JBL Flip series is a well-known Bluetooth speaker series among consumers around the globe. They have offered different iterations in this popular series so far, and JBL Flip 5 is the latest to hit the consumer market in the 3rd quarter of 2019.

If you are considering buying a new quality Bluetooth speaker, then keep on reading through the article as we will touch on almost every aspect of this tiny beast.

Technical Specifications – JBL Flip 5

Let’s quickly go through the technical part of the review because it’s crucial to know – what’s inside? Here are the specifications –

Bluetooth® version: 4.2
Support: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6
Bluetooth® transmitter power: 0-11dBm
Transducer: 44mm x 80mm
Bluetooth® transmitter frequency range: 2.402 – 2.480GHz
Rated power: 20W RMS
Bluetooth® transmitter modulation: GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
Frequency response: 65Hz–20kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: >80dB
Battery type: Lithium-ion Polymer 17.28Wh (Equivalent to 3.6V 4800mAh)
Music playtime: up to 12 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)
Battery charge time: 2.5 hours (5V/3A)
Dimension (W x D x H): 181 x 69 x 74mm
Weight: 540g

Build Quality – JBL Flip 5

Above mentioned specifications already show the strength of this well-built speaker on paper.

However, we will test it further on other parameters too.

You can’t feel its build quality by just scrolling through the product images, but you will not regret your decision after holding this sturdy piece of quality rubber and fabric in your hand.

It confirms its presence in hand by its weight and nice fabric touch.

And the plastic used on its body assures that even the light grip will rarely allow it to slip through your hands.

JBL logo and cross lines can easily be felt by touching the two external passive radiators located on both ends of the cylindrical speaker.

All the six buttons on the speaker are tactile and firm. It’s equipped with a Type-C charging port.

In a nutshell, JBL Flip 5 speaker comes with a great build and rugged material that can sustain the rough usage very well.

Pairing and Controls – JBL Flip 5

It’s easy to pair this speaker with a Bluetooth device. Speaker usually enters the pairing mode while you turn it ON for the first time.

If not, you can press the Bluetooth button once, and the same button will start blinking.

Then finish the rest process of pairing on your smartphone/tablet/laptop.

Bluetooth range is not an issue that allows you to roam around in your house without getting disconnected.

However, the thickness of a wall will be a deciding factor in this case.

Speaker comes with play/pause, volume up, and volume down buttons for the remote media control just by using the speaker.

You can even fast-forward your track by the double press and then holding the play button.

Speaker has an LED indicator that shows the battery level and a light ring around the Power and Bluetooth button. Both of these buttons are backlit as well.

Unfortunately, this speaker is not equipped with a 3.5 mm audio jack. That was present in previous generations as an extra connectivity option.

Additionally, the speaker comes with a strap hook that is useful to hang it using a strap.

Sound Quality – JBL Flip 5

Everything we discussed so far is secondary for a speaker. Because the core purpose of a speaker is to produce the sound.

Considering the JBL Flip 5, it just sounds great.

It produces a good quality room-filling JBL signature sound which results in a pretty balanced and crisp output.

Speaker doesn’t muffle even at high volumes, and the bass, in such a compact package, will definitely surprise you.

It produces quite a thumping bass that can even be felt through vibrating external passive radiators.

Extra Features – JBL Flip 5

It’s not the end yet because this speaker comes with some extra features that will add value to your spending.

Speaker is IPX7 waterproof up to three-feet deep into the waters.

This feature makes it suitable for outdoor and pool parties.

Party fun doesn’t even stop here. Moreover, it has a PartyBoost feature that allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to rock the party.

PartyBoost is previously known as JBL Connect+, which allows connecting more than 100 compatible speakers.

Additionally, JBL offers the JBL Connect app for speaker configuration and software upgrades.

This app allows users to connect multiple speakers in two different modes – Stereo and Party.

Conclusion

JBL Flip 5 is a good speaker that costs a little more, but features like portability, ruggedness, and above 10 hours (12 hours officially) of playtime make it a perfect outdoor companion for long trips and parties.

Rest assured, you can pick your favorite color from a wide range of 11 colors, and it will not disappoint you until and unless you are an audiophile.

The only downside of the speaker is that it doesn’t have a 3.5 mm audio jack anymore.

Hope it help! Visit our Blog page for more, and feel free to leave a comment.

FAQs

How to factory reset JBL Flip 5?

1. Turn ON the speaker.
2. Press and hold volume up and play buttons together until the speaker automatically turns OFF.
3. All done. You can turn ON the speaker now.

How to use the PartyBoost feature?

1. Launch the JBL Connect app on the phone you want to connect your speaker with.
2. Pair a speaker with your phone.
3. Press the PartyBoost (∞) button on both the speakers you want to connect together and wait for a while.
4. Look in the JBL Connect app for the speakers’ configuration and enjoy.

How long does JBL Flip 5 take to fully charge?

It mostly depends on the output of the charging brick you use. JBL doesn’t recommend an adapter having a higher than 5V/3A output. Such an adapter will fully charge this speaker within 2-2.5 hours.