The JBL Flip 5 portable speaker is one of the best devices from the American manufacturer. This is the latest model in the Flip series, which was released back in mid-2022. Today the average price of acoustics is 5,000 rubles. Therefore, users are faced with a reasonable question: is it worth buying it?
To answer it, below is an honest review of this Bluetooth speaker, with all its advantages and disadvantages.
Description
The Jbl portable speaker has a barrel design. The music playback capacity is enough for 12 hours. Carrying case included.
The moisture-resistant coating protects against water and dust, and the sound is powerful. The speaker is focused on dance or heavy music.
There is no stage effect; in this regard, concerts cannot be listened to in ideal quality. But Jbl Flip 5 can be connected to a laptop to watch videos.
In addition, you can use it to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. In case of possible signal loss, the developers advise resetting the settings to factory settings.
You can do this in the following way:
- Remove pairing with the first device;
- Enable Jbl Flip 5;
- Press the play and volume up keys simultaneously for 5 seconds;
- Then the column turns on again, you can configure it yourself.
Release date in Russia
The sales release of the Jbl Flip 5 speaker on the Russian market was in the summer of 2019. Even then, the product arrived in electronics stores in major Russian cities.
For the USA, the product was shipped from production in the spring of 2022. In the summer of 2022, there was also an increase in prices for Jbl Flip 5 to 14,000 rubles, while the starting price was $100.
conclusions
The new Jbl Flip 5 speaker did not live up to user expectations. The company's goal is definitely clear, confirmed by the release of similar new versions and other models of Jbl portable speakers (a prime example is the Charge 4) - this is an increase in sales.
So, for full stereo sound, a user who bought Flip 5 will be forced to buy another of the same gadget, or the same one with PartyBoost technology. Everything seems understandable and logical, if not for the following 3 factors:
1. The consumer is deprived of functions that have already become familiar:
- stereo systems in one gadget, not two;
- speakerphone;
- voice assistant.
2. The company simplifies the device, clearly reducing its cost, while the price of the speaker increases.
3. Jbl fans are not given the right to choose by discontinuing previous versions.
Appearance and case materials
Available in 11 colors, there is also a camouflage option. JBL follows its own style, which makes it easy to identify the brand even from afar without seeing the logo.
Flip 5 is compact in size but heavy at 1kg. Most of the body is covered with fabric material. At the ends there are membranes that vibrate when music is played.
The rear edges have rubberized plastic, which protects the speaker from water. The column has a moisture-resistant coating, and the manufacturer allows Jbl Flip 5 to be immersed in water for 30 minutes to a depth of 1 m.
The developers also stated that the speakers can be used on bike racks, but the Jbl Flip 5 does not hold up well. For such purposes, it is better to purchase additional straps for fastening.
Music
Everything inside is arranged interestingly. There is a high-frequency driver, a custom low-frequency driver and a pair of passive radiators - these are the famous moving roundels at the ends. This generation they added exclamation marks to them, it looks great. If you wish, you can put the speaker on the butt, or listen to it in the usual way.
As in previous generations, there is a lot of bass - but the sound is driving, not flat, absolutely correct for a portable device. Let's remember the purpose of Charge 5: in the summer we will see them attached to bicycles, next to bodies of water, next to street musicians; they are actively used by young people in their experiments with TikToks of all stripes. First of all, it is a loud thing.
Well, if you need quality, then forget about portable acoustics and look at Hi-Fi. This is logical, but it’s still strange for me to read some reviews on Charge, they say, I spent money, was waiting for a MIRACLE and wanted to listen to classics, but there two passive radiators make jazz both appropriate and out of place. Guys, don’t do this - JBL Charge 5 skillfully creates a mood, but it’s not really about mega-quality sound.
Sound
Jbl Flip 5 has powerful bass, volume up to 90 dB. At half the volume, deep bass is already audible. The sound is clear and high quality, but listening to classics will be difficult.
High frequencies are blurry, but worthy of attention for dance parties. The sound is enough for listening in a room of 15-25 square meters. m.
You can connect up to 100 Jbl speakers. Suitable for modern music, powerful and bass sound.
Sound quality
Inside the JBL Flip 5 there is a new speaker in the shape of a "race track". According to the company, this shape enhances the sound with clear highs and deep bass.
The speaker demonstrates impeccable balance across the entire frequency range, regardless of the genre of music being played. The compositions sound powerful and voluminous, and the detail of the music is pleasantly amazing. Even though it is compact, when playing songs with a lot of bass, it noticeably shakes the surface underneath.
What's also important is that the Flip 5 sounds great even standing on its side. You can place the speaker any way you like, or hang it on a string, and it won't affect the sound too much. However, for best quality, it is recommended to place it horizontally, with the JBL logo facing you.
Characteristics table
| device type | wireless mono acoustics |
| nutrition | from the power supply |
| moisture resistant coating | yes, ipx7 |
| bluetooth version | 4.2 |
| frequency range | 65—20000 Hz |
| charge connector | type-c |
| power | 20 W |
| working hours | 12 hours |
| weight | 0.54 kg |
| Battery capacity | 4800 mAh |
Which version is better GG or TL
The GG version of the device has some differences from the Tl version. The speaker in the GG is made of aluminum and will last longer, the rubberized part is also made to prevent moisture from entering the speaker.
In the TL version, the developers installed a regular Flip 5 speaker, which is why the material wears out over time.
If the buyer expects to use the speaker for a long time, it is worth purchasing the GG version.
In order for the Jbl Flip 5 acoustics to work for a long time, you should not allow it to be immersed in water or sand.
Protection
The JBL Flip 5 acoustics are good because they make it possible to listen to music not only at home, on the street or in nature, but also near swimming pools. And all because the waterproof case has moisture protection according to the IPX7 standard. It allows the speaker to withstand short-term immersion to a depth of 1 meter. But it is not recommended to take Flip 5 with you to a lake or beach. The fact is that the speaker is sensitive to dirt and dust, which (in theory) can get inside the case.
Interestingly, when immersed, the acoustics stop playing music. The drivers are probably disabled.
Control
The basic Jbl functions are present and the control scheme is easy to use. You can control it either from your smartphone or using the buttons on the speaker.
- The start/pause button is responsible for stopping the music and playing it.
- Double pressing switches to the next track.
- +/- adjusts the volume level.
- The party boost system activates the dual speaker function.
- Power for turning the speaker on and off.
- Bluetooth button to search for devices.
Connecting to and disconnecting from a source, searching for a connection, and maximum volume are confirmed with a beep for ease of use. There is no charge notification, only an indicator.
Comparison of characteristics of Jbl Flip 5 and 4
The previous speaker model is no worse than the new one, but according to reviews, the sound of the Flip 5 is cleaner than that of the Jbl Flip 4. The bass sounds richer, and the mids are better developed.
| Name/Parameters | Flip 4 | Flip 5 |
| speakers | 2 pieces 40 mm each | 1 x 44 mm speaker |
| synchronization with other speakers | yes, connect + up to one hundred columns | Party Boost up to two speakers |
| power | 16 W | 20 W |
| frequency range | 70—20000 Hz | 65—20000 Hz |
| charge | micro USB | USB type-c |
| ability to make calls | + | — |
| voice assistants | Google assistant, Siri | No |
| carrying case | No | Yes |
| battery | 3000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| protection against water and dust | + | + |
| price at the time of publication of the article | 4999 rubles | 5999 rubles |
How long does the charge last?
According to the manufacturer, the portable acoustics will work for 12 hours on a single charge. But it does not indicate at what volume the speaker should play or what kind of music should be played. And these nuances are important.
JBL Flip can hold a charge for 12 hours only at a volume of 30-35%. Essentially, this is for those who like to listen to the radio or background music. In the average mode, the autonomy of the speaker will be 8-10 hours, which is also not bad, but 12 hours doesn’t even smell like it. And if you set the volume to maximum (for example, when organizing a party outdoors), a full battery charge will last for 5 hours. The battery is fully charged in just 2.5 hours thanks to the original USB-C cord.
Interestingly, the JBL Flip 4 also lasts up to 12 hours of uninterrupted operation at low volume. Only it has a 3000 mAh battery, and inside the Flip 5 there is a 4800 mAh battery. This indicates a power-hungry speaker of the new product.
Functionality
Music plays via Bluetooth and there are no other additional features. You can synchronize Jbl Flip 5 with two via Party Boost.
There is no microphone, so you won't be able to communicate using the speakerphone. You can control Jbl Flip 5 from your smartphone or using buttons.
In addition, you can connect the device to a laptop or computer via the aux audio output.
Mobile app
The Flip 5 proprietary app provides functional updates to control multiple speakers, determine the charge level, rename the speaker, or update the firmware.
It is not necessary to install the application for one gadget, but it will be useful for tracking firmware and updates.
Water protection
The water-resistant coating promises protection even when the Jbl is submerged deeply in water. According to the tests, everything is successful, but with such experiments the speaker wears out faster.
When immersed in water, the music stops. Probably due to driver disconnect sensors. It is assumed that such protection will also protect from dust, but if the sand is wet, then the protection will not help.
If the Jbl Flip 5 gets wet sand, you should remove the excess to prevent damage.
Autonomy
The stated operating time is 12 hours, and in test mode it is close to real. If you turn on the Jbl Flip 5 at full volume, it will work less.
4000 mAh battery. It cannot be used as a power bank for smartphones. It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge; there is no fast charging.
Functions and Features
Establishing a connection between JBL Flip 5 and a source is convenient and fast using Bluetooth 4.2. Press the corresponding key on the bottom panel of the case, after which the column will appear in the list of available devices on your laptop, smartphone or tablet.
Flip 5 is compatible with the JBL Connect app, where you can install updates, check battery levels, and connect other speakers with PartyBoost mode. In addition, this mode is activated by pressing the key with the infinity symbol on the case. This way you can combine two speakers to create a stereo system, or even several to throw a real party at home.
In Flip 5, JBL abandoned the microphone on the body - you can no longer use the speaker for phone calls. If this feature is important to you, I advise you to buy the previous model Flip 4. In addition, the lack of a microphone means that support for voice assistants is also gone - access to Siri and Google Assistant was carried out with a simple press of a button.
Comparison with competitors
| Name/Parameters | JBL Xtreme | Charge 4 | Boombox |
| power | 2x20 W | 30 W | 2x30 W |
| nutrition | autonomous | autonomous | from mains and battery |
| moisture resistant coating | + | + | + |
| working hours | 15 h | 20 h | 24 hours |
| PowerBank mode | + | + | + |
| frequency range | 70—20000 Hz | 60—20000 Hz | 50—20000 Hz |
| price at the time of publication of the article | 9485 rubles | 6888 rubles | 19990 rubles |
Equipment
Jibiel Flip 5 comes in a cardboard box with key features depicted.
In the box:
- Column Flip 5;
- Charging cable;
- Cord for fastening;
- Warranty card and user manual;
- Foam cover.
Advantages
- assembly;
- holds a charge for a long time;
- sound;
- bass;
- charges quickly;
- moisture-resistant coating;
- design;
- volume reserve.
Flaws
- weight;
- the sound is good only for listening to dance or heavy music;
- high frequencies are blurred;
- does not interface with speakers of previous versions;
- price;
- form.
Speaker Jbl Charge 4: pros and cons
Let's start with the pros:
- The speaker has amazing bass.
- Harmonious design. A nice leg, plastic edging on the ends, mesh fabric - everything is in place.
- The 7500mAh battery is power.
- Possibility of wired connection.
- Charging other devices via USB.
- The ports are closed with a rubberized cover. Water and dust resistance is beyond doubt.
Minuses:
- The speaker is a bit heavy and won't fit in the bottle holder of a bicycle. If you walk with her for a long time, almost a kg of weight can make itself felt.
- Price. The cost can be considered a minus solely in the context of comparison with the Flip 5. But, if you choose between the 4th and 5th Charge, the price of the “four” immediately becomes a plus.
Details: Review of jbl charge 4, or 4 special Alter Ego devices
