You’ve been saving up for the perfect JBL Flip series Bluetooth speaker. But when you walk into the store, you’re faced with a choice between two top models: the JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5. Unsure of which to pick? Don’t worry. Step outside, take a moment and read on to understand the differences between the Flip 4 and Flip 5.
Difference Between JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5
JBL’s Flip series is renowned for its Bluetooth speakers. Both Flip 4 and Flip 5 boast impressive designs and build quality, but which one is the best choice? Let’s compare their features, battery life, and build quality to determine the winner. Let’s dive in!
Design and Build Quality:
JBL speakers are known for their rugged design and sturdy build quality.
Both of these speakers have a cylindrical shape with rounded edges, with a fabric covering it; however, Flip 5 has a sleeker presentation, with a better-streamlined profile, clearer lines, and a fabric covering that’s more refined and seamless.
Furthermore, both speakers have a sturdy construction with durable material, which protects the speakers from accidental drops, bumps, and rough handling.
Sound Quality:
No one wants a speaker that sounds tinny or outdated.
So, let’s compare the sound quality of JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5 to find out which one’s better!
Flip 4 has quite a decent audio profile, with a balanced and detailed audio signature. It has a frequency response of 70Hz-20KHz, which means it covers most frequency ranges quite well. It has clear and balanced mid and high-range audio; however, it struggles to produce a low bass, and hence, that’s where it messes up by giving a deep thump and rumbling in the bass-heavy music.
In comparison, Flip 5 has a better audio profile, with slightly larger drivers and a better frequency response of 65Hz to 20KHz. It produces a louder and more impressive sound with a clear and improved bass response. Furthermore, it produces clear and crisp mid and high-range frequency audio, making it suitable for playing almost all types of audio content.
So, in this round, Flip 5 stands tall and proud as a winner with a small margin!
Portability:
Now, who doesn’t want a speaker that they can carry on a long drive, to the beach, to bonfires, on hiking trips, and almost everywhere they want? I’m sure nobody would say no to such luxury! So, you’d want to have your hands on a speaker with better portability that can be carried anywhere without much hassle.
Luckily, both Flip 4 and Flip 5 stand shoulder to shoulder in this round of the battle. They both have a light weight of about 0.5 kg and a small volume of 816 cm³ and 771 cm³, which you can easily fit inside a small hand-carry bag.
Furthermore, these speakers come with a removable strap, allowing you to carry them on your shoulder without worrying about losing them. Flip 4 and Flip 5 have a durable and sturdy design and build, making them suitable for rough handling and outdoor use, making them super portable.
Features:
Let’s compare the features of JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5. Both speakers have an IPX7 water resistance rating, allowing them to be submerged for up to 30 minutes—though it’s best to avoid doing so intentionally. Both can be controlled via an app available for iOS and Android. The Flip 4 features a noise-canceling microphone for hands-free calls and a Voice Assistant for smartphone voice control, which the Flip 5 lacks. However, both models can pair with multiple speakers for simultaneous playback: Flip 4 uses the Connect + feature, while Flip 5 uses Partyboost. It’s worth noting that Partyboost is newer and only pairs with other Partyboost-enabled speakers, whereas Connect + is more widely compatible with other JBL speakers.
Battery Life:
It’s essential to have a speaker with a long battery life, especially during outings where recharging might not be possible. Both Flip 4 and Flip 5 offer up to 12 hours of playback, though actual battery life can vary based on volume and usage. The Flip 5, with its USB-C port, charges in just 2.5 hours, while the Flip 4 takes 3.5 hours. Thus, Flip 5 has an advantage in charging speed.
Connectivity:
While you might assume the newer Flip 5 has superior connectivity, the Flip 4 offers both wireless Bluetooth and an Aux 3.5 mm cable input. This means Flip 4 can connect to devices without Bluetooth support. In contrast, Flip 5 is limited to Bluetooth connectivity only. Thus, Flip 4 has the edge in this aspect.
Price:
Now, let’s talk about the price of Flip 4 and Flip 5; of course, you can’t buy something that doesn’t fit your budget, can you?
Flip 5 is a bit more expensive than its older sibling, with a price range of about $100-$120, whereas Flip 4 has a price range of $80-$100. So, you might have to consider the amount of money you have saved before choosing one.
User Opinions on JBL Flip 4 vs. Flip 5
The debate between the JBL Flip 4 and Flip 5 has been a topic of discussion in various platforms. Here’s a compilation of user opinions from different platforms:
Sound Quality:
- Some users believe the Flip 4 offers a clearer sound, especially with its stereo output. The Flip 5, on the other hand, has been described as having more volume and bass. However, some users feel that the Flip 5 sounds a bit muffled due to its single driver.
- The Flip 6, which was also mentioned in the discussions, seems to be the best sounding of the three, thanks to its additional tweeter, providing more detail in the treble. One user mentioned that the Flip 6 has a very balanced sound, more bass, clearer highs, and is the only Flip to have an EQ on the JBL portable app.
Features:
- The Flip 4 has been appreciated for its dual-driver stereo speaker and Micro USB, while the Flip 5 has been criticized for being a single driver mono speaker, though it does come with USB-C.
- Some users value the stereo output of the Flip 4, especially when the drivers are close together. However, others argue that the proximity of the drivers makes the stereo separation negligible.
- The Flip 5’s lack of an aux port and microphone was a non-issue for some, while others saw it as a drawback. One user pointed out that the Flip 4 has an aux in and has survived being dunked in beer and submerged in a lake.
Battery and Durability:
- In terms of battery life, the order seems to be Flip 4 > Flip 5 > Flip 6, with the Flip 6 being the loudest.
- Both the Flip 4 and Flip 5 have been praised for their durability, with some users noting their robustness in various conditions.
Price and Value:
- Some users felt that the Flip 4 offers better value, especially if found at a lower price than the Flip 5. However, others believe that the Flip 5, with its enhanced features, justifies its price tag.
- A few users also mentioned the presence of fake JBL speakers in the market, urging others to be cautious when purchasing.
Other Recommendations:
- Some users recommended other models like the JBL Charge series or even other brands, suggesting that they might offer better sound quality or value for money.
- One user mentioned that if you’re in Europe, the Flip 5 might not be a good deal due to the trade-in value.
Winner of The Audio Games: Flip 4 Vs. Flip 5
Now is the time to declare the winner!
Well, choosing the winner now comes down to your personal preferences. Flip 5 has a serious sonic upgrade in sound quality, sturdiness, design, and portability. However, Flip 4 is also a great competitor, with better connectivity options like Aux and voice assistance, similar battery life as Flip 5, a sturdy build, better portability, and water resistance.
So, if your budget allows you and you’re willing to forego the extra connectivity options, Flip 5 is a great option with loud and clear audio, portability, sturdy design, stable 12 hours of battery life, and excellent water resistance. Otherwise, you can never go wrong with Flip 4.
I’m Shaun Conroy, an audiophile & founder of HiFi Audios. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering, I bring deep expertise in audio devices and offer insights & recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.
