Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen vs JBL Flip 5

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $99.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Flip 5 ranks #81 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Flip 5’s replacement, the JBL Flip 7, is rated 4.2/5 at $89.95.

Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen vs JBL Flip 5

The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding option. A very portable 1.3 lbs (586 g), IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip 5 lacks. Watch for: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.

The case for the JBL Flip 5: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. The tradeoff: Not stereo.

Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Flip 5 is discontinued, so it is only available used.

Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Check Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen price at Amazon ($99.99) →Check JBL Flip 5 price at Amazon ($64.97) →

Specifications Side By Side

Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen JBL Flip 5
Price$99.99$64.97 Discontinued
Ranked#37 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#81 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built-in MicrophoneYesNo
EQYes (3 band)Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024)
IP RatingIP67IPX7
Party ModeYes (Bose Party mode)Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StereoNoNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes
Weight1.3 lbs (586 g)1.2 lbs (540 g)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth Version5.34.2
Dimensions7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm)7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm)
Aux InputNoNo
Drivers60mm full-range driver with passive radiators1x 44x80mm fullrange
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSBC
Digital Aux InputNoNo
StrapYes (built-in loop)Yes (lanyard)
Bass Extension (-10dB)-59Hz
Bluetooth Latency-200ms
Maximum SPL-92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Frequency Response-65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Amplifier Power-20W RMS
Check Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen price at Amazon ($99.99) →Check JBL Flip 5 price at Amazon ($64.97) →

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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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The Two Speakers In Full

Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen ranking card

Older model: the Bose Soundlink Flex (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5). See every Bose SoundLink Flex, Micro, Max and Plus generation.

Same family: the Bose SoundLink Max (larger model, rated 4.3/5), the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 (larger model, rated 3.6/5) and the Bose SoundLink Plus (larger model, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: A very portable 586g, IP67-rated speaker with a clear, well-balanced midrange that keeps voices and instruments intelligible. The second generation adds a Bose app with 3-band EQ, better-placed controls and stereo pairing with another Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It supports AAC and aptX Adaptive in addition to SBC, making it a stronger wireless option than most small rivals.

Cons: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing. The claimed battery life is only 12 hours, and some owners report accelerated standby drain after firmware updates. It is expensive for its size, so the added app and codec support, not a transformational sound upgrade over the original, are the main reasons to choose it.

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Full Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen review and specifications →

ReleasedSep 2024 (2 years ago)
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Bluetooth Version5.3
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm)
Drivers60mm full-range driver with passive radiators
EQYes (3 band)
IP RatingIP67
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Bose Party mode)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (built-in loop)
TWSYes
Weight1.3 lbs (586 g)
Check current price at Amazon ($99.99) →Search eBay for Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen →

JBL Flip 5: $64.97 Discontinued Amazon $64.97 eBay

JBL Flip 5 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025.

Older model: the JBL Flip 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every JBL Flip generation.

Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-10dB).

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 →

ReleasedJul 2019 (7 years ago)
Amplifier Power20W RMS
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)59Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency200ms
Bluetooth Version4.2
Built-in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm)
Drivers1x 44x80mm fullrange
EQYes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024)
Frequency Response65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (lanyard)
TWSYes
Weight1.2 lbs (540 g)
Check current price at Amazon ($64.97) →Search eBay for JBL Flip 5 →