Short answer: the Beats Pill 2024 for better sound quality, the JBL Flip 5 for the lower price. The Beats Pill 2024 ranks #61 of 135 medium speakers at $99.95. The JBL Flip 5 ranks #62 at $89.95, $10 cheaper.
What the Beats Pill 2024 offers: Doubles as a power bank (USB-C charge-out). 24 hour battery life; a 10 min quick-charge gives 2 hours. Watch for: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy.
What the JBL Flip 5 offers: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Watch for: Not stereo.
Buy the Beats Pill 2024 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Flip 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Beats Pill 2024 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Flip 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| Beats Pill 2024 | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $89.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #61 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Stereo | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 8.6" x 2.8" x 2.8" (219 x 71 x 70 mm) | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 200ms |
| Max Volume | - | 92dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 20W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- JBL Flip 4 vs LG Xboom Grab
- JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Charge 3
- Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2 vs JBL Flip 4
- Beats Pill 2024 vs JBL Charge 3
- Beats Pill 2024 vs JBL Charge Essential
The Two Speakers In Full
Beats Pill 2024: $99.95 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank (USB-C charge-out). 24 hour battery life; a 10 min quick-charge gives 2 hours. IP67 rated. Stereo pairs with a second Pill.
Cons: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy. Slightly recessed mids. Rolled off treble.
Full Beats Pill 2024 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 8.6" x 2.8" x 2.8" (219 x 71 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: New Beats Pill 2024: sound demo
- Oluv Patreon: Beats Pill 2024 - first & last impression
- DailyTekk: NEW Beats Pill First Impressions & Sound Test - Worth $149?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beats Pill vs Harman Luna vs Bose Flex vs Soundcore Motion Plus
- Alan Ross - The Anti Shill!: Beats Pill (by Apple) 2024 version review vs JBL and Soundcore!
- Reddit Search for Beats Pill 2024 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Flip 5: $89.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated.
Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 5 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beoplay A1 Denon 250bt JBL Flip 5 Anker Flare 2
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs JBL Flip 5 v Tribit Maxsound Plus
- Techder Audios: #JBL Flip 5 VS #JBL Flip Essential “IMPRESSIVE COMPARISON!?”
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Emberton vs JBL Flip 5 & Soundcore Boost - true stereophonic 🤓
- Reddit Search for JBL Flip 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons