JBL Charge 5 Vs. Flip 5: Which One Should You Buy

It’s your friend’s birthday, and you’re considering gifting him a Bluetooth speaker for an enhanced music experience. You are torn between two options: the JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 5.

Your situation is similar to the protagonist of Frank R. Stockton’s story “The Lady and the Tiger.” Two locked doors in front of you, but you don’t know which one you should open to get the best deal.

In one corner, we have JBL Flip 5; in the other, we have JBL Charge 5, a more robust and larger speaker, ready to take on any challenge. So, let’s find out which one is a better choice for you to get for your friend’s birthday party.

Ultimate Showdown: JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the important differences between the JBL Charge 5 and Flip 5 speakers:

Feature	JBL Charge 5	JBL Flip 5
Design	Larger and bulkier design	Smaller and more portable design
Battery Life	Up to 20 hours	Up to 12 hours
Sound Quality	Slightly louder and more immersive sound	Excellent sound quality for its size
Water Resistance	IPX67 rating (water & dust resistant)	IPX7 rating (water resistant)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 4.2
Bass Response	Deeper and more resonant bass	Balanced and punchy bass
Price	Priced at $179.95	Priced at $89.99 (varies)

Now, let’s delve into the details of these audio powerhouses to determine which one is the best choice. However, before we jump into the comparison, you must know that despite all the features and price ranges, choosing one Bluetooth speaker out of these two greatly depends on personal preferences. So, even if one looks better, personal preference always precedes.

Now, let’s begin the combat between the two Speaker Titans and see which one remains undefeated in the battle, cause at the end, the Winner Always Stands Alone.

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5: Design

You don’t want your friend to think that you have just given him an ugly-looking piece of plastic molded into the shape of a speaker. It’ll make him think you are just getting rid of the birthday present responsibility. For this reason, you need to consider the design of both Bluetooth speakers to see which one stands out.

When it comes to design, JBL Charge 5 is slightly larger, more robust, and sturdier compared to the Flip 5. Its durable, dust and water-resistant design makes it best for outdoor use, where the speakers are prone to catching dust and water according to the weather conditions. 

On the other hand, the JBL Flip 5 is slightly smaller than the Charge 5, which makes it more portable. However, it’s not as dust-resistant as the JBL Charge 5 speaker. Furthermore, the smaller size might give an advantage of better portability; but it also contributes to a sound quality slightly lower than the JBL Charge 5.

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5: Battery Life

If your friend travels a lot and goes camping, where he plays his favorite music to calm his mind, you need a speaker that can sustain its charging for a longer period. In this case, JBL Charge 5 subdues the Flip 5 with a battery life of up to 20 hours without recharging. The JBL Charge 5 takes about 4.5 hours to charge, but the extended battery life makes it worth the wait!
On the other hand, JBL Flip 5 takes about 2.5 hours of charge time and has a battery life of about 12 hours, which is quite impressive. However, it still can’t match the powerful and undefeated battery life of Charge 5, which stands as a winner in this case.

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5: Sound Quality

If your friend is an audiophile, you need to get a speaker that offers a high-quality immersive audio experience because there’s one thing about audiophiles; they can identify even the slightest less-quality audio, which normal ears cannot. So, let’s see which of the two speaker Titans offers better sound quality.

Both speakers deliver high-quality, immersive sound, rich in bass with clear highs. However, the Charge 5 has slightly larger and more powerful drivers than the Flip 5, which makes the audio experience of the Charge 5 slightly louder and more immersive. 
In addition to this, the JBL Charge 5 has a much warmer, filtered, and smooth audio with slightly subdued mid-range frequency audio. However, Flip 5 has much crisper and clear audio with refined mid-range frequency. So, choosing one of these depends more on personal preferences. 
For a more detailed exploration of sound quality and loudness, consider reading the comparison between JBL Charge 4 and Charge 5, which provides insights into the evolution of sound quality in JBL’s Charge series.

Features of JBL Charge 5 and Flip 5

Both the JBL Charge 5 and Flip 5 are Bluetooth speakers, utilizing Bluetooth connectivity to pair with various audio sources. In addition, they have an IPX7 rating, which means both are water-resistant. However, the Charge 5 has an IP67 rating, an additional dust-resistant feature that makes it immune to dusty and polluted environments. 

In addition, both speakers can connect to other JBL speakers and multiple JBL speaker chains for a stereo sound setup. However, JBL Charge 5 has a built-in power bank, which allows you to charge other devices using its battery.

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5: Bass Response

JBL Charge 5 has more powerful drivers than Flip 5, producing a deeper and more resonant bass. It also has a dedicated bass radiator, which produces a better low-frequency response for a fuller and more impactful bass sound. 
On the other hand, Flip 5, despite its smaller drivers, has a surprisingly amazing bass response. It produces a balanced and punchy bass sound, which may not be deeper than Charge 5 but still has a deep and powerful impact.

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5: Bluetooth

Newer generations typically boast additional features that their predecessors might lack. The same is true for JBL Charge 5 and Flip 5: JBL Charge 5 has Bluetooth 5.1, which has a better range, faster pairing time, and a more stable connection. Flip 5 has Bluetooth 4.2 which has a slightly lesser range as compared to the other one, and the connection may distort after a certain distance.

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5: High-frequency Response

The JBL Charge 5 has a two-way driver configuration, with a separate tweeter and woofer for a more balanced sound, where the tweeter handles the higher frequencies, and the woofer handles the mid-range and lower frequencies. The Charge 5 remains strong and produces a smoother sound preventing it from feeling too harsh on high volumes.
JBL Flip 5, on the other hand, has a single driver to cover the whole frequency range, which makes the bass response consistent but may become slightly harsh at high frequency or high volume.

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5: Price

Well, of course, you want to get a good gift for your friend, not at the cost of going out of your budget. The JBL Flip 5 is a more affordable option that comes under the budget of 89$, whereas the Charge 5 is slightly more expensive, priced at 179$. 

User Options: JBL Flip 5 vs. JBL Charge 5

1. Sound Quality and Loudness:

• Charge 5 is generally preferred for its superior sound quality, offering deeper bass and more powerful sound, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Flip 5 is adequate for casual listeners who prioritize portability and price over sound fidelity.

2. Portability:

• Flip 5 is more compact and lightweight, making it a better option for those who prioritize portability and convenience.
• Charge 5, while still portable, is larger and might be less convenient to carry around.

3. Battery Life and Additional Features:

• Charge 5 has a longer battery life and can also serve as a power bank to charge other devices, making it a versatile choice for users who need extended playtime and additional utility.
• Flip 5 has a shorter battery life and lacks the ability to charge other devices.

4. Price Consideration:

• Flip 5 is more budget-friendly and may be suitable for those who have price constraints.
• Charge 5 is more expensive but offers better features and sound quality, providing value for the extra cost.

5. Stereo Pairing and PartyBoost:

• Some users recommend getting two Flip 5s for stereo pairing to enhance the sound experience, utilizing JBL’s PartyBoost feature.
• Charge 5 offers a fuller sound experience even without stereo pairing but can also benefit from PartyBoost when connected with compatible devices.

6. Durability and Environmental Resistance:

• Charge 5 is more durable with integrated silicon/rubber bumpers and is also dustproof, making it suitable for beach outings and rugged use.
• Flip 5 is less durable in comparison but still offers a degree of ruggedness suitable for everyday use.

7. User Recommendations:

• Users who prioritize sound quality, battery life, and additional features generally recommend Charge 5.
• Users who prioritize portability, and price, and are casual listeners generally lean towards Flip 5.

8. Alternative Options:

• Some users suggest considering other brands and models, such as the Soundcore Motion+ or Sony XB43, for different sound experiences and feature sets. For those who are looking to compare the JBL Charge 5 with other brands, you might find the comparison between JBL Charge 5 and UE Megaboom 3 and JBL Charge 5 and Bose Soundlink Flex helpful in understanding how it stands against competitors in different scenarios like beach bonfires and pool parties.
• Users looking for stereo sound and richer bass might consider other models or brands that offer dual driver stereo speakers.

9. User Experience and Satisfaction:

• Charge 5 has received positive feedback for its performance and features, with many users expressing satisfaction with their purchase.
• Flip 5, while receiving praise for its portability and price point, has mixed reviews regarding its sound quality and battery life.

Final Verdict:

• The choice between Flip 5 and Charge 5 largely depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget.
• For those who value sound quality, and feature set, and don’t mind spending extra, Charge 5 is the recommended option.
• For those who prefer a more compact, budget-friendly option and can compromise on sound fidelity and features, Flip 5 is suitable.

When choosing between JBL Flip 5 and JBL Charge 5, prospective buyers should weigh their priorities and preferences carefully. Whether it’s the superior sound and features of the Charge 5 or the compact convenience of the Flip 5, users have varied options to consider to meet their audio needs.

Performance in Different Scenarios: JBL Charge 5 Vs Flip 5

Hiking and Camping:

Hiking and camping are highly invigorating activities; however, they come at the cost of a few things!
While hiking or camping, you do not have access to a constant supply of electricity, so you need a speaker that can sustain longer hours without recharging for a longer time. Now, among JBL Charge 5 and Flip 5, Charge 5 is the one more suitable for this scenario as it has an amazing long battery life of 20 hours, which means that now you can enjoy your camping and hiking trips without worrying much about recharging.

Beach Bonfire and Pool Parties:

When we think about pool parties and beach bonfires, we need something that’s water resistant, won’t blast off with a single drop of water, and can stand the dust and sand at the beach. When choosing between Charge 5 and Flip 5, Charge 5 is a better option as it has IPX7 and IP67, which means it is both water and dust-resistant. The Flip 5 on the other hand is only water resistant.

If you’re curious about how the JBL Flip 5 stacks up against its successor, the Flip 6, check out our in-depth comparison article.

Winner Stands alone!

Now that you have considered all the factors, you might want to know which one’s the best gift choice for your friend’s birthday, cause you didn’t come all the way here to randomly pick one! 

So, ready to hear the winner’s announcement?

The winner is JBL Charge 5, going the extra mile to elevate the audio experience to the next level.Its sleek design, larger drivers, IP67 rating, enhanced bass response, and superior high-frequency response make it stand out. Now, this might be a little expensive compared to the Flip 5, but totally worth the hype. 

However, if the JBL Charge 5 exceeds your budget, the JBL Flip 5 is a commendable alternative, falling behind by only a small margin with its impressive features. It has amazing bass and high-frequency response and quite a deal if you love portable speakers.

Let’s go Shopping! 

If you’ve read this far, you’ve likely decided which option to choose as a birthday gift for your friend. The decision might have been difficult but considering all the aforementioned details would have made it easier for you to pick one. 

So, get up and go shopping!