to warrant an upgrade.

As individual priorities and preferences vary, we’ve compiled the findings of our JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6 shootout below. We hope it will help you make an informed decision based on what matters most to you.

JLB Flip 5 vs. Flip 6: Key Differences

Let’s start with a concise summary of why the JBL Flip 6 stands out as the superior choice when compared to the Flip 5:

• Design: The Flip 6’s dustproof build (IP67 rated) and the inclusion of a rubber stand give it a slight advantage over its predecessor.
• Sound Quality: Our testing reveals the JBL Flip 6 is louder and better sounding. Plus, the Flip 5 lacks adjustable EQ, which works against it.
• Battery Life: The charging and playtime capabilities are evenly matched between two portable Bluetooth speakers – a dead draw.  
• Connectivity: The newer version boasts Bluetooth 5.2, which is a significant upgrade over JBL Flip 5’s 4.2 capabilities.
• Price: After reviewing various listings, we found a slight, but not substantial, price difference between the JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6. New buyers will derive maximum bang from a Flip 6, unless you find a ridiculously discounted price for the Flip 5.

With the TL;DR summary complete, let’s dive into the nerdy details.

JBL’s Flip line is famed for its rugged build, cylindrical shape, signature sound, and portable design. The Flip 6 continues this tradition, maintaining a look and feel that is nearly identical to the Flip 5.

Both models feature a wraparound grille, similar trimmings, and bass radiators at both ends. There are minor cosmetic changes to the button layout, logo, and rubber accents, but none of it is particularly noteworthy.

Coming to the differences, the Flip 5 has an IPX7 rating, while the Flip 6 boasts an IPX67 rating. More simply, both have the same water resistance and can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

However, the new Flip 6 is dustproof, making it better equipped to endure the elements, which could be a deciding factor if you plan to carry their Bluetooth speaker to the beach often.

Here’s the big one: Many Flip 5 users were displeased because the unit could only be laid lengthwise, given its curved and unstable ends. JBL has addressed this issue with the Flip 6, which includes a rubber foot to stabilize the device when placed upright.

On the flip side, the newer model is available in fewer colors and is 0.1 lbs. (10 grams) heavier than the older version. We reckon neither of these factors is a deal-breaker for most buyers.

Audio quality: Flip 6 Sounds better Than Flip 5

The JBL Flip 5 vs. Flip 6 features the same 20-watt RMS single woofer, 44mm race-track-shaped driver, and bass radiators at each end.

However, the Flip 6 boasts an additional 10-watt tweeter, which results in a noticeable improvement in its audio performance.  

In a direct comparison, we noticed that the Flip 6 sounded slightly louder, with a wider soundstage and better high-end clarity.

While the Flip 5 also sounds great, it loses some definition and top-end clarity at higher volumes, although this distinction is relatively minor.

Here’s the big one: Flip 6 users can tweak EQ settings through the JBL app, a feature absent in the Flip 5. This makes the newer model more compatible with different music genres.

All in all, the inclusion of a tweeter and equalizer settings implies that the JBL Flip 6 offers more depth and a better overall listening experience.

Software: Flip 6 has more tech to boot

JBL Flip 6 supports Bluetooth 5.1 compared to the relatively inferior 4.2 capabilities of the Flip 5. That’s 4x more range and data transmission speed, so the Flip 6 is susceptible to fewer lags or dropouts.

Moreover, the Flip 6 allows you to play music from two devices at once, while Flip 5 doesn’t. You have to unpair one device and then pair the other, which can be rather annoying in certain situations.

However, both devices are compatible with the JBL app and house a “PartyBoost” button to link multiple speakers in mono.

The “Stereo Mode” allows you to pair your device with another one (only the same model, though) to play and enjoy music in stereo.

Here’s another thing we discovered in our testing: To adjust the bass of a JBL Flip 5, you have to hold down the Bluetooth button and the “minus” volume button simultaneously for around 10-15 seconds.

This turns on “low-frequency mode,” which boosts the bass slightly to compensate for the lack of low-end. The process is simpler if you own a Flip 6, as you can adjust the EQ curve in the companion app.

It’s also worth noting that both models lack Wi-Fi connectivity, support for assistants like Alexa and Siri, and a built-in mic. Neither offers a port for wired listening, nor a hands-free feature for taking calls.

P.S. – You can find units with those features in our separate article on the best portable speakers (with Aux inputs).

Battery life: Flip 5 vs. Flip 6 is an even match

Many Bluetooth speakers double as power banks for charging devices like smartphones. JBL users had been anticipating this feature in the Flip 6.

However, the newer version continues to prioritize portability over expanded functionality. So, the Flip 6 retains the same 4800mAh battery as the Flip 5, and neither device can be utilized to charge your phone.

Both devices have a 12-hour runtime and 2.5 hours of recharge time to go from zero to full, so this Flip 5 vs. Flip 6 metric is dead even.

Price: The difference is minor and justified

JBL’s Flip range sits right above the cheapest BT speakers in their catalog, so both units are affordable and offer excellent value for money.

After reviewing several online platforms, we found no substantial price difference between the Flip 5 vs Flip 6. The older model retails for $85 to $95 at the time of writing, and the Flip 6 costs between $90 and $110.

Imaginably, the exact price varies from country to country, but the difference is typically $10 to $20. However, the Flip 5 can be found a discounted price during sales, making the difference more significant.

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6: Final Verdict

The Flip 6 and Flip 5 are both top choices for first-time buyers.

Purely on performance, the Flip 6 is a clear winner and easy choice for new buyers, as it scores better in nearly every category for a very reasonable uptick in price. However, we don’t think it’s particularly necessary to upgrade to a Flip 6 if you already own a JBL Flip 5.

JBL Flip 5	JBL Flip 6
No Tweeter	10-watt tweeter
IPX7 rating	IP67 rating (dustproof)
Bass Boost, no EQ customization	EQ settings via the JBL App
Slightly lower volume (relative)	Punchy and louder (relative)
Less high-end clarity at higher volumes	Better overall audio performance
Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 5.1
Slightly cheaper	Costs $10 to $20 more
Frequent discounts	Less commonly on sale
4800mAh battery (12-hour life)	4800mAh battery (12-hour life)

Before You Go

JBL’s Flip line is ultra-portable and on the cheaper end of the market, making it a regular feature in nearly every “best portable Bluetooth speaker” compilation on the web, including our own.

That said, there are other alternatives to consider, and you may find some interesting and useful information in the following articles:

• JBL Charge 4 VS UE Megaboom 3(Differences, Rated & Ranked!)
• Loudness matters? Check out Which JBL Speaker is the Loudest?
• How to Connect Multiple JBL Speakers Together (Step-by-Step)