JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Which is Better?

I hate it when brands upgrade a model of wireless speakers or headphones just for the sake of it. You’d be surprised how many market-leading electronics brands bring out an updated version of an older model that doesn’t have that many changes. It really infuriates me… cough cough… Apple iPhones! So, when I heard that the upgrade from the JBL Flip 5 to 6 was worth the update, I had to check it out.

These JBL Flip portable Bluetooth speakers are great, especially the 5.0 version. I mean, who doesn’t know about the excellence of JBL? They know their stuff where speakers, amps, and sound systems are concerned. 

The word is on the street that the JBL Flip 6 has improved sound quality over the previous version and a bunch of other improvements. So, I was excited to get started on this JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 comparison.

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Initial Comparison and First Impressions

I have been using a JBL Flip 5 portable Bluetooth speaker for a year or two now and have never had a problem. So, I was interested in how they were going to improve it. Right off the bat, the design looks nicer and has a more solid base than the former model. An improved IP dust rating and adjustable EQ functionality were noticeable improvements of JBL Flip 6 speaker over JBL Flip 5 speaker. 

Many other features you find on the JBL Flip 5, such as the battery type and longevity, and the software options, were pretty much unchanged, to be honest. But, from my first impression, there are more than enough changes to make it a viable and useful upgrade, so we are starting on the right foot. 

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The truth is that the JBL Flip 5 doesn’t do anything better than the new model, but there are many advantages of the JBL Flip 6 over the JBL Flip 5. Let’s compare them both to see the differences.

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Sound Quality Comparison

Sound quality is always the most important thing when we talk about speakers, wired or wireless. They can have all the software, design features, whistles, and bells, but if the sound is inferior, they are a waste of your time and money. 

As you all know, JBL is an absolute master when it comes to audio and sound quality, so nothing to concern us here. We are just doing a straight sound comparison between both versions.

Which one sounds better?

Many of the internal components on the Flip 6 are redesigned from the Flip 5 model. They both have a 20-watt woofer that is almost identical; however, the Flip 6 now has an improved 10-watt tweeter. Another unchanged feature is the dual passive radiators. 

If you are not an audio expert, you won’t be able to tell the difference in sound quality because they are both crystal clear. They are not Hi-Fi speakers by the stretch of anyone’s imagination, but they do have a very good balanced sound.

The low end on both models is understated in the best possible way. They both have great bass, like most party speakers that have bass boost functions, but it never goes too far and remains quite subtle.

Sound clarity and volume…

In terms of sound clarity and volume, the Flip 6 has the edge. Although, once again, it’s very subtle. You’d only notice if you played them side by side. However, the high ends on Flip 6 are notably smoother than on Flip 5. 

In regards to sound, I would say the biggest difference between the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Flip 6 is that you get the option of an EQ function on the software for the Flip 6 with lots of adjustment possibilities. We can’t complain too much, though, because the sound quality on both these JBL speakers is darn good.

Sound Quality Winner: JBL Flip 6 

Design Quality Comparisons

Now, we move on to the design differences between the JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6 speakers. You only have to look at them side by side to see a substantial change. 

If you ask me, the newer version is a vast improvement in terms of aesthetics. The dull cylindrical design of the Flip 5 has been replaced with a more stylish and larger cylindrical design on the Flip 6. It looks much cooler and chicer, and that’s not even up for argument.

Apart from that obvious design change… 

Everything else is very similar. They both weigh around 1.2 lbs, although the rubber stand design on the Flip 6 is also another improvement to me. Sturdy build qualities are also similar, and you can use both either standing on their sides or vertically. 

Both models have USB-C charging options instead of Micro USB, and all the control buttons are almost the same. Although, the newer model looks better to the eye.

Design Quality Winner: JBL Flip 6

Durability Comparison

These types of portable speakers need to be able to withstand some bumps and bangs because of the remote nature in which they are used. Once again, the Flip 6 has improved durability factors when compared to the Flip 5. 

The Flip 5 has an IPX7 rating that gives it a solid waterproof rating. The Flip 6 has an IP67 rating, which means it has the same waterproof qualities as the Flip but is also dust-proof. But, to be fair, the Flip 5 can also withstand some dust, so this factor alone wouldn’t be much of a deal-decider.

They are both pretty darn solid and sturdy, as you would expect from JBL. The combination of the lightweight design and their durability makes it difficult for other portable speakers to match these JBL Flip models. However, there is still a winner in this category, but it’s not by much.

Durability Factor Winner: JBL Flip 6

Battery Quality Comparison

The reality is that both the JBL Flip 5 and 6 have the same excellent 4,800 mAh battery, and they seem identical. That makes it pretty difficult to gauge this category. If you read the JBL marketing materials on the battery, it says they have 12 hours of runtime. 

But, the truth is the times are closer to eight hours. And that’s even when you use them with the volume on mid-levels. If you max out the volumes, the batteries only last around six hours.

The battery life on these two models could be much better, but when compared to each other, they are the same, so it didn’t even matter. These are not high-capacity batteries, so I don’t know what to tell you. And, it’s highly unlikely in the future that the batteries will improve on new versions because JBL focuses mainly on a lightweight design and affordability when they make their Flip models.

Battery Quality Winner: Tied (they are the same battery)

Software Quality Comparison

We are now getting down to the business end of the season. Both these JBL Flip versions are compatible with the JBL Portable App, which also includes the newest JBL Party Mode function that’s called PartyBoost. 

The JBL software is hardly ground-breaking and, in some ways, is unimpressive, but there are some decent things about it. You can use it to monitor the battery, change the device’s name, update firmware, and a few other things. However, there is one massive difference that helps the JBL Flip 6 outperform the JBL Flip 5. 

Previous Flip versions didn’t have access to a graphic equalizer in the software. But it seems that JBL has been listening, and now we have an equalizer on the software for Flip 6 users. Although it’s a very simple EQ function, it really is a move in the right direction. There are no presets or innovative options on the EQ, but it makes the sound much better and customizable.

Software Quality Winner: JBL Flip 6

JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 6 – Who Wins Overall?

I think it’s pretty obvious that the latest version won the JBL Flip 5 vs. JBL Flip 6 competition, and rightfully so. JBL is a tried, tested, and trusted electronics manufacturer that knows its stuff. 

So, it’s great to see that their Flip 6 version is a viable upgrade when compared to previous models. They have not stagnated and simply changed the name. There are several improvements, so it’s obvious that the winner is the…

JBL Flip 6 Portable Speaker

I like the newer design that gives it a more stylish and elegant appearance. The batteries are identical, and the sound quality is very similar. But, having access to an EQ on the Flip 6 version of the software makes a massive amount of difference and is the deal-breaker. 

Sure, you should buy the JBL Flip 6. But, the truth is that the Flip 5 is still excellent and is now available to buy for some bargain basement prices. That said, I would opt for the newer version because it is better in most ways.

Until next time, happy listening.