JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6: Which Bluetooth Speaker is Better?

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL is a name that stands out in the market. The brand has been known for producing quality and reliable speakers that deliver excellent sound quality, durability, and portability. JBL's Charge and Flip series are some of the most popular lines of Bluetooth speakers in the market, with the Charge 5 and Flip 6 being the latest additions. In this article, we will compare the JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6 and determine which one is better for you.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Charge 5 is a cylindrical-shaped speaker that measures 8.66 x 3.74 inches and weighs 2.1 pounds. The speaker is available in several colors, including black, blue, camo, red, and teal. The Charge 5 is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The speaker has a fabric and rubberized exterior that feels durable and rugged.

On the other hand, the JBL Flip 6 is a more compact speaker that measures 2.9 x 7.7 x 2.9 inches and weighs 1.1 pounds. The Flip 6 is available in black, blue, gray, pink, and squad colors. The speaker is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, just like the Charge 5, and has a similar fabric and rubberized exterior.

Sound Quality

Both the JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 deliver excellent sound quality, thanks to their drivers and passive radiators. The Charge 5 has a larger driver and a dedicated tweeter, making it capable of producing louder and more detailed sound than the Flip 6. The Charge 5 has a frequency response of 65Hz-20kHz, while the Flip 6 has a frequency response of 85Hz-20kHz.

The Flip 6, however, has a more balanced sound signature, with better mid-range and vocal clarity. The speaker also has a PartyBoost feature that allows you to connect multiple Flip 6 speakers and play them in stereo or mono mode. The Charge 5 also has a similar feature called JBL PartyBoost, but it is not compatible with Flip 6 speakers.

Battery Life and Charging

The JBL Charge 5 has a massive 7500mAh battery that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. The speaker also has a USB Type-C port for charging, which supports fast charging and can charge the speaker from 0 to 100% in 2.5 hours.

On the other hand, the JBL Flip 6 has a smaller 4800mAh battery that can provide up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. The speaker also has a USB Type-C port for charging, but it does not support fast charging and can take up to 3.5 hours to charge fully.

Connectivity and Features

Both the JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 support Bluetooth 5.1 and have a range of up to 30 feet. The speakers also have built-in microphones for hands-free calling and voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. However, the Charge 5 has a more powerful Bluetooth signal and can maintain a stable connection even when there are obstacles between the speaker and the source device.

The Charge 5 also has a USB Type-A port that allows you to charge your phone or tablet using the speaker's battery. The speaker also has a PartyBoost feature that allows you to connect multiple JBL PartyBoost compatible speakers and play them in stereo or mono mode.