JBL makes some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the planet, and its today’s model is no different; the JBL Flip 6 is a simple, great-sounding, and rugged speaker that works simply as properly indoors as it does outdoors.
As great as we assume the JBL Flip 6 is, it is lacking one feature that outdoorsy types may additionally find useful: a built-in phone charger.
If that’s something you need, there is a JBL portable speaker out there for you. The JBL Charge 5 comes with many of the identical specs as the Flip 6, however, provides a USB-A port that you can use to top up your different gadgets when you’re away from a power outlet, with a built-in charger worth paying extra for? And, should you sacrifice a lighter build for the ability to top up your phone on the move?
What about the price for JBL FLIP 6 and JBL CHARGE 5
The JBL Flip 6 used to be released in December 2021 and is accessible to purchase for $129.95 / £129.99 – that works out at around AU$175, even though Australian pricing is nonetheless to be confirmed.
As the speaker is nevertheless fairly new, you in all likelihood won’t find it heavily discounted. However, sales durations like Prime Day and Black Friday typically see some best Bluetooth speaker deals, so it would possibly be really worth placing on till then if you’re now not in a big hurry to buy.
The Flip 5 launched in February 2021 and is greater high priced at $179 / £159 / AU$229. That’s the equal rate as the Sonos Roam, which comes with a lot more features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, a built-in smart assistant, and integration with different Sonos speakers.
So, if you’re on a strict budget, the JBL Flip 6 is probably your best option, though you’re greater likely to find offers on the Flip 5 as it’s over a year old now.
If neither of these prices appeals, there are lots of different budget-friendly Bluetooth speakers to select from; the Anker Soundcore Flare 2, for example, is a lot less expensive at $80 / £64.99 / AU$140.
What about design for JBL FLIP 6 and JBL CHARGE 5
The JBL Flip 6 and the Charge 5 seem very similar to one another. Both Bluetooth speakers activity cylindrical builds with rubberized end caps uncovered bass radiators and wraparound grilles. They additionally each come in a variety of colors, however, you have more choice with the Charge 5 currently; we wouldn’t be amazed if JBL regularly brought extra colors for the Flip 6 in the future, though.
The Charge 5 is large of the two speakers, measuring 223 x 97 x 94mm and weighing 960g. By comparison, the Flip 6 measures 178 x sixty-eight x 72mm and weighs in at 550g, so if you want your portable speaker to be high-quality light, this is the best choice out of the two. The Flip 6 additionally comes with a reachable carrying handle, so you can slip it over your wrist or hang it up.
Both speakers are robust ample to take outdoors, with IP67 dust and water-resistant scores making sure that a little water or sand won’t destroy your fun.
The Flip 6 and Charge 5 additionally each feature tactile raised manage buttons, which enable you to regulate your music playback, and put it into PartyBoost mode.
There are additional buttons to pair your speaker with your music source and flip the speaker on and off; these are grouped collectively with the different buttons on the side of the Charge 5, however you’ll locate them on the underside of the Flip 6.
Underneath both speakers is the place you’ll locate your physical connections. The JBL Flip 6 has only one port – a USB-C port that you use to cost the speaker. The Flip 5 is additionally charged by USB-C, but next to this is a USB-A port, which you can use to pinnacle up the battery of your different devices. This port is kept safe from debris and water by way of a little flap.
Neither speaker comes with an AUX-in port, so you’re out of luck if you favor hooking it up to a record player or any different wired music source.
What about AUDIO PERFORMANCE for JBL FLIP 6 and JBL CHARGE 5
the Charge 5 has a little more power in the back of it, outputting 40W compared to the Flip 6’s 30W; however, the Flip 6 can nonetheless reach very high volume levels for its size.
You may also now not prefer to crank both speakers all the way up, though; each goes through distortion at high volumes, and you’ll get the best audio overall performance with the volume at about 50-60%.
Don’t let that put you off too much. Both speakers sound rich and lush, with a pleasingly easy-going soundstage that’ll suit informal listeners down to a tee – and, each comes with a guide for JBL’s PartyBoost feature.
This smart tech permits you to pair a couple of JBL speakers (up to 100, in fact) in mono for an actual wall of sound experience at the push of a button. You can additionally stereo pair the usage of PartyBoost, however, you’re restricted to the usage of two of the same model.
What about BATTERY LIFE AND CONNECTIVITY for JBL FLIP 6 and JBL CHARGE 5
the Charge 5 is the speaker you ought to go for. It gives 20 hours of playback in contrast to the 12 hours you get from the Flip 6 – and, you’re getting the gain of a built-in power bank for your phone or tablet, too.
Both speakers are effortless to pair with your units thanks to Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and the accompanying JBL Portable app lets you test for software updates, modify the equalizer settings with sliders for bass, mid, and treble frequencies, turn the comment’s tone on and off, and read the user guide. You can additionally allow the PartyBoost feature by means of this app.
